Trustee: Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing

Trustee: Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing

About the Role

This is a voluntary, unpaid trustee position on the Board of Grapes Hill Community Garden Group. You will share collective responsibility with fellow trustees for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, with a particular focus on ensuring the wellbeing, safety and effective management of our staff and volunteers who are vital to our community garden's success.

Key Responsibilities

Staff and Volunteer Wellbeing

•       Champion the wellbeing of all staff and volunteers within board discussions and decision-making

•       Oversee the development and implementation of policies relating to staff and volunteer welfare, including wellbeing, mental health support and work-life balance

•       Ensure appropriate support systems are in place for both paid staff and volunteers

•       Monitor satisfaction and engagement levels amongst staff and volunteers, recommending improvements where needed

Health, Safety and Safeguarding

•       Ensure robust health and safety policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed

•       Oversee safeguarding arrangements to protect vulnerable adults, children and all garden users

•       Ensure appropriate risk assessments are conducted for all activities

•       Monitor incident reporting and ensure lessons are learned to improve safety

Volunteer Management

•       Support the development of effective volunteer recruitment, induction and retention strategies

•       Ensure volunteers receive appropriate training, support and recognition

•       Oversee volunteer policies including role descriptions, conduct expectations and dispute resolution

•       Help foster a positive, inclusive culture where volunteers feel valued and supported

Employment Practices and Working Relationships

•       Where applicable, ensure fair and legal employment practices are followed

•       Support the committee in oversight of any staff management issues

•       Oversee policies and procedures for managing workplace conflicts and interpersonal issues amongst staff and volunteers

•       Ensure clear role definitions, reporting lines and communication protocols are in place to support positive working relationships

•       Support mediation or conflict resolution processes when needed, ensuring issues are addressed constructively and fairly

•       Ensure appropriate insurance, DBS checks and other safeguards are in place

General Trustee Duties

•       Attend and actively participate in committee meetings (typically 8–10 per year)

•       Act in the charity's best interests at all times

•       Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making

•       Support fundraising efforts where appropriate

•       Act as an ambassador for Grapes Hill Community Garden Group

•       Volunteer at garden events or external events where we are promoting the garden

Skills and Experience Required

Essential

•       Genuine commitment to staff and volunteer wellbeing

•       Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, trustees' legal duties

•       Good interpersonal and communication skills

•       Empathetic and people-focused approach

•       Commitment to the purposes and values of Grapes Hill Community Garden Group

•       Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues appropriately

Desirable

•       Experience in HR, volunteer management, health and safety, or wellbeing roles

•       Knowledge of employment law and health and safety regulations

•       Understanding of safeguarding principles and practice

•       Experience in mediation, conflict resolution or managing workplace disputes

•       Experience in supporting volunteers or managing volunteer programmes

•       Background in counselling, occupational health, or related fields

•       First aid qualification or willingness to obtain one

Time Commitment

•       Attendance at 8–10 committee meetings per year

•       Attendance at the AGM (usually held in March)

•       Preparation time for meetings and reviewing relevant reports

•       Occasional site visits to engage with staff and volunteers

•       Time for developing and reviewing wellbeing policies and initiatives •     Estimated 1–2 days per month

What We Offer

•       The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of our staff, volunteers and community

•       Development of governance and leadership skills

•       A supportive, friendly board environment with induction and ongoing training

•       Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

•       The satisfaction of helping create a thriving, safe and welcoming community space

About Grapes Hill Community Garden Group

Grapes Hill Community Garden Group is a registered charity that transformed a run-down, tarmac-covered former play area near Norwich city centre into a thriving community garden that opened in July 2011.

Our Mission: We provide local residents with opportunities to learn and share horticultural skills in a fully accessible environment. Our garden is designed for full wheelchair access, and we offer free events and workshops that enhance social cohesion by providing fun, education and entertainment for all age groups. The garden is open every day of the year, free of charge to all visitors.

What We Do: Our 50m x 12m garden features over 200 plant species, including fruit trees and bushes, herbs, edible flowers, and woodland wildflowers. We have nine deep raised beds available for local residents to rent for growing vegetables, a greenhouse, fan-trained fruit trees, and unusual varieties such as quince, medlar, and Japanese wineberries. The garden also provides shaded seating areas, sculptures by local artists, and a welcoming lawn space for the community to enjoy. We run regular workshops, events and activities that bring people together whilst teaching valuable horticultural skills and promoting wellbeing through gardening.

How to Apply: Please send in your CV and a covering letter.

If you would like to find out more, you are welcome to attend and observe our AGM and meet the other trustees and volunteers without any obligation.

Date: Thursday 12th March 2026 Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm Location: The Narthex Bar, Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Unthank Road, NR2 2PA

Feel free to visit a session or event at Grapes Hill Community Garden.

Equal Opportunities

Grapes Hill Community Garden Group is committed to equality of opportunity for all trustees and applicants. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

All trustees serve voluntarily and are not remunerated for their role, in accordance with UK charity law. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed in line with the charity's expenses policy.