Before applying for the role of Charity Retail Trustee please read the information below.
ABOUT US
Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (HFHGB) is an independent charity and member of Habitat for Humanity International, a global federation that works in nearly 70 countries to support the most marginalised and vulnerable in society, through shelter.
We believe decent homes are the heartbeat of strong communities.
We also fight for land rights for women, upgrade urban slums and informal settlements, improve access to water and sanitation, and help communities become more resilient in the face of natural disasters.
THE ROLE – CHARITY RETAIL TRUSTEE
We are looking for a seasoned retail expert, preferably with experience of charity retail at a senior level, to join the board.
HFHGB is in the process of launching our first charity shop, based on Habitat for Humanity International’s retail concept called ReStore. ReStores are independently owned reuse stores operated by local Habitat for Humanity organisations around the world. ReStores accept donations of reusable household items and building materials and sell a constantly changing inventory of diverse, high-quality merchandise to the public at a fraction of the retail price, while also diverting waste from landfill.
ReStores help local families build, renovate and repair their homes, helping them achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance needed to build a better future while creating stronger neighbourhoods. ReStores are successful globally, in areas as diverse as North America, Poland, Ireland and New Zealand, and HFHGB’s vision is for ReStore to become a key element in our local programming, awareness raising, and impact.
As such, the input from a Board trustee with extensive retail experience is extremely important, and the successful candidate will be expected to advise the board and senior management team on the strategic and operational requirements of this exciting new venture.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
We are looking for a Trustee with senior level retail experience, ideally including:
- Specific charity retail experience, including setting up and/or growing a charity retail network
- Knowledge of UK retail trends and landscape
- Knowledge of the management, development and growth of retail sales, including the development of new product ranges and e-commerce.
- Experience of driving engagement in local communities through charity retail shops.
TRUSTEE PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge and Experience
- Successful record of exceptional professional achievement in their field with a commensurate personal reputation of excellence
- Extensive networks at an executive or board level in relevant professional field and with adjacent sectors (e.g., media, finance, law, consultancy)
- Ideally demonstrates knowledge, experience of and a passion and commitment to housing for vulnerable groups
Skills and Competencies
- Strategic excellence with strong leadership skills
- Ability to analyse risks and opportunities and take a balanced approach to both
- Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, with strong collaborative and team working skills
- Strong influencing skills, ability to leverage external relationships and build support for HFHGB
Personal Qualities
- Strategic and creative thinker
- Influential individual with high level of gravitas
- Collaborative approach
- Strong integrity, showing respect for others, trustworthiness, and responsibility
- Commitment to our vision, mission, and values
- Commitment to health and safety, data protection, equality and diversity and safeguarding compliance and best practice
- Strong influencing skills, ability to leverage external relationships and build support for HFHGB
Terms of Office
Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term and can serve for up to three terms (maximum of nine years). In exceptional circumstances there may be the opportunity to serve an additional fourth and fifth term (maximum of six years), with votes for approval every three years. Trustee positions are unremunerated, other than pre-agreed out of pocket expenses.
Time Commitment
There are quarterly full Board meetings, plus an annual awayday. These take place during the working day, typically from mid-morning to lunch. There are three sub-committees which meet two to three times per year (Finance, Risk and Audit; Development; and Impact).
Meetings take place physically in London, as circumstances allow, with virtual attendance an ongoing option. Staff may additionally consult with trustees on specific issues and opportunities. Trustees are expected to represent HFHGB at some external meetings. There are further opportunities for Board members to attend project and programme visits, nationally and globally.
TRUSTEE JOB DESCRIPTION
Context and Purpose
The Board of Trustees of HFHGB provides strategic oversight of the Charity to ensure we sustain and grow our impact in the UK and globally. The Trustees not only support sound financial management and governance of the organisation, but also provide strategic and operational guidance and direction. They provide leadership and support in key areas of expertise, represent HFHGB in influencing the sector at the highest levels, and unlock funding through their connections and networks.
Main Responsibilities of a Trustee
Provide strategic oversight of Habitat for Humanity GB’s strategy
- Oversee the strategic direction of HFHGB, setting and monitoring performance in relation to the external and internal context
- Highlight opportunities and risks related to the strategy and in relation to the external context and funding
- Ensure the organisation has the capacity and support to implement the strategy
Enable income generation and influence ambition and activities
- Help raise the profile of HFHGB, with external networks, as a global housing and shelter specialist
- Support fundraising and influencing activity and network development (with funders, institutions, private sector organisations)
Provide leadership and expertise for the organisation
- Use specific skills, knowledge, or experience to support the Board and team to achieve their goals
- Governance of the organisation
- Ensure that HFHGB complies with its legal and charitable obligations, with appropriate policies and practices
- Ensure the proper management and administration of the charity, including funding and finances, maintaining financial stability, and pursuing objectives
- Manage risks and opportunities with a considered, proportionate, and balanced approach, safeguarding the organisation’s mission and values
Next Steps
To express your interest in this trustee position, please email svijaywargiya@habitatforhumanity.org.uk
We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your interest in supporting our work.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (below)
