The Pony Club Board of Trustees The Pony Club is seeking to recruit the following: 4 x Trustees Background The Pony Club is an international voluntary youth organisation for young people interested in ponies and riding. Founded in England in 1929, and granted independent charitable status on 1st January 1997, there are around 340 Branches and 540 Centres in the UK alone. The Pony Club has been the starting point for a large majority of equestrian team members and medal winners. The Pony Club is represented in no less than 27 countries with a worldwide membership exceeding 110,000 making it the largest association of young riders in the world. Objectives The objectives of The Pony Club are: to encourage young people to ride and to learn to enjoy all kinds of sport connected with horses and riding to give instruction in riding and horsemastership and to educate Members to look after and to take proper care of their animal to promote the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty to create strength of character and self-discipline Membership Membership is available to young people until the end of The Pony Club Year or the Centre Membership Subscription Year, whichever is relevant, in which they become 25 years old. ROLE PROFILE The Board currently consists of a Chairman, and seven other Trustees (for further details please visit our website: http://www.pcuk.org/index.php/about/structure_governance) This is supported by the Management Team. The Committee on Standards in Public Life believes that all those in public life should adhere to the following seven principles: Selflessness Integrity Objectivity Accountability Openness Honesty Leadership Page 1 of 6 June 2016
It is important to remember that a trustee (in fact all trustees) of a charity must always act in a fiduciary capacity, ie. in the best interests of the charity, even if that conflicts with the interests of an organisation of which they are a nominee or representative. It is helpful if the respective interests can be reconciled but, in the case of conflict, the interests of the charity must prevail, even if they differ from the trustee s personal opinions. Applicants would be expected to prove that there is no conflict of interests which may be hard to manage, or which may be open to misinterpretation. Accountable to: Chairman Role Purpose Provide leadership and strategic direction to The Pony Club at Board of Trustees level; Actively contribute to the development of the strategic direction, rules and policies of The Pony Club through the Board of Trustees; and actively monitor the implementation and progress of strategic initiatives and policies; Ensure the effective and efficient management and governance of The Pony Club, the objective being to make The Pony Club a best practice organisation; Represent The Pony Club as appropriate and as required. Main Responsibilities Leadership As a Trustee, provide leadership and strategic direction to The Pony Club, paying particular attention to the values, spirit and ethos that has always governed the organisation; in turn, provide leadership to ensure that The Pony Club is a relevant and modern organisation equipped to support its members; Contribute actively to Board of Trustees role of giving The Pony Club firm leadership and strategic direction, establishing overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against the agreed targets; Actively support The Pony Club Chairman and other Board Trustees in discharging the agreed strategy, policies and rules of The Pony Club, following the principle of collective responsibility; Represent The Pony Club at both internal and external events as appropriate and as required. Charity Management and Governance Ensure that The Pony Club complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations; Ensure that The Pony Club pursues its purpose as defined in the Rules of The Pony Club; Ensure that the Board of Trustees fulfils its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of The Pony Club; Ensure that The Pony Club applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objectives and in line with the Rules of The Pony Club; Page 2 of 6 June 2016
Ensure the financial sustainability of The Pony Club on an ongoing basis, and keep under review the proper investment of the organisation s funds; Ensure that The Pony Club is managed effectively and efficiently; Ensure that the property of The Pony Club is properly managed and suitably protected; Participate actively as a member any Sub-Committee or Project Group of The Pony Club as required, and undertake other tasks as required from time to time. Other Duties and Tasks Act at all times in the best interests of The Pony Club; Declare any conflicts of interest while carrying out the duties of a Trustee; Work within policies, procedures and budgets set and agreed by the Board of Trustees; Act at all times in accordance with equal opportunities principles; Keep informed about the activities of The Pony Club and wider issues which affect its work; Work with the Chairman and other Board of Trustees members to identify and remedy any training needs of individual Trustees and the Board collectively; In addition to the duties of a Trustee outlined above, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees of The Pony Club reach sound decisions. PERSON SPECIFICATION The Pony Club is seeking individuals with skills and experience in the following areas: PR & Marketing Strategic Development Fundraising HR & People Development Knowledge of/interest in equestrianism EXPECTATIONS OF TRUSTEES Trustees are elected for an initial term of three years. They may offer themselves for reelection for a further three year term. The Board of Trustees meets 6 times a year (meetings alternate between London and The Pony Club Office, Stoneleigh). In addition there are 2 Trustee Strategy Awaydays. Trustees are also invited to attend Equestrian Council meetings (3 times a year). Trustees may also be invited to attend other Pony Club events eg Pony Club Championships, Conference, Awards. New Trustees will be supported with a half day induction at The Pony Club Offices, and should attend the NCVO Charity Trustees: Induction Training if new to the role of Trustee (this will be funded by The Pony Club, together with any other ongoing training). Page 3 of 6 June 2016
The role is voluntary but reasonable expenses will be paid. HOW TO APPLY Please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter setting out your skills and experience, and expressing why you wish to become a Trustee of The Pony Club to: Trustee Recruitment c/o Sarah Baker The Pony Club Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2RW Or send an email to sarah@pcuk.org. Deadline for applications: Thursday 14 July 2016 The Pony Club is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, disability, sexuality or religion. Page 4 of 6 June 2016
Person Specification for Trustee Essential Knowledge Minimum of 5 years experience at senior management level Desirable Knowledge of equestrianism Skills A proven track record of implementing processes and policies. Successful experience of working with senior management team and developing corporate strategies. Basic level of financial knowledge (Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet) Excellent written and communication skills to be able to guide and influence appropriately. Demonstrate strong analytical, data and knowledge on management skills Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Excellent effective judgment and decision making skills. Keeping abreast of developments the charity and equestrian sectors. Advanced level software skills and knowledge. Experience Experience in demonstrating commitment in successfully managing budgets. Practical evidence of developing and maintaining good working relationships with a wide range of clients / partners. Experience in delivering strategic plans. Working with volunteers. NED/Trustee. Experience of setting and implementing KPIs. Abilities Ability to work to deadlines. Excellent time management abilities. High level of written and oral communication skills. Ability to mentor and guide. Ability to evaluate professional development and progress. A proven ability of increased turnover and business growth within set parameters. Page 5 of 6 June 2016
Able to work flexibly to meet organisational needs. Personal Qualities A highly motivated individual. Flexible approach to workload and an open door policy. Able to travel to other locations around the country. Committed to equal opportunities and diversity in a focused and caring organisation. Enhanced DBS certificate. Page 6 of 6 June 2016