We are looking for a Board Secretary to help us run the charity. The role is described below and will require attendance at monthly Trustee Board meetings (excluding August) which usually take place on weekdays during school hours. A total monthly commitment of around 5 to 6 hours is needed. It is a voluntarily role with expenses paid. Please contact us at info@dsachieve.org if you are interested or call Gillian on 07826 086511 for more information.

Our Mission

Empowering Families, Fulfilling Potential

Our Vision

We believe that by empowering families, we will enable every child with Down Syndrome to be given the opportunity to achieve their potential in every aspect of their life.

Purpose

The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of DS Achieve, ensuring it is solvent, well-run and it delivers its objectives, as detailed in the Constitution.

The day to day management of DS Achieve is overseen by the Board of Trustees, of which there are four members. DS Achieve also has an Education Advisor who is involved in developing services for the charity and regular volunteers who assist with activities and events. The Board of Trustees meets monthly with regular communication in between meetings, as needed.

The role of the Secretary is to support the Chair and Head of Operations by ensuring the Board functions smoothly.

Overall responsibilities

Preparing agendas in consultation with the Chair, and circulating them and any supporting papers in good time
Receiving agenda items from other trustees/employees
Checking that a quorum is present
Taking minutes and circulating draft minutes to all trustees
Ensuring that the minutes are finalised once they have been approved by the Chair
Updating the Meeting Action Log and checking that trustees and employees have carried out actions agreed at a previous meeting
Circulating agendas and minutes of any general meetings (where required)
Making all the arrangements for meetings (booking the room, arranging for equipment and refreshments, organising facilities for those with special needs, etc)

Qualities

Commitment to DS Achieve, and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
Experience of committee work desirable.
Strong organisational and IT skills and experience of minute-taking.
Excellent communicator, both written and orally.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Passion and/or interest in working with people with Down Syndrome and their families desirable.