The Bridge Renewal Trust is a community-based charity which works to reduce health inequalities, build stronger communities, and improve the quality of life of the people of Haringey. Over the past decade, over 20,000 people have benefited from its services and activities.

The Trust is a unique and ambitious charity, committed to growing as social business. Having been founded 12 years ago, it has grown from a small organisation with a staff of two and a turnover of c. £200k to its current position of 51 staff and a turnover of over £2m. The Trust provides practical ways local communities can keep well and flourish, working closely with local people and partners for a Haringey which is without health inequalities and where people live healthy, long and fulfilling lives.

As well as health clinics, the Trust has a variety of community programmes, empowering people and bringing them together. Working with local authorities, it supports voluntary organisations, including in the development of volunteers, promotes community safety initiatives, delivers projects to reduce youth violence, and brings together Haringey's residents in support of local good causes.

These varied offerings are underpinned by The Bridge Renewal Trust's firm belief that people and communities together hold all the potential to be the solution to their own challenges, as it continues to work towards building healthier, stronger, safer communities.

The Bridge Renewal Trust is led by a Board of Trustees which brings together a diverse set of skills and experience to set the strategic direction for the organisation. There are currently eight Trustees on the Board including local residents, a Councillor and an officer from Haringey Council and professionals with a variety of expertise. Trustees are responsible for the strategic management and administration of the charity.

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of The Bridge Renewal Trust, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. A summary of the core duties are:

• To ensure that The Bridge Renewal Trust complies with its governing document (i.e. articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To formulate and approve strategic goals so as to ensure that The Bridge Renewal Trust pursues its charitable objects
• To ensure that The Bridge Renewal Trust adopts and observes policies which ensure that resources are applied exclusively in pursuance of its objects

The role of Trustee is immeasurably rewarding, working in a friendly and supportive team which is making a real difference; it also includes training and development opportunities as well as experiences which will enhance your life and career.

To complement the existing skillsets of the Board, The Bridge Renewal Trust is looking for up to four Trustees, who may have expertise in the areas of law, property management or health and social care. 

The Trust is particularly seeking Trustees with expertise in one or more of the following:

• Legal: A qualified lawyer who will have a good understanding of charity law and governance or be able to transfer their legal knowledge to the charity sector
• Property management: Given the Trust's community buildings, it's looking for someone with an understanding of facilities management and property ownership/tenancy, which could come from a legal or property background
• Health and Social Care: The majority of the Trust's services are in the area of health and wellbeing. It's therefore looking for someone who understands current commissioning requirements, whether at a national, regional and local level or how to deliver health services

The Trust is also keen to hear from local residents who have experience of its services, whether a volunteer or user. Above all, it is looking for new people to join its effective and friendly Board to build from success and steer the charity forward.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. Trustees attend quarterly evening Board meetings, an annual business planning meeting, AGM, community events and any elective Sub-committee meetings, which occur two or three times per year. Ad hoc working groups may be set up to deal with specific issues and Trustees are encouraged to volunteer their skills and experience as necessary. There are opportunities to attend Bridge Renewal Trust events which range from health and wellbeing open days to project specific public events.