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 last year, more than 20,000 residents of all ages have benefited from its services and activities.

The Bridge is a unique and ambitious charity, committed to growing as social business. Founded 12 years ago, it has grown from a small entity with two employees and a turnover of approximately £200k to its current state, boasting 51 staff and a turnover exceeding £2.5m. Through close collaboration with over 30 local partners and residents, the Bridge actively addresses health disparities and strives for a future where all individuals in the community can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. In addition to complementary health clinics, Bridge Renewal Trust runs a variety of community programmes, empowering people and bringing them together. Their initiatives encompass health and wellbeing projects, volunteer development, community safety promotion, youth violence reduction projects, capacity building of other local charities and bringing together Haringey's residents to support local charitable efforts.

The Bridge also manages a portfolio of community buildings which provides a unique opportunity to reach over a thousand members of the community from diverse backgrounds every week pre-Covid. It owns the long-term lease for the Laurels Healthy Living Centre and manage the following facilities leased from Haringey Council - Chestnuts Community Centre and Bridge Community Hut. In response to the Covid pandemic and cost of living crisis, throughout last year the Bridge continued to prioritise the safe use of its spaces and successfully managed to broaden the range of activities and services on offer to a wider client group. 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.

Looking ahead, Bridge Renewal Trust's fourth Business Plan (2023 - 28) will guide strategic, financial, and operational efforts, emphasising collaborative support for community recovery and prosperity. Additionally, the Bridge will engage stakeholders and co-create a vision for property redevelopment, conducting thorough assessments of assets, including environmental impact. This aligns with its commitment to understanding current and future needs for community centres and form evidence-based plans.

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
• Formulate and approve strategic goals so as to ensure that The Bridge Renewal Trust pursues its charitable objects
• 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.

The Board of Trustees have identified that the Bridge Renewal Trust is moving into a pivotal point with its property portfolio, with the necessity of undertaking a full review of the assets to include impact and environmental assessments. The Trust, which has managed the Chestnuts Community Centre since February 2015, initiated negotiations with Haringey Council in early 2023 to secure a long-term lease of at least 25 years. This long-term lease is sought to facilitate external funding efforts.

As it enters this next phase of change, the Bridge is looking for Trustee(s) who have expertise in property management, town planning or law. Candidates will need to understand the current and future requirements for community centres and to build financial and operational plans based on this evidence.

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

• Property management and town planning: Given the Trust's community buildings, it is looking for someone with an understanding of facilities management and property ownership / tenancy, which could come from a legal or property background. The Trust encourages candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Architects, Chartered Surveyors, Civil Engineers, and Property Consultants, provided they possess significant experience in property management at a strategic level. Additionally, experience or knowledge in town planning would be advantageous, given the role's focus on managing and optimising the Trust's spaces effectively to benefit the community and align with broader urban development goals
• Legal: The Trust is particularly interested in qualified lawyers who possess a solid understanding of property law and/or charity law and/or governance, or can effectively apply their legal expertise to the charity sector
  

Additionally, the ideal candidate should demonstrate readiness to tackle challenges and a proactive, hands-on approach to their responsibilities. The Bridge 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.

Rachel Hughes, Chair
Michele Eastmond, Vice Chair
Paul Birtill, Treasurer
Yvonne Denny
Lorne Horsford
Natasha Afflick
Joe Baker
Lucia das Neves
Glyn Clark
Mary Mason

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. Trustees attend quarterly evening Board meetings, with the AGM as part of the first board meeting. There is also potential for Trustees to join the Finance and Investment Sub-Committee, which meets as required at least once a 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 also opportunities to attend Bridge Renewal Trust events, which range from health and wellbeing open days to project specific public events.

The Bridge Renewal Trust is based in Haringey, London and the majority of meetings are normally held normally on Teams, with one or two in person meetings. Candidates will therefore ideally be UK-based.

The Bridge Renewal Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.