ADCH Seeking New Honorary Secretary
At the end of this year, Peter Laurie will step down as Secretary of ADCH, a role he has held since 2013. Peter initially served on the Management Committee before joining the ADCH Board of Trustees in 2018.
We sincerely appreciate Peter’s significant contributions and thank him for his dedicated service and ongoing support.
ADCH is pleased to invite applications for the role of Honorary Secretary on our Board. This rewarding Trustee position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact, contributing your expertise and passion to our mission. Please note that it is a voluntary, unremunerated role.
What skills and experience are you looking for?
We are seeking a highly organised, methodical, and detail-focused individual with a solid understanding of charity governance, ideally gained through a leadership role in the voluntary sector. The Honorary Secretary will play a key role in preparing and supporting the AGM and elections, monitoring terms of service, and acting as the guardian of the Constitution. A key requirement is a strong working knowledge of the Constitution, or a willingness to develop this knowledge, in order to advise the membership, Board, and central team on operating in line with it.
Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a dedicated Board. Additionally, the candidate should align with ADCH’s values and ethos, embedding these principles into their approach and decision-making.
What is the commitment?
The Constitution at section 13(1) sets out the Functions and duties of ADCH Trustees.
Trustees have control over, and legal responsibility for, the Association’s management and administration. More information on the role of Trustees is available on the Charity Commission website, here.
More detailed information about the role and the specific time commitments can be found within the candidate pack enclosed at the base of this announcement.
Who can serve as a Trustee?
The ADCH Constitution at section 13(2) sets out Eligibility for Trusteeship. It is not a requirement for a Trustee to be employed by or be a registered volunteer of a Member organisation.
The successful candidate must be eligible to act as a charity trustee in accordance with sections 178-180 of the Charities Act 2011 (or any statutory re-enactment or modification of these provisions).
How to apply
To apply for the Honorary Secretary position, please email your application to the Governance Committee Chair, Mike Elliott, at [email protected] by 5pm on Monday 30th September.
In your email, please include:
– Full Name and Contact Details
– Supporting Statement (up to 400 words):
We are keen to learn how your skills, experience, and values align with the role. This may include details such as your governance experience, familiarity with constitutions and regulatory compliance, organisational skills, and your connection with ADCH’s mission, vision and values.
– Declaration of Interests:
Please also declare any interests relevant to the Trustee position, for example your current employment, any recent employment in other animal welfare organisations and any roles – whether paid or unpaid – that you may hold in any other relevant organisations.
By submitting your application, you confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for trusteeship and are able to fulfil the necessary commitments.
ADCH values diversity and is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. We warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures, as we believe that a diverse team enriches our organisation and enhances our ability to fulfil our mission.
How will recruitment proceed?
The ADCH Nominations Committee will review all applications and create a shortlist of candidates. Applicants will be informed of their application status following this review. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend interviews, after which the Nominations Committee will make a recommendation to the Board for final approval.
Interviews are scheduled for October, with an appointment expected by mid-November. The role will commence in January 2025.
More information
If you have any questions about the recruitment process for this role, please contact the Governance Committee Chair, Mike Elliott, at [email protected]
If you would like a confidential discussion about serving as a Trustee, please contact the Chair of Trustees, Giles Webber, at [email protected]
The candidate pack can be downloaded here.
