Trustee position for Fair Shares Gloucestershire

Fair Shares Gloucestershire: We are a thriving and innovative organisation promoting time banking in Gloucestershire.

Time banking is the mutual exchange of time, skills, and opportunities where everyone's time is valued equally. Established 26 years ago as the first time bank in the UK, Fair Shares is now part of a growing network of time banks both in the UK and worldwide.

The approach is led by the strengths and requirements of local participants but the fundamental principles remain the same: that time banks contain immense human experience and skills that can be shared within a community.

Participants ‘deposit’ time in the time bank by spending a few hours contributing their time to individual or to group activities in their local community: they might do a neighbour’s shopping, offer singing lessons, support our allotment, or attend a multitude of other activities. They are then able to withdraw these ‘time credits’ by drawing on the time and skills of other time bank members or by participating in other group activities such as outings.

These ‘exchanges’ are organised by our Time Brokers, who are based in Gloucester and Stroud.

Our Activities: In Gloucester include:

• Workshop: Led by Jon, open for all to learn woodworking and contribute to community projects or personal creations.
• Allotment: Managed by Rachel at St James City Farm, featuring nature-based events for all ages.
• Monday Lunch Club: Led by Reyaz and trustee Maureen, providing weekly meals and socializing opportunities.
• Barton Street Planters: Maintained by Kathy with the community, bringing plants and wildlife to the high street.
• Craft Club: Run by Amanda, meeting weekly at Chequers.
• Youth Work: Coordinated by Lloyd in collaboration with local organizations, including Gloucester College and schools.

Our Activities: In Stroud:

• Accessible Walks: Run by Chris in Stroud, Nailsworth, and Stonehouse, supporting those with mobility aids, dementia, and carers.
• Coffee Mornings: Held in Stonehouse, Stroud, and Whiteshill, offering friendship and mutual support.
• Participant-Led Allotment Group: Involving participants and local students enjoying the outdoors.

Trustee Role: As a voluntary trustee, you will:

• Serve on the charity’s governing body.
• Provide challenge and support to the CEO and team.
• Help ensure the charity delivers its objectives and long-term vision.
• Be responsible for the charity’s viability and legal responsibilities.

We are committed to an inclusive environment and seek a diverse Board representative of our community. If our vision and values resonate with you, we’d love to hear from you.

Skills and Experience We Are Looking For:

• Fundraising
• PR and marketing
• In-depth knowledge of Gloucester and/or Stroud community
• Knowledge/experience of mental health issues/illnesses
• Knowledge/experience of dementia
• Data management and analysis
• Youth work/education
• Charity sector/social enterprise
• NHS
• Legal
• HR

Commitment: Trustees are asked to:

• Attend meetings approximately every two months in Gloucester.
• Spend time with staff and time bank participants to understand Fair Shares’ work.
• Participate in some meetings, via video link if necessary.

• How to Apply: For more information or an informal chat, please get in touch!

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