Come and Join MusicSpace as a Trustee

Musicspace is a well-established charity that’s been providing innovative music therapy for people of all ages across Bristol and the south west since 1991. Music therapy uses music & sounds where words may be difficult to find. Our Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) registered music therapists use music-making to help people communicate, express themselves and start building relationships.

We are seeking committed people to join us as a Trustee. We’re currently looking for people who can bring expertise to the charity in the key areas of finance (i.e. act as Treasurer), fundraising, social media and digital marketing, and also for people who may have lived experience of music therapy as a carer or service user. Our trustees play a vital role in developing forward-looking, innovative strategies and typically contribute around 4-8 hours of their time a month.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will support the development of the strategic plan and provide oversight of its implementation. In addition, Trustees ensure that Musicspace delivers its statutory obligations as a charity. Using your knowledge, skills and experience, you will ensure that MusicSpace wisely manages its resources and maximises impact.

We ask Trustees to:

Bring expertise to the charity that will help to develop forward-looking music and performing arts strategy.
Ensure that MusicSpace complies with all relevant legislation and regulations within charity and company laws.
Contribute actively to the board’s responsibility for the strategic direction of MusicSpace, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
Attend meetings of the board and undertake the necessary preparation to be able to fully participate in board meeting discussions.
Safeguard and promote the well-being and welfare of the Charity’s beneficiaries.
Apply appropriate scrutiny to budgets and accounts to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of MusicSpace.

Skills and experience that we are looking for:

You must have:

A commitment to the vision and values of MusicSpace

Ability to work effectively as a member of the team

Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences

Ability to think creatively and be receptive to new ideas

Ability to assimilate complex information, develop strategies and make sound independent decisions

Ability to monitor performance and hold leadership to account, where necessary

Professional expertise or experience in an area in one or more of the following areas would be very beneficial:

Finance/accounting (act as Treasurer – see further details below)
Experience as a carer accessing therapies for your dependant
Fundraising (particularly experience of fundraising and networking in the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset areas)

It would be great if you also had:

Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship

Knowledge of safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults

Experience of music, performing arts or creative industry

You may not act as trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process will involve an interview with the chair and the Director.

Successful candidates will participate in an induction programme and engage with the professional development opportunities the charity offers.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary unpaid position. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Board Meetings and Time Commitment

Board meetings currently take place 6 times a year on a Tuesday evening. Some board meetings are held at the Charity’s premises in Southville others are held online. Additionally, Trustees may be asked to take part in small project groups to address specific issues. Typically, trustees commit between 4 and 8 hours of their time per month.

DBS Requirements

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Terms of Office

The maximum term will be 9 years however Trustees are reappointed every few years based on the terms of the articles of association.

Safeguarding

MusicSpace is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and trustees to share this commitment.

Equality & Diversity

MusicSpace encourages applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion, which we demonstrate through our activities, as well as in our policies and working practices. Reinforced by our culture and values, we seek to create an inspiring and inclusive place to work and learn.

How to apply

If you would like to contribute to the development of this great charity, please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining why you would like to join this board to director@musicspace.org. If you would like more information, please also send an email with your contact details to the same email address and either the Director Michele Scott or Chair Debbie England will be in touch. We are hoping to recruit in June 2024 so please contact us by 17th May 2024.

Treasurer (about the role)

The Treasurer will hold the organisation to account for the Charity’s finances and financial vision, maintain financial control and ensure we comply with our legal responsibilities as a registered charity. The Treasurer will work with members of the team to ensure that there is a transparent and clear financial process. It is the Treasurer’s role to advise the other Trustees on all aspects of the charity's financial management and reporting, controls and solvency.

The Treasurer provides oversight of the following: annual accounts; preparation for the annual budget & longer-term financial forecasts and ensures that appropriate financial policies e.g reserves are in place. The Treasurer is also asked to authorise some expenditure when either the Director or finance officer is away.

Essential skills (in addition to wider trustee skills)