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By SHRUB Coop, posted 22/11/22
We’re looking for more trustees to guide SHRUB Coop through 2023!
We invite applications from SHRUB members and others interested in contributing to the Coop’s development to join our group of Trustees. We are particularly looking for people with experience in the fields of HR, Fundraising and Social Enterprise but Trustees have a wide-ranging remit and there are opportunities for involvement across the work that SHRUB undertakes.
Why become a Trustee?
SHRUB is a cooperative with premises in central Edinburgh. Our Members contribute to decision-making processes. Trustees have special legal responsibilities and, in some circumstances may have to make sensitive or critical decisions on behalf of the Coop.
A Steering Group was established in May 2020 and now helps staff and working groups take the day-to-day decisions - meaning the Trustees’ role is mainly oversight and strategy.
Trustees learn about how our Social Enterprise runs and gain skills in leadership, problem - solving and innovation, strategic judgement and effective communication, to name a few.
Serving as a Trustee is an opportunity to learn about the governance of a not-for-profit organisation in a supportive environment, learning from more experienced Trustees and staff and the fresh perspective of newer Members alike.
Key Roles in Trustee team
Convenor
Secretary
Treasurer
Steering Group link
HR and Welfare support
Fundraising support
Risk and Compliance lead
Monitoring and Evaluation support
Governance and Policy lead
Communications support
Social Enterprise lead
Strategy and Vision lead
What skills do I need?
Trustees have a wide-ranging remit with some people leading on particular aspects, some playing a more general role. We are looking for people with experience and skills in the specific areas listed above, but we also welcome applications from people who want to develop their experience or who have a more general interest in SHRUB. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, including but not limited to: people of colour, trans people, non-binary people and women.
Trustees are responsible for overseeing development of the strategic framework within which day-to-day tasks are carried out by staff and volunteers, and they help guide our long-term planning.
What is the time commitment?
As a voluntary Trustee, you will make some clear time commitments: to attend regular Trustee meetings (2 hours each month, currently on a Tuesday evening), and participate in staff support mechanisms.
Trustees will preferably participate in the work of a Working Group - attending meetings where possible and contributing to the direction and content of work.
Time off can be arranged among Trustees, ensuring that there is a balance between Trustees’ wellbeing and SHRUB Coop functioning. If you cannot make a meeting you can let people know. There is a Welfare Working Group to support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of volunteers and members if you need support in regulating your engagement.
Who can apply?
Anyone who supports the Vision and Mission of SHRUB Coop is invited to apply. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, including but not limited to: people of colour, trans people, non-binary people, other members of the LGBT+ community, and women.
Background:
We’re a cooperative in Edinburgh working for a world without waste!
SHRUB Coop is an exciting community-led project that works to make big carbon savings by increasing awareness on sustainability issues and solutions.
The Coop is organised non-hierarchically and strives to provide an inclusive and empowering experience for all volunteers, staff and members in our community. You can read our Safer Spaces policy here.
SHRUB Coop is registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) - working for a world without waste. Our purpose is the advancement of:
Environmental protection and improvement by contributing to a Zero Waste Edinburgh
Education by providing training and skill-sharing in all functions of the enterprise
Citizenship and community development through active participation.
Our Constitution provides for Trustees to formally oversee the activities of SHRUB Cooperative and ensure we act in accordance with our purposes and the wishes of members of the Cooperative.
How Do I Apply?
To apply, simply save a copy of this form, fill it out and send it, with a copy of your CV, to hello@shrubcoop.org, with the subject: “Trustee application”. Please highlight in the form which Trustee role(s) you are interested in and perhaps have skills and experience in.
Deadline to apply: 1st December at 5pm.
We strongly encourage all the people applying to attend our AGM and introduce themselves to folk on the day. New trustees will be elected by the members of the SHRUB at the AGM. Relevant contents of your form and CV will be shared with the membership for election purposes.
Any questions please email us at hello@shrubcoop.org.