London Community Foundation

People and Culture Trustee

Appointment Brief

2022

Welcome Hello,

My sincere thanks for your interest in joining the Board of London Community Foundation (LCF). Our passion is London - its people, its glorious diversity, its opportunities, and its challenges.

I joined LCF as Chair in December 2019. I was drawn to its incredible role of convening London’s philanthropy to help tackle inequality, alongside its commitment to celebrate London’s diverse communities.

I know I speak on behalf of the LCF Team and Board when I say that we were both humbled and inspired by the speed and agility of London’s grassroots to respond to the COVID pandemic. And the overwhelming generosity of our donors and partners who worked alongside us.

During COVID, LCF committed 2.5 times the level of funding to London’s civil society, achieved by our committed and knowledgeable team. These included funds raised through our membership of UKCF, the network of 47 Community Foundations around the UK and our partnership with the National Emergencies Trust. The key figures of our COVID activity (see page 7) also demonstrate our commitment to ensure funds reached those communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

LCF exists to help develop strong and connected communities. We do this by inspiring individual and corporate philanthropy - as well as public sector funds - to invest in London’s grassroots charities.

We provide professional fund management; grant-making services and philanthropic advice to the people and companies who want to support this great city.

LCF is privileged to hold some significant and high-profile relationships including the Evening Standard Dispossessed Fund (which to date has raised over £30M); the Grenfell Young People’s Fund (following the Grenfell Tower Funds); the Mayor of London and corporate donors including Deutsche Bank, Citi Foundation, Landsec and Segro.

This year the Charity instigated a major programme of change (Resetting LCF for the Future) covering its operational model, structure, people offer and importantly our values. This work is underpinned by the Charity’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and our journey to embed practices across our team, our funding, our donor engagement, and investments.

This People and Culture Trustee role is an important appointment for LCF, for progressing the Reset Programme and continuing the Charity’s commitment to ensuring its Board is representative of London.

You can read more about our work at www.londoncf.org.uk and @London_cf

Yours sincerely, Russell Prior Chair

The London Community Foundation

Who We Are

Our Vision

A strong and diverse civil society that tackles disadvantage and creates greater equity in London.

Our Purpose

Through good philanthropy, our knowledge and expertise, we convene donors to invest in charitable organisations working to overcome the issues affecting London.

Our People

Our Team and Board come from diverse backgrounds, with different skills, experience and perspectives, but unified by their ambition for London.

Our Values

We are Equitable, Accountable, Responsive, Collaborative and Impactful.

For more information on

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please see:

Background

Our experience has shown us that communities often characterised as poor and disadvantaged are rich with ideas and assets. Charities, social enterprises and community groups that spring from the communities they’re trying to help often have a deep understanding of the gaps that need filling. They know what works, how to gain trust and build lasting relationships.

LCF has a track record of strong growth since its inception. We were founded in 1995 and now

have committed funds totalling over £100M. In that period, our annual grant making has grown from £60,000 to circa £9M (pre-COVID).

Our grant awards are typically made to small charities and community groups who understand issues at a local level, but whose existence is generally below the public radar. The funds can address a range of community-related issues such as child poverty, unemployment, isolation, homelessness, domestic abuse and violence affecting young people.

LCF is one of 47 Community Foundations in the UK, supported by our trade association, UKCF. Last year the network made £175M in grants making it the fourth largest grant maker in the UK. Together the network holds an endowment value of over £700M. During COVID, the UKCF network has been privileged to be the preferred delivery partner of the National Emergencies Trust which has raised almost £100M. You can read more about UKCF and NET here: NET and UKCF

At a Glance

Impact Strategy

How we consider impact for London’s grassroots and our donors:

Promote our heartland - grassroots to donors, policymakers, beneficiaries. Therefore...

Define the characteristics of an impactful community organisation (team, beneficiaries, donors)

Demonstrate and make decisions on applications based on the characteristics of good grassroots organisations (raise the bar for everyone)

Be visible and accountable to our donors and the charitable organisations we support

Purpose

Supporting local organisations and inspiring the Capital’s generosity.

Convene donors - and their intermediaries - around the issues affecting London

Funding processes are proportionate and enable, not inhibit, beneficiaries

Support smaller organisations to develop good practice (and aid their success with other funders also)

Support donors’ awareness and philanthropic ambitions on how they can help create greater equity in how and what they fund

Pre-COVID, we knew that small charities had been hit the hardest by the ongoing cuts to local authority grant funding in London. And that levels of giving to London-based and serving charities was falling. As a result, the overall growth in London-based and serving charities has stagnated. This comes at a time of growing need.

Therefore, our Impact Strategy includes, wherever possible, influencing donors (through raising the voice of grassroots organisations) to help meet the needs of small charities in London and therefore

be more strategic and purpose-led in their giving:

• Moving to multi-year funding to provide greater security for small charities.

• Providing funds to support core costs (like salaries, rent and volunteer costs) to continue running (instead of project costs) and unrestricted giving.

• Tackling inequality and building greater equity and power balance through their philanthropy.

• Increase giving pan-London, particularly in London boroughs currently underserved.

• Being more targeted in eligibility to reduce oversubscription to some funds, which causes significant strain on small organisations.

• Focusing grant-making against key thematic priorities.

Role Description

Role Title: People and Culture Trustee

Remuneration:

The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed.

Term:

Trustee terms are 3 years. Trustees can be re-appointed by the Board for a further 2 terms.

Time Commitment:

Four board meetings per year and four committee meetings per year (plus annual away day, annual event and ad hoc work). We expect all Trustees to serve on at least one sub-Committee during their term(s) of office.

Reporting to:

Chair and Board of Trustees.

Job Description:

LCF values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. Previous experience as a Charity Trustee is not essential and we are committed to supporting candidates at the start of their trustee journey or those that have additional needs so they can contribute fully.

The role of a Trustee is to ensure that The London Community Foundation fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on our vision, mission and values.

The most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. We also seek the lived experience of black people and people of colour; LGBTQI people and disabled people, including neurodivergent candidates.

Principal Responsibilities

The statutory duties of a Trustee are:

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To ensure the organisation complies with its governing document - sometimes known as a trust deed, constitution, or articles of association.

• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the Charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how ‘charitable’ and ‘worthwhile’ those activities are.

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To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

In addition, with other trustees to hold the Charity “in trust” for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Ensuring that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.

• Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its “corporate” behaviour; ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

• Acting as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment and proper application.

• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee uses any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This involves scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

We are seeking Trustees to be active and engaged in LCF, joining at least one of the Charity’s sub-committees or external advisory groups.

The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. As well as the various statutory duties, any Trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board make good decisions.

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To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.

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To protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds.

• If the organisation employs staff, to appoint the Chief Executive and monitor his or her performance.

Person Specification

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with the Charity’s mission and an in-depth understanding of its work and ambitions.

The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

All Trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the Charity.

Experience and Commitment:

• Strategic vision, sound and independent judgement.

• Ability to communicate persuasively and a willingness to speak their mind.

• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.

• Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion with the ability to bring diverse perspectives to the Board.

• A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making.

• A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

Knowledge, Skills and Understanding:

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Commitment to the Charity and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

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Understanding of London’s needs, its communities and diversity.

Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

• Good, independent judgement and strategic vision.

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An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

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An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive

Trustees

Specific People and Culture Trustee Experience:

We are seeking up to 2 Trustees with People and Organisational Culture experience who can bring:

• Extensive experience of people and employment policies, legal requirements and best practice (E)

• Demonstrable experience of directly leading and implementing successful culture change programmes (E)

• Demonstrable experience of directly designing and implementing EDI strategies and learning (E)

• Experience of supporting non-HR specialist peers at a director or committee level (E)

• Understanding of managing people and culture within small organisations (E)

• Demonstrable experience of different business operating models in relation to people management and resourcing (E)

• Experience of overseeing crossorganisational projects (specifically with a people focus) (D)

• Experience of the people management within philanthropy, wealth management or charitable sectors (D)

General Duties of LCF Sub-Committees:

• To provide appropriate support, scrutiny, and challenge to the Executive Team, in particular the relevant Principal Officer.

• To ensure strong and proactive communication with other Committees and the wider Board on a regular basis.

• To lead on specific areas of risk identified in the Foundation’s Risk Register related to each Committees’ Terms of Reference.

• To focus during each financial year on the Full Board’s Areas of Strategic Focus and Deep Dives with the support of the Principal Officer.

• To ensure that equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion is front and central in all of the work of the team and Committee.

• Sub-Committee Chairs will lead a review of their Committee’s Performance every 2 years in line with wider Board Performance, including a review of ToRs with changes recommended to full Board.

In line with the Terms of Reference for LCF’s People Committee, the current specific duties for the role include:

• Ensure LCF People Offer is competitive and commensurate with the Foundation’s scale, model and performance.

• Lead on Board Appointment operations as delegated by the Full Board.

• Lead on Executive remuneration.

• Ensure LCF has a culture, values and behaviours agreed by the Board.

• Ensure LCF is an inclusive, progressive, professional and rewarding workplace.

• Promote culture as a Full Board responsibility in progressing LCF’s mission and impact.

• The CEO will be the Principal Officer and will be accompanied by the COO alongside any such other members of staff as the Committee may require, shall be in attendance at meetings.

• Recommend LCF’s People Offer and Pay award to Full Board.

• Recommend Trustee Appointments and Board Terms of Reference to Full Board.

• Receive the Annual Staff Survey results and oversee any resulting recommendations or action.

• Review the Foundation’s Team Performance, including turnover, sickness, appraisal and performance.

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Lead - as delegated by the Boardthe Foundation’s EDI Commitments, Policies and Performance.

• Receive assurance that mechanisms are in place to allow staff to raise concerns.

How to Apply

To apply in confidence to become a Trustee of London Community Foundation, please submit a copy of your CV together with a supporting statement. Please ensure that your application fully addresses the requirements for the role. Please let us know if you will require any special provision as a result of any disability should you be called for interview. Finally, please ensure that you have included your telephone numbers, as well as any dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable.

At LCF, we are committed to ensuring that how we are governed, our team and our partnerships all reflect the true diversity of London. We need to challenge ourselves and be challenged. We will fall short at times, but we will continue to learn and to support pro-active longterm change for grassroots organisations and the communities they serve.

Applications should be made via the Prospectus website at: jobs.prospect-us.co.uk/jobs/details/ HQ00180774

Recruitment Timetable

Deadline for applications: Sunday 01 May

Initial interviews with Prospectus: w/c 09 May

Final panel interviews with LCF: w/c 30 May

These dates may be subject to change and applicants will be advised in advance should this happen.

LCF is committed to ensuring its recruitment across Trustees and Teams can be as inclusive as possible. For this Trustee recruitment, you can expect that we:

• Ensure a diverse interview panel wherever possible.

• Provide additional accessibility support for applicants, where requested.

• Share questions with Trustee candidates beforehand.

• Provide an opportunity to engage with CEO or Chair ahead of interview.

• Seek active feedback from you on the recruitment experience.

Queries

If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information or would like to have an informal discussion, please contact Jess Stockford or Emily Hayman at Prospectus via email:

jessica.stockford@prospect-us.co.uk emily.hayman@prospect-us.co.uk

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