Appointment Brief September 2021
Treasurer
Contents
Welcome Letter
1
Background
2
Our History and Values
3
Depaul UK’s Approach
4
Depaul UK’s Organisational Strategy 2021-2026
6
Depaul UK’s Finances
8
Organisation Chart
9
Depaul UK Board Dates
10
Role Description
12
Person Specification
14
How to Apply
17
01. Welcome Letter Dear Candidate, My fellow Trustees and I are delighted that you are considering applying for the role of Depaul UK’s new Treasurer of the Board. This appointment brief tells you about the exciting work we do. Depaul UK is a values-based organisation, where, every day, we set out to end homelessness in the UK. Our Mission is to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it. Depaul UK is specifically committed to ensuring that anyone we engage with finds an environment where they can apply their whole self, where diversity of thought, background and experience is celebrated, where every person is included and accepted and where the mental health and wellbeing of our clients, volunteers and staff is viewed as fundamental to the success and sustainability of our work. To be part of such an organisation is inspiring. Depaul UK delivers a wide range of support and housing services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness. We specialise in the provision of services that prevent homelessness, increase the resilience of those we work with and energise opportunities for employment, education, training and volunteering in the communities we work. Our organisation currently reaches from North Tyneside to London, Greater Manchester to South Yorkshire and Kent. Depaul’s values are firmly rooted in the life and work of St Vincent de Paul - to reach out to the poorest of the poor, to focus on action rather than words, to do what we say we will do and to be innovative in approach. Depaul UK is a subsidiary of Depaul International, an international group of homelessness charities, but operates as an independent partner as do the other members of the Depaul Group. It is also part of the broader, global Vincentian Family of organisations which share the same values and also trace their roots back to St Vincent de Paul.
Although we have a Catholic foundation and heritage, staff and Board members are of all religions and none. But what we all share is respect for these values and a desire for them to be translated into practice. It is our history that inspires our vision for tomorrow - a society in which everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community. All forms of homelessness in the UK have been increasing and this will be exacerbated by the social and economic implications of the Covid-19 pandemic, which will be felt for years to come and will enhance inequalities. We expect to see significant homelessness in all its forms over the next decade. It will take a vibrant, growing and effective organisation to face the challenges ahead, providing services and programmes that are relevant, affordable, accessible and impactful. Depaul UK is that organisation; we are brave and innovative and we don’t give up. Our focus is on the individual, not the masses and every solution is personalised. This is what makes us the best at what we do. In order to maintain and continuously improve the quality of our work, our organisational performance, including our business model, the quality of our services, and our governance, is pivotal. The role of Treasurer of the Board will be key in enabling this. If you think that you have what we are looking for and would like to join me and an imaginative, invested and unified Board who are supported to deliver Depaul UK’s mission by a motivated, ambitious, creative CEO and Executive Team, we very much welcome your application. Sandeep Katwala Chair Depaul UK Council of Trustees Appointment Brief | DEPAUL UK 1
02. Background Depaul UK has worked with homeless people for more than 30 years and supported over 65,000 beneficiaries. Depaul has a huge amount of experience, knowledge and understanding. Most of this is held in the hands of dedicated teams who work countless hours facing challenges and opportunities in a variety of Depaul Services and Programmes across the UK - from education programmes in schools and emergency accommodation through the Nightstop network, to providing housing and support as well as reach into prison services. The charity is passionate about the difference they make, particularly for young people. They work with some of the most disadvantaged people in the UK and specialise in working with young people and in communities where poverty and longterm unemployment have resulted in generations of social exclusion and high rates of homelessness. Depaul UK believes no young person should have to sleep in an unsafe place and, while they work to provide the accommodation that offers an immediate answer to homelessness, it is also a vital part of their work to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place. The charity is modern, pioneering, dynamic and driven, committed to improving itself as an organisation, adapting where it can to a changing social care context and putting young people at the heart of everything it does. The charity has pioneered, enabled and supported the development of programmes across the UK, with a passion and a drive 2 DEPAUL UK | Appointment Brief
to succeed and change lives. The results have led in recent years to a substantial growth in income (currently c£16m). With an ambitious and strategic Board and an increased focus on results and sustainability, the charity has worked hard to provide interventions and income generating activities. This has resulted in highly effective services and at the same time established a strong financial position. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, they are proud to have been able to keep the majority of their services open and safe while protecting their financial strength. This has been the result of the commitment, hard work and flexibility of staff, the generous support of funders and Depaul’s organisational agility which has enabled them to respond quickly to both the need and the opportunities in response arising from the pandemic.
03. Our History and Values Depaul was founded in 1989 at the instigation of Cardinal Basil Hume and the late Princess Diana and formally opened its first hostel in 1990.
to reach out to the poorest of the poor, to focus
From this beginning, Depaul has grown into
These values continue to be widely shared
an international family of charities with a focus on helping people in crisis. Depaul UK is a part of this family. What started as a response to the growing number of homeless people on the streets of London, has now grown into a global response tackling homelessness worldwide. The Depaul Group now works in the UK, Ireland, France, Slovakia, Ukraine, Croatia and the USA. Depaul UK’s visions, mission and values remain unchanged for over 30 years and are as valid as ever. Depaul works in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul who devoted his life to helping the poor, sick and needy throughout the 17th century. Vincent reached out to anyone in need, valuing each and every person. He was committed to serving the poor well, constantly pushing boundaries to innovate and improve, despite scarce resources. He initiated powerful partnerships to help the poor, building bridges between people in need and people who were privileged. In doing so, he inspired others to do more and to make sure that everyone has a chance to live life dignified, safe and well.
on action rather than words, to do what we say we will do, and to be innovative in our approach, which includes being willing to take risks.
in the organisation. Board members and staff, for whom there is no religious requirement, bring with them the same or similar values from their own religious traditions or political and humanist convictions. The consequent resonance with Vincentian values has enriched the Depaul subsidiaries around the world and provided a tangible unity across the Depaul Group. Whilst the Depaul Group gladly and wholeheartedly embraces its Vincentian values, it excludes all forms of proselytizing. It is an independent group of charities and is not a subsidiary of any religious organisation nor does it report to any. At the same time, the Depaul Group is a recognised member of the worldwide Vincentian Family, which is a voluntary association of all those who labour according to the vision and values of Vincent de Paul. Depaul UK, as a member of the Vincentian Family in the UK, collaborates with other branches of the Family in the service of homeless and disadvantaged people as opportunities arise and circumstances dictate. Membership in a worldwide family fits in with and strengthens the Depaul Group’s global aspirations.
Vincentian values, which were at the core of Depaul’s foundation, continue to be at the
For more information about Depaul UK please
heart of Depaul UK. They include a commitment
see our website: https://depaulcharity.org Appointment Brief | DEPAUL UK 3
04. Depaul UK’s Approach In 2020, Depaul provided support to 4,072 clients in accommodation services, in the community and in prisons. They worked with a further 2,709 young people through their schools and education programmes delivered in education establishments. This was a significantly reduced number on the previous year due to the closure of schools and colleges because of the national lockdown. Their Family Mediation teams moved from providing face-to-face mediation, to supporting families with shopping, providing equipment for home schooling and holding online support sessions. Every child in the 328 families supported by a Depaul Family Mediation service in 2020 either secured a school place throughout lockdown or was provided with the equipment they needed to access online schooling. Depaul led a network of 31 active Nightstop services from Glasgow to Guernsey. 987 people volunteered to be involved with Nightstop in a range of roles, from drivers and chaperones to hosts and mentors. During that year, they provided 7,174 safe bed-nights for 531 young people across the UK who had nowhere else to go because 414 homes opened their spare room for someone in need.
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Homelessness is caused by a range of reasons. In the young it is most frequently caused by problems at home, the breakdown of support networks and families. Increasingly for single adults it is because employment or private tenancies are terminated. The charity has learned that for some people traumatic challenges from the past cause lasting damage. Non-judgemental and expert care can repair that damage and enable people to rebuild their lives. Working alongside and working with people affected by the causes and consequences of homelessness Depaul UK works across four areas: Prevent homelessness. Prevention as part of a holistic approach to ending homelessness is key. They do this through influencing policy and public opinion, educating young people, strengthening family relationships and providing advice, guidance and shelter in times of crisis. Increase resilience. Strengthening the resilience of people who are experiencing homelessness is essential. They do this through providing accommodation and support that is traumainformed, strengths-based and rooted in promoting mental health and wellbeing. Energise societal responses. Engaging the wider society in addressing homelessness is crucial. They do this through supporting campaigns, encouraging volunteering and seeking strategic partnering to increase our impact and improve life chances for those we support.
Stimulate aspirations. Creating ambition and confidence in our beneficiaries is essential. They do this specifically through the provision of employment, training and education programmes and opportunities that enable the people we work with to confidently take their place in society. By working across these areas, Depaul UK will evoke change that diverts people from pathways that lead to homelessness towards positive pathways that lead to a stable home, good relationships and financial security. Depaul UK is an expert in measuring the outcomes and impact of the work they do with their clients so that they can improve the design and the effectiveness of the services and responses they provide and make good strategic choices about where they want Depaul UK to be offering services. Through investing and emphasising this part of their work, they engage with funders, commissioners and decision makers with authority based on evidence and not conjecture or anecdote. The organisation reviews and evaluates how their approach is working. From their research, evaluation and experience they draw lessons for policy makers and commissioners, and where appropriate advocate for change. Depaul UK also creates a range of ways for their clients’ experiences and voices to be heard by the leaders and trustees of Depaul as well as those who make decisions in local and national government.
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05. Depaul UK’s Organisational Strategy 2021-2026 2021 marks the first year of Depaul’s organisational strategy “End Homelessness for Good - The Depaul Way” which will provide the direction until 2026. Depaul will not reinvent the wheel, as their overarching approach and priorities led by their Vincentian values, have been proven to address effectively what the people they work for need to lead better, healthier and more independent lives. However, there are some persisting and some new challenges to which Depaul needs to respond: 1.
There is a great and increasing need for provision of services and support for families and individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or experiencing the effects of being homeless in the UK. Depaul believes that, in particular, the social and economic implications of the Covid-19 pandemic will be felt for years to come and will increase inequalities. High levels of unemployment, record numbers of people accessing Universal Credit and a great strain being placed on households and (family) relationships are likely to result in a spike in the number of people across the country experiencing homelessness. Hence, they expect to see significant homelessness in all its forms over the next decade.
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2.
Homelessness is a complex and evolving problem. Tackling it requires dynamic and innovative solutions that start with individual needs as opposed to providing one-dimensional blanket solutions Homelessness is a complicated issue and the faces of homelessness change continuously. The overall response in the UK, however, does not adequately reflect this. Programmes for housing and support, innovation and prevention constantly address the problems of individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They solve homelessness one person at a time and do so through approaches that meet the needs of defined groups. These solutions, and their continuous refinements, need to be based on evidence such as data that allows us to understand the causal relationship between inputs and outcomes. There is currently a great deal of information and data collected on individuals in some parts of the system, and little collected on others. Evaluation of the data is generally weak, making it difficult to find out the impact of work. The collection and effective evaluation of relevant data is crucial to being able to design and develop effective responses.
3.
Homelessness is a national and a global challenge that requires action at local, national and international levels if it is to be tackled sustainably.
This is reflected in their new organisational strategy.
The United Nations’ Human Settlements Programme estimates that 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing, and the best data available suggests that more than 100 million people have no housing at all. There are an estimated 150 million people who are street homeless. During the past decade, the number of people affected by homelessness has been steadily increasing. Homelessness is an issue that affects people across the world in a variety of ways and it means different things in different cultures.
1.
A sound organisational culture and identity, demonstrated towards clients, staff and partners alike, that is based on strong, lived values, and that commits to excellence in what we do and a built-in agility to respond effectively to the complexity and dynamic nature of homelessness. This is what they call The Depaul Way (WHO WE ARE)
2.
A set of crosscutting, interlinked themes which shape and direct everything we do at Depaul UK. These themes reflect what they consider essential, overarching concepts that allow them to remain relevant and sound as an organisation ‘inside out’. These crosscutting themes are Equality, Diversity & Inclusion; Mental Health & Wellbeing; Social Value; and Sustainability (HOW WE DO IT)
While Depaul UK’s focus lies with ending homelessness in the UK, it embraces that being part of an international homelessness organisation (the only one in the UK) means playing a role in the international effort to tackle homelessness worldwide. Depaul UK will specifically support global advocacy, campaigns, awareness raising and research work through the Institute of Global Homelessness (IGH) and will raise more funds to deliver their mission and respective strategic plans through harnessing their international set up for national fundraising strategies, including strengthening their approach to joint funding bids. Depaul will collectively strengthen the Depaul family as a whole through exploring support across Depaul subsidiaries and will be sharing evidence, best practice and innovation with our international members. Having said that, Depaul UK works in Britain and is very well aware of the complexity that leads to homelessness and the continuous evolution of this challenge. They also acknowledge that an organisation that wants to do this job well cannot separate how it works with clients (how they run services and programmes) from the way it manages resources and engages staff, partners and stakeholders (the way they run the organisation).
They have identified two building blocks to their strategy that they uncompromisingly commit to:
These building blocks are paired with: 1.
A holistic, evidence based approach to our services and programmes (WHAT WE DO)
2.
A set of tangible organisational objectives across their core functional areas (HOW WE FOCUS ACTIVITY); and
3.
A series of milestones and linked performance measures to ensure that all they do is geared towards increasing our organisational impact (HOW WE MONITOR PROGRESS)
Depaul believes that this approach puts the charity in the best possible position to enable the change they want to see as the organisation that they want to be – for and with their clients, their staff, their key partners and stakeholders, the communities they engage with and the wider society.
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06. Depaul UK’s Finances Principal Funding and Cash Flow Total income for the year to 31 December 2020 was £16.452m (2019: £16.068m). Total expenditure for the year was £16.859m which included a planned donation of £300k from designated funds to the Depaul Housing Services subsidiary. The charity largely maintained voluntary income during the pandemic and saw growth in contract income due to the successful delivery of a number of new rough sleeping contracts. As a result, the percentage of income from charitable activities increased slightly to 70% with the majority of the balance coming from voluntary donations which support prevention and programmes work. As at 31 December 2020, total funds of £7.792m included £3.566m free reserves which included designated funds released during the year. The charity’s financial strategy sets out the charity’s funding needs and plans for growth between 2021 and 2026 and it is likely that further funds will be designated over that period. Financial performance in 2021 is broadly in line with budget, and latest forecasts project a breakeven position/small deficit. The charity has health cash balances and, despite the challenges of Covid-19, no going concern issues.
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2019
£16.086m Total Income
2020
£16.452m Total Income
07. Organisation Chart CEO
Executive Assistant
Executive Director of Finance, IT and Organisational Performance
Executive Director of People and Organisational Development
Director of Housing and Support
Head of Business Excellence
HR Services Manager
Head of Communications
Director of Prevention and Programmes
Financial Controller
Recruitment Manager
Head of Public Fundraising
Head of Business Development
Rental Income and Procurement Manager
Volunteering Manager
Head of Business Development Data, Evaluation and Research Manager
Rental Income and Procurement Head of Financial Manager Planning and Analysis
Volunteering Manager Acting Head of People and Learning
Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications
Executive Director of Operations
Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships
Facilities Manager
IT Manager
Rental Income and Procurement Finance Systems Manager Project Manager
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08. Depaul UK Board Dates The proposed Council of Trustees’ dates for 2022 are: •
Monday 21st February
•
Monday 6th June
•
Friday 16th and Saturday 17th September (Strategy day and CoT meeting)
•
Monday 5th December
For more information about Depaul UK’s Trustees please see our website: https://uk.depaulcharity.org/trustees/
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Appointment Brief | DEPAUL UK 11
09. Role Description Terms
Induction
Trustees normally serve a minimum term of three years, which can be renewed for a second threeyear term. The maximum is a total of two terms (six years).
A thorough induction process is in place for new Trustees. There will be both formal and informal training available to Trustees which will include on-going training ensuring board members are up to date on good governance.
Remuneration This is a voluntary role without remuneration however reasonable expenses will be covered, for example, travel expenses required to attend meetings.
Location Depaul UK is a national organisation with office hubs in London, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield. The CEO, the Executive Directors and the majority of the support functions are based in London. Board and Committee meetings are usually held in London, via video conference if needed.
Time Commitment As well as the quarterly Board meetings, a strategy day (usually in September). Trustees are expected to visit Depaul UK’s projects and attend events in support of Depaul UK. The Board Committees are chaired by Trustees and the Treasurer is expected to chair and attend the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee. The expected time commitment is one day per month but this can vary depending on issues and activities.
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Purpose Trustees play a critical role in the organisation. They set strategy and review progress, providing support, challenge and expertise to the Chief Executive and Executive Directors. Trustees play an essential role in seeking to maximise Depaul UK’s positive impact. Trustees also have ultimate responsibility for the compliance with all legal, financial, reporting and other requirements, as well as ensuring that the organisation acts in line with its charitable objectives and is financially stable. The Trustee Board work as a team, applying good judgement and taking collective responsibility. In addition, the Trustees will give special consideration to Depaul UK’s responsibilities as a subsidiary to its parent company (Depaul International) and to its own subsidiary (Depaul Housing Services).
Trustees’ Legal Duties
Principal Responsibilities
To ensure that Depaul UK complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
Trustees will provide the strategic leadership for Depaul UK by:
To support the Board in ensuring that the organisation pursues its objects and ensures that it uses its resources in pursuance only of those objects being: •
The prevention and relief of poverty, homelessness and financial hardship
•
The advancement of education
•
Such other exclusively charitable objects or exclusively charitable purposes as the Trustees may from time to time decide can usefully be pursued for the public benefit, nationally and internationally and by such exclusively charitable means as the Trustees may determine (the “Objects”)
To ensure that the charity’s resources are managed to:
•
Providing entrepreneurial leadership to Depaul UK
•
Working with the Chief Executive to set the strategic aims and objectives
•
Maintaining a strategic role
•
Constantly keeping the needs of beneficiaries as paramount
•
Making decisions in step with Depaul UK’s Vincentian values
Specific Treasurer responsibilities: •
Chair and attend the Finance, Audit and Compliance Committee
•
Liaise with relevant staff and Board members to ensure the financial viability of the organisation
•
Safeguard the reputation and manage all risks associated with Depaul UK’s work
•
Regularly support the reporting of the financial position at Board meetings
•
Provide for the effective and efficient administration of Depaul UK
•
•
Provide financial sustainability for Depaul UK, maintaining an appropriate financial reserve in line with the agreed policy
Oversee the production of regular forecasts, an annual budget and a long-term financial plan
•
Oversee the production of annual statutory accounts and review with the auditors
•
Provide compliance with the Fundraising Regulator’s standards
•
Provide advice to the Chair on sign-off of annual report and accounts
•
Adhere to the Depaul Group Agreement (the
•
Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place
•
Appraise the financial viability of projects, plans, proposals and other initiatives which may have a financial or corporate structure implication as needed
•
Ensure that effective Risk Management practices are embedded
memorandum governing the relationship between Depaul UK, Depaul International and other Depaul subsidiary charities) •
Protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
Appointment Brief | DEPAUL UK 13
10. Person Specification Personal Qualities •
Demonstrate a strong commitment to Depaul UK
•
A commitment to the vision of Depaul and to take decisions for the good of the organisation
•
A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
•
Integrity and good, independent judgement being not afraid to make constructive comments and suggestions
•
Strategic vision with the ability to think creatively
•
An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship
•
An ability to work effectively as a member of a team while making their views known
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Experience, Knowledge and Skills •
A qualified chartered accountant (desirable)
•
Experience of operating at a senior strategic level
•
Charity experience either through an executive or previous Trustee role. Ideally with focus on Governance and Financial management
•
An understanding of key principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to applying these principles in your role as a Trustee
•
Experience of building relationships with senior stakeholders
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11. How to Apply To apply to become Treasurer of Depaul UK, please upload a CV together with a supporting statement (maximum of 2 pages of A4) that fully addresses the skills and experience you would bring to the Board, your specific interest in Depaul UK and the role of Treasurer. At Prospectus we believe passionately that truly inclusive organisations lead to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive boards. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses and are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record and are not part of any application you make. Whether the interview will be held in person or virtually, will be determined closer to the interview date. If you will require any special provision as a result of any disability should you be called for interview, please do let us know. Finally, please ensure that you have included your contact number and email address.
Recruitment Timetable Deadline for applications: 1st November Initial Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 8th November Final Panel Interviews with Depaul: w/c 28th November
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Lottie Wihl or Camille Revuelta via email: lottie.wihl@prospect-us.co.uk camille.revuelta@prospect-us.co.uk If you require this document in an alternative format, please contact our Executive Team at executive.admin@prospect-us.co.uk or call 0207 691 1920.
Applications must be made via the Prospectus website: jobs.prospect-us.co.uk/jobs/details/hq00179130
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