Birthmark Support Group Chair, Emma, and Treasurer, Wendy, are standing down from these roles. This now leaves open an exciting opportunity for new people with a passion for Birthmark Support Group, commitment, drive and enthusiasm to take on one of these key roles. There is great scope for people with the vision to move the charity forward, onwards and upwards!

These crucial roles need to be flled to ensure the future of the charity. Ultimately, if these roles cannot be filled it will no longer be possible to maintain the Birthmark Support Group as a charity and it will close on 31 December 2023.  

The charity has grown so much from the early days back at Great Ormond Street. The information, advice and members' experiences shared via the helpline and the Facebook groups makes such a difference to others.

There are many ways in which the charity could evolve and continue its ambitions and good work.  The closure of the charity would mean the loss of the helpline email and telephone number, the Facebook groups and social media pages, the website and social events.  

Do you have the passion, commitment, drive and enthusiasm to help to move the Birthmark Support Group forward? If so, please read the role descriptions below and get in touch!

Responsibilities of a Chairperson

• To represent the organisation as its figurehead.  The Chairperson is a leader, with the dedication, drive and vision to take the charity forward.   They may from time to time be called upon to represent the organisation and sometimes be its spokesperson at, for example, functions or meetings.
• To ensure the organisation is managed effectively and that trustees comply with their duties and the charity is well governed.
• To co-ordinate the Committee to ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for the effective management of the organisation.
• To ensure the charity committee functions properly:
• To make sure that each meeting is planned effectively, conducted according to the constitution and that matters are dealt with in an orderly, efficient manner.
• To make the most of all his/her committee members and ‘lead the team'. This also involves regularly reviewing the Committee's performance and recruitment of new members.

Qualities of a Chairperson

• Commitment to the organisation
• Leadership ability
• Integrity, strategic vision and good, independent judgment
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as Chair
• Ability to take decisions for the good of the organisation
• Good communication skills
• Tact and diplomacy
• Willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

If you would like to informally discuss the role and how your skills and experience match the key responsibilities, you can arrange a call with our current Chair via email.

If you'd like to apply, please send a 200-500 word statement explaining why this could be the role for you.

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The Treasurer will make an important contribution by overseeing and monitoring the financial administration of the charity and ensuring it is legal, constitutional, financially viable and working within an accepted accounting practice.

The Treasurer is directly accountable to the Chair, overseeing the financial affairs of the charity, monitoring and reporting as required on its financial health and financial activities

Desirable Requirements

• Thorough understanding of the charities SORP
• Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary sector
• Some previous experience of a Treasurer’s role, ideally in the charity sector
• Being sympathetic to and understanding of the charity’s mission

Day to day requirements

• Keep up-to-date records of Income & Expenditure (currently on excel)
• Pay promptly any invoices or expenses requests (on-line banking)
• Pay into bank (CAF via HSBC) promptly any cheques or cash received
• Claim gift aid as required on donations received direct to the Charity
• Monitor fundraising activity on JustGiving website
• Prepare annual accounts (financial year Jan-Dec)
• Arrange for Independent Examination or Audit of accounts as required
• Submit Annual Return to Charity Commission
• Update details of Charity with Charity Commission as required
• Prepare financial reports for Trustee meetings and AGM

If you would like to informally discuss the role and how your skills and experience match the key responsibilities, you can arrange a call with our current treasurer via email.

If you'd like to apply, please send a 200-500 word statement explaining why this could be the role for you.

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In case you're wondering . . .

• These are voluntary and therefore unpaid roles. However, all charity related expenses can be claimed back.
• Time commitment: Approximately 2 days per month commitment maximum. This includes preparation and presentation for Trustee meetings, and contributing to work between meetings. There are certain times throughout the year when a little more time is required, such as in preparation for fun days, and there is also scope for any individual with drive and passion to spend more time developing new ideas and help move the charity forward in new directions.
• Trustee meetings: All meetings are currently conducted virtually on Zoom. These are usually held on a Sunday evening, lasting no longer than one hour. During the last few years where the charity has not been so active, one meeting a term has been standard, but further meetings may be required as the Charity moves forward.
• AGM: The AGM is ideally combined with an annual Fun Day (May/June) with members of the Charity able to attend. In recent years where a Fun Day has not been possible, the AGM has been held on Zoom.
• Duration of commitment: The Chair & Treasurer will be appointed to serve for a term of 3 years, with an option to stand for re-election for a further two terms of 3 years.

The roles of Chair and Treasurer need to be filled in order for the charity to continue and function correctly.

Please read through the role descriptions and if you'd like to apply, please send a 200-500 word statement explaining why this could be the role for you.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023.

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If you don't necessarily fit either of the positions above but would still like to get involved please contact us as there are other opportunities for volunteers to help and support.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Birthmark Support Group