Candidate Information Pack

Transcription

1 Muslim Aid Trustee Candidate Information Pack Page 1 of 9

2 Welcome Letter Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in Muslim Aid and for taking the time to apply to become a Trustee. What is Muslim Aid? We are proud to be a part of Muslim Aid, being a well-respected international charity. Our humble beginnings started in 1985 with a British Muslim community response to the drought in the Horn of Africa, thirty years on, we are working in countries across Africa, Asia, Middle East and Europe. We have operational field offices in Bangladesh, Bosnia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Myanmar, who implement our humanitarian and development programmes. With an income of 30 million plus from our generous supporters, 932 employees and almost 3000 volunteers enable us to support 8 million beneficiaries worldwide. We also implement various UK community development initiatives, such as, Homeless Food Drives, The income we raise makes a huge impact in bringing justice and restoring dignity to people who are victims of natural disasters, conflict and suffering. Why we are looking for a Trustee The Board of Trustees will eventually comprise between 10 and 12 people and at present, we have 7 board of trustees and hoping to recruit another trustees with background in Human Resources to ensure the board comprises of the skills, experience and personalities required on the Board to pursue the strategic development of Muslim Aid. It is the Chairman s legal responsibility to identify suitable person to join the Board of the new CIO and he will do so with the assistance of a Review Committee consisting of supporters of Muslim Aid and of others of international development. The Review Committee will pay particular attention to the need for diversity of age and gender and the understanding of any applicant of the Muslim ethos in relation to this. Vision & Ethos of Muslim Aid The Holy Qur an describes a godly person as someone: giving a rightful share of their wealth to the beggar and the deprived (51:19); while Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) reminds us that: Every good act is charity; and the person who guides others to a good act is as the one who did it; and, assuredly, God loves the act of aiding the distressed! (al Bayhaqi). The Prophet also says that Love for humanity what you love for yourself! (al- Bukhari). Whosoever saves a life, it is as if they have saved the lives of all humankind (Qur an 5:32). Page 2 of 9

3 The ethos of Muslim Aid is rooted in these teachings; a belief that providing relief and aid to others is central to one s humanity. This can, and is, performed by those of all faiths and none. Any person of goodwill over 18 and with relevant skills and experience is welcome to apply to become a trustee of Muslim Aid provided that they complete the application form and supply contact details of two referees. Trustee of high calibre needed We are seeking to recruit a high calibre Trustee whose background is Human Resources, who is in tune with our mission and values in joining a leading Muslim international humanitarian and development organisation and who has the drive and competences to help position Muslim Aid as a forward thinking member of international civil society rooted in its Muslim identity. Candidates should have a good understanding of contemporary charitable activity in the UK and internationally and will help the Board develop our strategic aims and provide insight and support to achieve these aims - to constructively challenge our executive management team and to provide robust governance. We are also looking to ensure a diverse make-up of the new Board in terms of gender and international linkages. We are also looking for an individual who can bring commitment, enthusiasm, creativity and thoroughness to the governance function. An ability to attend quarterly board meetings is a requirement; however, it is not a prerequisite to be a permanent resident in the UK. While implementation of strategic decisions of the Board will largely be in the hands of the CEO and senior management team, there may also be a need for some trustees to be involved in committees for established for specific purposes. There are big challenges ahead, but we have the passion, belief and ambition to meet them. If you share our belief and commitment to improving the lives of those in need, we very much look forward to hearing from you and perhaps, welcoming you on board. Jehangir Malik OBE CEO, Muslim Aid Page 3 of 9

4 About Muslim Aid Whosoever saves a life, it is as if they have saved the lives of all humankind (Qur an 5:32). Who we are We are a faith-based British international charity that provides help to people who are victims of natural disasters or conflict or suffering from poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, discrimination, homelessness, debt, unemployment, injustice, deprivation or lack of skills and economic opportunities. What we do? We develop long-term development projects aimed at providing sustainable living for poor communities and survivors of natural disasters as well as providing emergency relief. We fill many niches and give special emphasis to capacity building, economic empowerment, education and improving child and women health. About our work We work in all parts of the globe through field offices and trusted partners in consultation with stakeholders and beneficiaries. Our Ethos The ethos of Muslim Aid is rooted in these teachings; a belief that providing relief and aid to others is central to one s humanity. Whosoever saves a life, it is as if they have saved the lives of all humankind (Qur an 5:32). Guided by the teachings of the Holy Qur an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), we, the Trustees of Muslim Aid, solemnly affirm that it is an inalienable right of the less fortunate of the world that all those who are blessed with means and resources should extend help and support to them as a matter of obligation, not just as a favour or an act of charity. The Holy Qur an describes a godly person as someone: giving a rightful share of their wealth to the beggar and the deprived (51:19); while Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) reminds us that: Every good act is charity; and the person who guides others to a good act is as the one who did it; and, assuredly, God loves the act of aiding the distressed! (al Bayhaqi). The Prophet also says that Love for humanity what you love for yourself! (al- Bukhari). Page 4 of 9

5 Our Values (CARE): Compassion and justice (Ru ufun and Adl) in all of our actions; Accountability and transparency (Muhasabah and Shafafyah) to all of our stakeholders, especially the communities which we work with; Action with quality (Amal m a Jawadah) our programmes reflect and fill a gap identified by the communities we work with, with longer term actions based upon need and capacity; Respect for rights, dignity and equal opportunity (Karamah and Sawaseyah) of all peoples; Empowerment (Tamkeen) communities and individuals to reach their potential Page 5 of 9

6 Eligibility to Become a Trustee Applicants must be over 18 years of age to apply. You are disqualified from applying if you: Have an unspent conviction for an offence involving deception or dishonesty; Are an undischarged bankrupt; Have been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the Courts or Charity Commission for misconduct or mismanagement; Are disqualified from being a company director under the Company Directors Disqualification Act You will be asked to complete a series of statements on our application form confirming your eligibility. Accountability As a Trustee you are accountable to: Donors; Employees; Beneficiaries; The Charity Commission. Page 6 of 9

7 Person Profile Remuneration The role of Trustee does not have any financial remuneration; however, reasonable expenses for travel may be claimed. Location Board meetings will be held in London. Time Commitment There will be four quarterly meetings per year. Physical presence at meetings is ideal, although video conferencing is also available for those who are unable to attend. Reporting To The Chair Statutory Responsibilities Ensure that we pursue our objectives as defined in our governing documents; Ensure that we use our resources exclusively in pursuance of our objects: the charity; must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities may seem; Ensure that we protect our charitable status. An important aspect is to ensure that we only spend our resources on charitable activities; Ensure that we comply with our governing documents, charity and company law, other relevant legislation and regulations, and follows guidance issued by the Charity Commission and relevant regulators. Main Responsibilities 1. Ensure the HR activities and interventions are linked to the charities charitable objectives and complement the charity culture. 2. Prepare the charity to be responsible employer by actively ensuring appropriate policies are in place. 3. Review and recommend current and future strategic staff resourcing 4. Liaise with the treasurer to ensure appropriate budgets are in place 5. Ensure that Muslim Aid is compliant with employment law 6. Advise the committee on recruitment and retention issues 7. Giving strategic direction to the charity; setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 8. Agreeing key strategic principles and policies and, when required, procedures for agreeing ad-hoc, exceptional, matters which fall outside established policy provisions. 9. Ensuring compliance with legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities. 10. Ensuring the charity acts within the constraints of its constitution. Page 7 of 9

8 11. Safeguarding Muslim Aid s good name and values. 12. Ensuring that the charity s governance is at the highest possible standard. 13. Guarding the long-term ability to advance the charity s objectives, holding its assets in trust for the benefit of current and future beneficiaries. 14. Maintaining oversight of the charity s fundraising. 15. Ensure the financial stability, effective and efficient administration of the charity, reviewing and approving financial strategies and monitoring income and expenditure, to ensure the organisation is in good financial health. 16. Manage risk (legal, security, reputational) and determine risk appetite. 17. Protect and manage the property of the charity. 18. Monitor the human resource and organisational development strategies and their implementation. 19. Demonstrate a commitment to Muslim Aid s Equality and Diversity policy. Page 8 of 9

9 Person Specification Profile of the Human Resource Trustee see attached. DBS & References You will need to provide contact details of two referees and may be required to complete a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Services check at enhanced level and complete a satisfactory credit check. Costs for this will be met by the charity. Page 9 of 9