Purpose of the Post

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1. The Shrewsbury Ark is an independent, local charity dedicated to supporting those in need.  Its principal purpose is a day centre for homeless and vulnerable people. The Ark will offer support whenever possible and will always care; we work alongside the council to help people experiencing homelessness to find appropriate accommodation and will support the vulnerable and those who feel excluded from society, giving them opportunities to make positive changes in their lives. As well as the facilities provided by our day centre, The Ark encourages self-confidence and self-worth, enabling people with complex life challenges and experiences to develop the skills needed to work towards a level of achievable independence.

2. In addition, the charity runs a charity shop in the centre of the Town, raising funds to support the running costs of The Ark.

3. The Charity Director will work on behalf of the Trustees of the Charity. This will involve managing and guiding the work of:

• the Ark Day Centre Manager and, through the Day Centre Manager, the work of the Support Staff and Volunteers in The Ark so that the purpose of The Ark is achieved.

• the Shop Manager and Shop Volunteers so that the fundraising contribution of the shop is maximised.

• The Fundraising and Community Lead ensuring that their work is guided and supported to maximise impact and income from fundraising.

• The Charity Director will be required to work 40 hours per week, generally 9am – 5pm although there may be occasional commitments in the evening or at weekends for which time off in lieu may be taken.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

The Charity Director is accountable to the Trustees of the Shrewsbury Christian Centre Association (AKA Shrewsbury Christian Centre Association).  Their Line Manager is the Chair of Trustees.

 

 The Charity Director’s principal tasks and responsibilities will be:

 

• the implementation of the charity’s strategy, agreed in conjunction with the Trustees

• the implementation and management of policies and protocols that reflect current legislation and best practice, and that contribute positively to achievement of the charity’s objectives

• to manage staffing levels, recruitment, training and personal development of staff and volunteers

• working with the Ark Day Centre Manager, to ensure the security of the premises and the safety of all working or visiting, supporting them to create, lead and implement best practice

• management of the charity’s finances in coordination with the Bookkeeper and Fundraising and Community Lead

• supporting the Fundraising and Community Lead to implement the fundraising strategy in coordination with the Honorary Treasurer

• developing and nurturing productive and positive relationships with partner agencies to generate the optimum benefit for The Ark’s clients.

• Within those broad parameters the Charity Director will also be required, in consultation with appropriate Trustees:

 

Strategic and Managerial

• prepare and submit regular reports on the Ark and the Shop to meetings of Trustees, so that Trustees are fully informed of progress, current issues and current successes

• develop proposals for changes in policies and protocols as may be necessary to reflect changing legislation or updated guidance, and/or to generate improved outcomes for Ark clients

• act as Line Manager for the Ark Day Centre Manager, the Ark Shop Manager and the Fundraising and Community Lead, conducting regular 1:1 supervision meetings to review performance and training requirements; carry out annual Staff Appraisals of those individuals; ensure that the Day Centre Manager and Shop Manager conduct similar meetings and appraisals with those under their own management

• Oversee the management of The Ark Charity Shop, both to maximise the funds raised for the charity and to provide suitable clothing for Ark clients as necessary

• oversee the maintenance state of The Ark and Shop buildings, implement routine maintenance within allocated budgets and propose other works projects to the Trustees

• Manage any major works projects, as approved by the Trustees, to assure their timely completion within budget.

 

Operational

• ensure that the requirements of confidentiality, DBS, data protection, safeguarding, health & safety, hygiene, fire precautions, security and safety (of staff, volunteers and clients) and CCTV procedures are fully met in The Ark and the shop

• oversee the IT services provided within the Ark and the Shop to ensure that they are secure, cost effective and successful

• oversee the recruitment and induction of new staff and volunteers (including any work experience students), reviewing and updating Job Descriptions as appropriate

• oversee the Employment Contracts of paid staff, taking appropriate advice when and if changes are desirable

• ensure that disciplinary and grievance procedures are known and scrupulously observed, so that staff and volunteers are treated properly, fairly, equitably and without partiality, and within legal guidelines, taking professional advice as necessary

• oversee the maintenance of staff, volunteer and client records, including records of staff holidays and sickness absences, currently run through Timetastic.

Financial

• Support and oversee the fund-raising strategy to generate the necessary income to sustain the future running costs of the charity and any agreed major project costs

• oversee the careful control of running costs, and authorise purchases, within set budgets

• in coordination with the Honorary Treasurer, oversee the work of the charity’s Bookkeeper

• ensure that any changes affecting the monthly payroll run are promptly and accurately communicated to the Fundraising and Community Lead and Bookkeeper

• in coordination with the Honorary Treasurer, oversee the administration and membership of the charity’s pension scheme

• advise the Board of Trustees on the annual review of salaries

• in consultation with, and on behalf of, the Honorary Treasurer oversee financial management procedures so that charitable funds are properly managed and accounted for.

External Relationships

• work closely with stakeholders including Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council, West Mercia Police, local churches, local businesses, other local organisations, grant-making trusts and any other groups or individuals that support the aims and objectives of the charity.

• create a communications strategy to keep the charity in the forefront of the community’s consciousness, highlighting its successes and, when appropriate, its challenges

• act as the charity’s contact with the Charity Commission

• in coordination with the Chair and Treasurer, ensure that the Charity Commission is informed of all changes in Trustee membership as they occur, that the Annual Report and Accounts are submitted when due, and that relevant charity Commission Guidance is circulated to the Trustees

• represent the charity externally at events, forums and to local media as required.

 

In addition, the Charity Director will:

• attend regular meetings of the Trustees as and when required, to report on matters relating to the Ark and the shop, their staffs, volunteers and clients and to advise on new strategies, policies and procedures

• be required by the SCCA Trustees to undertake any other reasonable tasks or responsibilities within their competence.

 

To apply for this amazing job please email your CV and covering letter to Abbie@shrewsburyark.org.uk the closing date is January 31st 2025 at 12pm

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