September 2024
Become a trustee
We are seeking trustees to help launch and support our new charity structure.
Petworth Community Garden was created for the community, by the community in 2005 and is currently a Community Interest Company No. 8824761. The core of our activities are delivered from our thriving permaculture designed, wildlife, organic community garden in the rural town of Petworth. We seek to support the wellbeing of low-income locals of all ages and abilities in our accessible, friendly and inclusive groups.
The volunteer role of trustee is to make sure the charity runs in the best interest of the garden and local people.
We are looking for local people to join us as trustee and are particularly keen to hear from residents of Petworth.
What would you do as a trustee?
You would commit to attending trustee meetings, around two hours every quarter plus your reading, thinking and preparing time for meetings. Our directors currently meet the first Tuesday of the month at 9am but going forward into a charity there will be a review of meeting days and time to meet new trustees’ needs.
At board meetings you would work collaboratively with the other trustees to discuss the garden’s high level plans and strategy. A lot of this could be behind the scenes discussions around areas of focus, planning recruitment of trustees or staff, and overseeing the garden’s finances. Our manager, fundraiser and bookkeeper will be available for support when needed. You will also help make sure the garden is compliant with its statutory duties and remains on mission.
We would expect you to come to our AGM in October and at least one planning day each year along with training twice a year.
You’ll also have an opportunity to get more involved in our work if you’d like to and have the time. We invite trustees to take part in sub-committees, task and finish groups to work on specific issues and to link to one of our work areas to gain experience of our work and support staff. We also encourage trustees to come along to our open day each year to help out, get to know our staff and volunteers better, and meet our beneficiaries.
In total we anticipate a time commit of around 20-30 hours a year.
What do you get from being a trustee?
Being a trustee is a rewarding experience where you will see the change that your decisions make to safeguard the garden and improve the lives of the people who use the garden and the local community.
How do you apply?
Please download the trustee recruitment pack for more information about the role.
Click here to download the Petworth Community Garden Trustee Pack.
If you have any questions, would like to chat or be shown around the garden please email: kate@petworthcommunitygarden.co.uk
If you’d like to step on board, please write to Kate Green, Petworth Community Garden Project Coordinator, at kate@petworthcommunitygarden.co.uk outlining your skills, experience and knowledge, why you are suitable for the role and why you’d like to be a trustee of Petworth Community Garden. You can also send your CV or link to your LinkedIn profile, if you have one.
