Heeley City Farm was founded in 1981 from a Heeley Residents Association idea – they wanted to see derelict plot of land transformed to make Heeley a better place to live. The Farm has become a cornerstone in the Heeley community, as well as for many people from further afield. As well as being a place for people and families to visit, the Farm provides opportunities for young people and for people with care needs.
Like many similar organisations, in recent months the Farm has faced an increasingly challenging financial position. Regrettably this has led to unavoidable redundancies and the suspension of some services. A turnaround plan is being implemented which will secure the Farm’s immediate future. A key part of this plan is the appointment of up to six new trustees, who together with the recently appointed chair, Dave Clarson, and longer-standing trustee, Graham Farrow, will form a new and re-energized board.
The role
Heeley City Farm is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Heeley City Farm’s trustees form the governing body for the charity and company. They are responsible for ensuring that the Farm fulfils its purpose, complies with its articles of association and the law, and manages its resources well. The trustees must always act in the Farm’s best interests, act with reasonable care and skill, and fulfil statutory accountability requirements.
More specifically, the trustees will oversee the implementation of the turnaround plan. Trustees will develop a longer term strategy for the Farm as an integral part of community development in Heeley, Meersbrook and Gleadless.
They will work closely with the Chief Executive, Stuart Gillis, as well as other managers and staff.
The trustees are unpaid, but can claim reasonable expenses.
Trustees must be at least 16 years old and must not be disqualified from being a charity trustee or company director.
Further information about the role of charity trustees can be found on the Charity Commission website.
Person specification
The Farm wishes to appoint trustees with a diversity of backgrounds, experience and skills. As well as a deeply held commitment to community development and tackling disadvantage and inequality, the new trustees will include people with:
- A passion for local communities
- Community and organisational development skills
- Commercial experience
- Finance, human resources and legal knowledge and experience
- Charity or equivalent governance experience
Applications
The Farm has asked Voluntary Action Sheffield to coordinate the search for the Farm’s new trustees.
If you are interested in becoming one of the trustees, please email HCFtrustees@vas.org.uk to request an application form, which will need to be returned to the same email by 5pm on Monday 6 February 2023.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with the Farm’s chair and two independent people, and the Farm’s chief executive.
The outcome will be reported to the Farm’s AGM on 28 February 2023, which will be asked to approve the appointment of the new trustees.
If you have any questions please ask by emailing HCFtrustees@vas.org.uk.
