About Us
Fusion Maidstone is a community focused charity and Healthy Living Centre based in Park Wood, one of the most deprived areas in Maidstone. We exist to reduce health inequalities, improve wellbeing and strengthen community connection. Through a blend of drop-in support, social programmes, youth and family activities, community events and accessible facilities, Fusion offers a safe, welcoming hub for local people. Our work is practical, people-centred and deeply grounded in the needs of the community we serve.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Contribute to the development and oversight of the charity’s vision, mission, values, and strategic plan.
- Ensure that the charity’s activities are aligned with its charitable purposes and deliver demonstrable public benefit.
- Monitor organisational performance and impact against agreed objectives.
- Support the long-term sustainability and development of the organisation.
Governance and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, charity law, company law, and other relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Uphold the highest standards of governance, integrity, and accountability.
- Ensure effective systems, policies, and controls are in place.
Financial Stewardship
- Ensure the charity’s assets, resources, and reputation are protected and managed responsibly.
- Review and approve budgets, management accounts, annual accounts, and financial plans.
- Ensure appropriate financial controls, risk management, and internal assurance processes are in place.
- Support the development of sustainable income and fundraising activities.
Oversight of Leadership and Performance
- Support, challenge, and hold the Chief Executive and senior leadership team accountable for delivery of agreed objectives.
- Contribute to the recruitment, appraisal, remuneration, and succession planning of senior leadership where appropriate.
- Ensure organisational risks are identified, monitored, and managed effectively.
External Representation
- Act as an ambassador for the charity and promote its mission and values.
- Support relationship-building with beneficiaries, funders, partners, regulators, and other stakeholders.
- Enhance the charity’s profile, influence, and reputation.
Legal Duties
As a Charity Trustee
Trustees are required to:
- Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit.
- Comply with the charity’s governing document and applicable law.
- Act solely in the charity’s best interests.
- Manage the charity’s resources responsibly.
- Act with reasonable care and skill.
- Ensure the charity remains accountable and transparent.
As a Company Director
Directors are required to:
- Act within their powers and in accordance with the Articles of Association.
- Promote the success of the charitable company in pursuit of its charitable purposes.
- Exercise independent judgement.
- Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence.
- Avoid conflicts of interest.
- Not accept benefits from third parties that could influence decision-making.
- Declare interests in proposed transactions or arrangements.
Induction, Support and Development
The charity is committed to ensuring that Trustees are equipped to fulfil their responsibilities effectively and confidently.
Upon appointment, Trustees will receive a structured induction programme, including:
- An introduction to the charity’s mission, values, strategic priorities, governance structure, and key activities.
- Meetings with fellow Trustees, the Chair, Chief Executive, and members of the senior leadership team.
- Access to key governance documents, including the Articles of Association, Board policies, strategic plan, annual reports, financial statements, and recent Board papers.
- An overview of the charity’s financial position, funding model, risk management arrangements, and regulatory responsibilities.
Trustees will be expected to participate in ongoing learning and development throughout their term of office. The charity will support access to governance and leadership training, including resources and programmes provided by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and other recognised sector bodies.
Trustees will be encouraged to undertake trustee induction and governance training during their first year and to maintain up-to-date knowledge of:
- Charity governance and trustee responsibilities.
- Financial oversight and risk management.
- Safeguarding and duty of care.
- Equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Fundraising regulation and ethical practice.
- Relevant legal and regulatory developments.
The Board will periodically review its effectiveness and identify individual and collective development needs.
Person Specification
Essential
- Commitment to the charity’s mission, values, and objectives.
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn, the responsibilities of charity trusteeship and company directorship.
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
- Ability to analyse information, assess risk, and contribute to informed decision-making.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Integrity, discretion, and commitment to high standards of governance.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a Board while providing constructive challenge.
- Commitment to participating in induction, training, and ongoing trustee development.
Desirable
Knowledge, expertise, or senior experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Finance, audit, or accountancy
- Legal and regulatory compliance
- Human resources and organisational development
- Fundraising and income generation
- Marketing, communications, and public relations
- Digital and technology
- Public policy and advocacy
- Service delivery relevant to the charity’s mission
- Risk management and governance
The Board is particularly interested in candidates who bring diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences that will strengthen the effectiveness and inclusivity of the organisation.
Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to:
- Attend approximately 6 Board meetings each year.
- Attend the Annual General Meeting.
- Participate in relevant Board committees or working groups where required.
- Review Board papers and prepare adequately for meetings.
- Attend occasional strategic planning sessions, stakeholder events, training, and networking activities.
Estimated commitment: approximately 8–12 days per year.
Term of Office
Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three years and may be reappointed in accordance with the Articles of Association and Board succession arrangements.
Remuneration
The role is voluntary and unpaid. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in carrying out trustee duties may be reimbursed in accordance with the charity’s expenses policy.
Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible to serve as both a charity trustee and company director under applicable UK law and must not be subject to any statutory disqualification.
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Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stage of recruitment, specific measure can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs. Fusion are committed to the Disability Confident charter. We actively recruit staff and volunteers who have lived experience. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create a trauma-informed, person-centred environment, where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed.