St Francis Dogs Home is seeking a knowledgeable and committed Volunteer Solicitor Trustee to join our Board of Trustees. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified legal professional to use their expertise to support the governance and strategic direction of a well-established animal welfare charity dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs in need.
As our Solicitor Trustee, you will provide legal insight and guidance to the Board, helping to ensure the charity operates within the law, manages risk effectively and upholds the highest standards of governance. While you will not be expected to provide day-to-day legal services, your strategic advice will help safeguard the charity's interests and support informed decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic legal advice and guidance to the Board of Trustees.
- Support the charity in maintaining compliance with relevant charity, employment, contract and data protection legislation.
- Advise on governance matters, ensuring the charity meets its legal and regulatory obligations.
- Review and provide guidance on legal documents, policies and agreements where appropriate.
- Help identify and manage legal risks affecting the charity and recommend appropriate actions.
- Support the Board in ensuring decisions are made in accordance with the charity's governing document and applicable legislation.
- Promote good governance, ethical practice and accountability throughout the organisation.
- Attend regular Trustee Board meetings and contribute to strategic discussions and decision-making.
- Act as an ambassador for St Francis Dogs Home, supporting its mission, values and charitable objectives.
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who has:
- A current practising certificate or previous qualification as a Solicitor in England and Wales.
- A good understanding of charity law, governance and legal compliance, or a willingness to apply transferable legal knowledge to the charity sector.
- Experience advising on areas such as contracts, employment law, data protection, property or regulatory matters would be advantageous.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess legal risk and provide practical, proportionate advice.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain legal matters clearly to non-legal colleagues.
- Sound judgement, integrity and a commitment to good governance.
- An interest in supporting animal welfare and the work of St Francis Dogs Home.
- Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential, as induction and ongoing support will be provided.
What You'll Gain
- The opportunity to use your legal expertise to make a meaningful difference to the lives of rescue dogs.
- Experience of charity governance and strategic leadership.
- The chance to work alongside a passionate and dedicated Board of Trustees.
- The satisfaction of supporting a respected local charity in achieving its long-term goals.
- Opportunities to broaden your experience within the charitable sector while contributing your professional skills to an important cause.
If you are passionate about using your legal expertise to support good governance and animal welfare, we'd love to hear from you. Join St Francis Dogs Home as our Volunteer Solicitor Trustee and help ensure the charity continues to thrive, protect its mission and make a lasting difference to the lives of dogs in need.
Please email [email protected] for an informal chat.
Pay: £1.00 per year
Work Location: Remote
