Organisation
Morts Astley Heritage Trust
Damhouse
Astley
M29 7TX
Role and Opportunity Details (You must be 18+ to apply for this role)
Trustees
We are looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help us deliver our mission, and ensure the sustainability of the Historic Grade II* Building of Damhouse, and its surrounding in Astley for the present and future generations. Being such a small charity, with only 3 employees, we are looking for new trustees who can play an active role in achieving our mission, bringing skills, knowledge and passion to our Board.
To ensure the Board’s resilience, in addition to general trustees we are particularly interested in people to take up the following roles:
- Deputy Chair of the Board (to apply for this role see – VO10565).
- Deputy Treasurer (to apply for this role see – VO10566)
Specific Skills Required
In terms of the two roles, prior Trustee experience is desirable but not essential as the successful candidates will have the benefit of learning the roles under the mentorship of the current Chair and Treasurer. Some prior operational financial knowledge/experience would be required for the Deputy Treasurer role, and governance for the Deputy Chair role.
Person Specification for all roles
- A commitment to the charity, its purpose and mission.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An ability to think creatively.
- An ability to express one’s opinion in a constructive manner.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Be willing to undertake any required training in your role, particularly with respect to the Legal duties of a Trustee per the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
Benefits of Volunteering with this organisation
In 1994, the North West Regional Health Authority announced their intention to sell Astley Hospital as a site for housing development, which would have included felling the trees and converting Damhouse into apartments. In response, a group of local residents formed Morts Astley Heritage Trust with the aim of retaining access to the open green space and preserving the historic building.
Today, over 30 years later, Grade II*-listed Damhouse and its woodland are very popular with the residents of Astley and the surrounding areas providing a place to enjoy a visit to Merly’s Tea Room, stroll around the woods or participate in the regular exercise classes and community events. The Trust also supports local employment by leasing offices to local businesses. Being a Board Trustee you are part of the team that will use their creativity to preserve and protect this wonderful building and woodland for another 30 years and beyond. You will learn about preserving the heritage, protecting the green space, and be involved in creative thinking to attract an even broader demographic of people to the estate.
For the successful candidate with no prior trustee experience the role offers an excellent opportunity to learn the basics of charity governance and financial management to equip you for Board roles.
For the 2 Deputy roles there is an opportunity to work under the mentorship of the current Chair and Treasurer to strengthen your skills to be the potential new Chair and Treasurer in due course.
Holding many different fundraising events during the year, for example the 1940’s weekend, the Easter Egg Hunt and the Christmas Carol Concert, there are also many opportunities to get involved and have fun with the rest of the team
Level of commitment required
Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity.
Date(s) / Time(s) Required
The MAHT Trustee Board usually meets in the mornings for approximately 2 hours (9.30 am – 11.30 am), every 4-6 weeks. You will also need to attend other meetings if you’re involved in specific projects, or support events. This can equate on average to 1-2 days a month.
Volunteer Opportunity Number
VO10563 (please make a note of this ‘VO’ number if applying for this role).
