A rare opportunity to help shape the future of a dynamic disability charity as it grows from county to national status, working mostly remotely
BuDS is seeking two Charity Co-Secretaries to join our charity trustee team. If you have strong governance skills and knowledge of charity management, this role will give you the opportunity to put your expertise to excellent use in supporting the growth of this unique, dynamic, and expanding user-led charity and disabled people’s organisation.
What Is BuDS?
Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS) is a leading disability charity operating across England. It is an independent pan-disability organisation which is not tied to Government, NHS or council contracts. Our visionary aim is to abolish disability by building a world which is Fair4All, free of the barriers which disable people. We are led by disabled people and committed to the social model of disability.
BuDS is evolving from a county charity to a national charity. This process began in 2020, when our work hugely expanded and became national in response to the Covid pandemic. Following approval from members in 2023, we aim in 2025-26 to change our name to ‘BuDS Disability Service’ and to formally re-brand ourselves as a national charity, alongside moving to Charitable Incorporated Organisation status. The role of Co-Secretary will be pivotal for the charity as it moves forward.
We have decided to recruit Co-Secretaries because we recognise that the role will be easier to manage if divided between two individuals. The Co-Secretaries will be Trustees of BuDS and will need to embody our values and ethos. BuDS values diversity and inclusion and encourages everyone who meets the needs of the role to apply, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Why Co-Secretaries?
We have decided to recruit Co-Secretaries because we recognise that the role will be easier to manage if divided between two individuals. Ideally, we would like to recruit Co-Secretaries with complementary skills and experience. At least one of the Co-Secretaries will need to have experience of Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs), as BuDS is changing its legal form to that of a CIO.
We are also seeking to recruit a Co-Treasurer, and later in 2025 we will be recruiting Co-Chairs to replace the current Chair who is standing down.
The Role of Co-Secretary
The role of Co-Secretary is expected to involve a time commitment of around 5-6 hours per week in total, split between the post-holders. BuDS works remotely and flexibly using Microsoft Teams, so much of the work can be done at your own pace at times which suit you best. Meetings are kept to a minimum as all the Trustees are busy people.
Split between the two Co-Secretaries, the four key responsibilities will be:
- The running of the Trustee Board & its meetings
- Arranging the Annual General Meeting and curating the Annual Report
- Liaison with the Charity Commission
- Supporting the move to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Additionally, depending on preference and availability, the post holder will have the opportunity to play a role in helping to define and set out the charity’s strategic objectives and vision and its strategic plan.
Experience And Skills
These are the skills and experience we think are needed for this role, divided between the two Co-Secretaries. We are keen to develop people’s knowledge and skills through training and mentoring.
- Understanding of charity governance and the role of charity secretary
- Experience and knowledge of supporting meetings and decision-making
- Knowledge about Charitable Incorporated Organisations (essential for one post-holder)
- Can use Microsoft Office 365 applications for remote working
- A flexible, positive, problem-solving and organised approach to tasks
- Commitment to the social model of disability (both roles)
- Lives in England (both roles)
How to Apply
To express a no-obligation interest, please e-mail volunteering@buds.org.uk with your CV or details of your experience and skills, and saying which of the 4 key responsibilities you think you could help with. If you’d prefer an informal chat first, please contact Andrew Clark, Chair of Trustees, on andrewc@buds.org.uk. You can also leave us a voicemail on 01494 211179.
Prospective Trustees join the charity as safeguarded volunteers and shadow the Trustee Board for a period of 2-3 months before being co-opted. This allows both the prospective Trustee and Board to make a fully informed and considered decision.
BuDS is an equal opportunity organisation, and disabled people are particularly encouraged to apply for this role.
BuDS is committed to safeguarding all those with whom it works. This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check on appointment. This will be arranged and paid for by BuDS. Character and professional references and a credit check will also be carried out.