Background
Since 1922, The Poppy Factory has supported veterans with health conditions back into employment. The first veterans were the wounded, injured and sick from the First World War and a factory was established in Richmond for them to make Remembrance poppies and other commemorative items.
Today the charity continues to provide paid employment in the factory for ex-Servicemen and women but its support for veterans now reaches far beyond Richmond and into communities across all of England and Wales. Each year we help hundreds of veterans with health challenges to secure a job and thrive in the workplace, wherever they are. Our team, including dedicated employment consultants, provide a specialised employment support service as well as helping veterans pursue a wider range of purposeful activities, including training and volunteering.
We are at an exciting time in the evolution of our veteran services, using evidence-based research and learning from the rigorous monitoring and evaluation of our community-based activities. We work collaboratively with partners in the NHS, in supported housing and the wider military charity sector, to expand the reach of our service and continue the important work of supporting veterans on their journey into employment.
The Role
We are now seeking trustees who can help deliver the work of The Poppy Factory and, in particular, can offer experience and expertise in the areas of service delivery (employment experience desirable) and income generation. Within the latter, we are interested in candidates with entrepreneurial and business experience who can help us explore our options on site and maximise new sources of earned income.
Main tasks
- To help formulate and regularly review the strategic aims of the organisation and to ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims.
- To ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
- To provide scrutiny and support to the senior executive and management team.
- To be an ambassador for the Poppy Factory, working in accordance with its vision and values.
- To fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Council.
Commitment
The Poppy Factory has up to twelve trustees, elected on a rolling three-year basis, for a maximum of 9 years’ service. There are 4 Council (Board) meetings each year and these take place in person in January, March, June and September. There are three Committees: People and Programmes; Finance and Estates; and Income Generation and Communications. Each committee meets four times a year, either in person or virtually, and Trustees are expected to serve as members of at least one committee. Trustees are also expected to attend the annual Field of Remembrance ceremony at Westminster Abbey which takes place in early November.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion within our workforce, and this extends to our trustees and volunteers. As an equal opportunities’ employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups. We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds who may bring different perspectives. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.
How to apply
To apply please provide a CV and covering letter, addressed to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, indicating why you are interested in The Poppy Factory and the contribution you would be able to make. Please submit via the online application process.
Click here to apply for the role of Trustee at The Poppy Factory
