Voluntary Action Scotland (VAS)
Board Member Application Pack
Thank you for your interest in joining our Board of Directors. In this pack we have included;
-
An application form
VAS Strategic Aims
The Annual Report and Accounts for 2013-14
Biographies of current Board members
If you are interested in joining VAS’ Board please complete the application form and email to Ruth
Latusek ruth.latusek@vascotland.org by 5pm on Friday 11th September with ‘Director’s application’
in the email header or post to;
Voluntary Action Scotland
Robertson House
152 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4TB
A group of Board members will read your application carefully and invite people who have the skills
and qualities we are looking for to meet for an informal interview on the morning of Thursday 8th
October at Robertson House, 152 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4TB.
You can find out more about VAS on our website www.vascotland.org
If you would like to have an informal conversation with the Convenor, David Anderson please contact
Ruth Latusek on 0141 353 7318 / ruth.latusek@vascotland.org to arrange.
Thank you for your interest and we look forward to receiving your application.
Yours sincerely
David Anderson
Convenor
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Background Information
Information Pack
1.
Introduction
About VAS
Voluntary Action Scotland was set up in response to the needs of the emerging network of TSIs (Third Sector
Interfaces) in May 2009 to champion, connect and develop Scotland’s TSIs. We are run by a Board of trustees,
two-thirds of whom are elected by our membership (the TSIs) and up to one third of whom are appointed for
their skills, expertise and commitment to the third sector.
We have over the last three year strategic plan built a highly rated programme of peer-led work that is growing a
strong, cohesive network better able to deliver for the third sector locally. Furthermore we have built a national
profile and reputation based on collaborative working across sectors, influencing and expertise derived from the
unique national – local connection we provide in third sector infrastructure. In 2015-18 we will champion,
connect and develop the network of TSIs.
With an independent Convenor in place VAS now wishes to recruit a further three independent Board members.
VAS is a charitable company governed by a Board of up to 12 Directors. Currently we have 8 member directors
elected from our membership; the 32 Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs). Our articles provide for up to 4 independent
directors (our independent Convenor, David Anderson was appointed in December 2013) and we now wish to fill
the 3 vacant places in order to strengthen our Board with external expertise and experience.
About TSIs
TSIs support and develop third sector activity locally in all its forms. There is one TSI in each of Scotland’s 32 local
authority areas. Like the third sector they serve, Scotland’s TSIs are diverse, reflecting local needs, priorities and
heritage. They are a mix of single agencies and partnerships all focussed on delivering four key functions which
form the bedrock of their role:
-
Developing volunteering
Supporting social enterprise
Supporting and developing voluntary and community organisations
Building the third sector relationship with community planning
TSIs are proud to promote youth volunteering and are supported by VAS and the Scottish Government to deliver
the Saltire Awards, celebrating the huge contribution of young volunteers in Scotland.
VAS knows, however, that TSIs contribute much more to Scotland’s social capital than these four functions.
Together TSIs and VAS are ambitious to develop our respective roles to build a Scotland based on fairness and
equity. Our Strategic Aims set out what we will do to contribute to this mission and collectively TSIs are
establishing revised outcomes to set out their contribution to a better Scotland.
You can find out more about VAS and the TSIs at www.vascotland.org.
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Background Information
2.
Role of the Board of Directors
The role of the Board of Directors is to manage the business of VAS at a strategic level including;
 To set the vision and strategy for VAS.
 To ensure compliance with legal and financial requirements.
 To manage, safeguard and protect the assets and resources of VAS and ensure that they are used only for
the purposes set out in the Articles of Association.
 To oversee the development and delivery of VAS Delivery Framework including monitoring and evaluation
of our work.
 To manage and safeguard the reputation of VAS and oversee external and stakeholder relations.
 From time to time undertake representation tasks by agreement with the Chief Executive.
VAS operates to a Scheme of Delegated Authority to clarify the role of Board members, Officer Bearers and the
Chief Executive.
3.
Board Member Recruitment Process
It is the responsibility of the VAS Board of Directors to appoint new Independent Directors. A group of Directors
undertakes a recruitment process and draws up a shortlist of potential Directors from the applications received.
They will conduct a semi-formal interview.
We will achieve this by looking at applicants’ skills and experience in relation to the person specification (section 5
below).
Independent Directors serve for an indicative 3 years (up to a maximum of 6 years) and are formally reappointed
each year at a Board meeting following the AGM (usually in October). VAS’ Member Directors are elected
annually at the AGM.
4.
Director’s Person Specification
If you would like to join our Board you must have the following general skills and qualities:
1. Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Directors of a voluntary organisation and of good
governance.
2. A genuine interest in supporting the third sector and the TSIs in particular.
3. Knowledge of the challenges of working in the third sector, particularly where this relates to partnership
working with the statutory sector.
We are keen to hear from applicants with knowledge and commitment to the third sector but need not
necessarily be from a third sector background. It is anticipated that those appointed will come from a variety of
backgrounds.
As a Director of VAS you will act in the interests of VAS and you will have oversight and responsibility for all
aspects of VAS governance and strategy.
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Background Information
Other requirements
You must be over 18 years and live in the United Kingdom.
We are unable to consider applications from individuals who would be disqualified from being a Director by the
relevant Companies and Charities Acts 2006 including anyone who has been convicted of a crime of deception or
dishonesty unless the conviction is spent.
5.
Time commitment
At the present time the Board meets every 3 months on Thursday mornings at 10.00 to 12.30 approximately. This
is reviewed by the newly elected Board every year following each AGM. Papers are usually sent out a week in
advance.
As well as preparing for and attending Board meetings you may take on additional responsibilities. This will either
involve being a member of one of our two Standing Committees, the Standard, Quality and Impact Group (SQIG)
and the Saltire and Youth Development Standing Committee, or you may become involved in supporting the work
of staff where you have particular expertise. This additional time commitment involves occasional meetings and
phone or email contact with VAS staff.
6.
Expenses
Directors are not paid for their duties. You can claim reasonable costs of travel to and from meetings and other
VAS events.
7.
Acting as a Director
Please note that Directors serve on the Board in a personal capacity and cannot use the position to represent the
interests of any other organisation.
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Background Information
VAS Board Member Application Form
Name
Address
Daytime phone number
Email address
What is your current job?
Where did you find out about
this position?
Please tell us about any Board positions you currently hold.
Referee
Please give the name and contact details of someone we can contact if we need a reference. We will not
contact this person without telling you first.
Name
Address
Phone number
Email address
Relationship
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Application Form
Supporting Statement
Please tell us briefly why you would like to join the Board of VAS, including relevant experience and skills.
Remember we are looking for people who have:
-
Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of Directors of a voluntary organisation and of good
governance.
A genuine interest in supporting the third sector and the TSIs in particular.
Knowledge of the challenges of working in the third sector, particularly where this relates to partnership
working with the statutory sector.
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Application Form
Declaration
I declare that to the best of my knowledge the information contained within this form is accurate and true.
I declare that I have not been disqualified from being a company director or charity director under company or
charity law and I do not have an unspent conviction of a crime of deception or dishonesty.
Signature*
Date
*if you return this form by email, we will ask you to sign it if you come and meet us for an informal interview.
Please return ruth.latusek@vascotland.org or by post to: Voluntary Action Scotland, Robertson House,
152 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4TB.
Applications must be received no later than 5pm on Friday 11th September.
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