Formed in 1998, and registered as a charity in 2000, The Friendly Trust helps vulnerable people with their money. We work in partnership with people who have disabilities, or disabling illnesses, their families, and carers to enable them to manage their money more effectively and end the distress and isolation caused by poverty, abuse, and debt. To date we have worked with over 3,200 people, and over the past 12 months we have supported 616 vulnerable individuals with their finances.

We believe that vulnerable people:

• Have the same value and status as everyone else.
• Have a right to make important decisions for themselves.
• Have a right to support from their families, communities and any other support which will help them achieve their wishes and goals.
• Have a right to influence and shape services and service delivery.

We provide accessible information and personalised, practical help to help people become more financially independent, improving the quality and security of their lives.

The Friendly Trust delivers the following primary activities:

• Help to manage money and debt.
• Support for people to claim the benefits they are entitled to by acting as their Appointee
• Practical support to people creating a lasting power of attorney, safeguarding their future.
• Advice for families on planning for the future of their loved one.
• Advice on making wills and setting up trust funds to benefit vulnerable loved ones.
• Manage trusts which benefit a vulnerable person.
• Act as Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection; and
• Support to reduce vulnerable people’s risk of financial abuse.

What does a Trustee do?

The people who sit on the Board are Trustees. The Board is a group of people who meet to advise on everything the Friendly Trust does, and they share responsibility for the company, making sure that it is being managed effectively, efficiently, ethically, equitably, and sustainably.

Eligibility and responsibilities 

Trustees must be at least 16 years old if the charity is a company or a CIO and must have the legal capacity to manage their own affairs. Individuals with unspent convictions for dishonesty or deception, undischarged bankrupts, and those disqualified from being company directors are ineligible unless a waiver is obtained.

Trustees must ensure the charity complies with its governing document and relevant laws. They should act with reasonable care and skill, avoid conflicts of interest, and use the charity’s resources to further its purposes.

Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper financial records and submitting annual accounts and reports to the Charity Commission. They must ensure fundraising activities are legal and ethical, participate in regular meetings, document decisions, and manage risks to the charity’s operations and reputation.

Trustees should have a good understanding of the charity’s work, its governing document, and relevant legal requirements. This knowledge helps them fulfil their duties effectively and ensures the charity is well-managed and compliant with all necessary regulations.

What are we looking for in our Trustees?

We want Trustees to bring commitment and enthusiasm for the work the Friendly Trust is doing to help vulnerable adults manage their finances. We want Trustees to be curious about how the charity is run, and who care about the things we care about – ensuring that equality, diversity, and inclusion lie at the heart of all our work and learning from the people we work with. We want Trustees who are pro-active and happy to stand up for our vision, and who will also be our critical friend.

We are looking for individuals who can contribute their time, skills, and experience to support our mission. Ideal candidates will have a passion for social justice and a desire to make a positive impact in the community. Trustees should be able to work collaboratively with other board members and staff and be willing to engage in fundraising and advocacy efforts. We value and encourage diverse perspectives and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. In particular we would value having people with the following skills on our Board – Legal, Financial, Human Resources, Social Care, Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Information and Communications Technology, Management and Governance, and Procurement.

Why be a Trustee?

Personal Growth and Development

As a trustee, you will have the chance to develop your leadership, strategic thinking, and financial management skills. This role also provides opportunities to connect with other professionals, expanding your network and opening doors to new possibilities. Additionally, you will gain valuable insights into various sectors and industries, broadening your knowledge and enriching your professional experience. We offer all trustees an induction into the charity and are happy to provide any relevant training. The skills and experience you gain as a trustee can significantly enhance your CV, paving the way for new career opportunities. Serving in this capacity also boosts your professional reputation and credibility, highlighting your commitment and expertise to potential employers and peers.

Making a Difference

Being a trustee means playing a crucial role in shaping the direction and success of an organization. Your contributions will directly support the organization’s mission and goals, allowing you to make a significant impact. Moreover, this role provides a chance to give back to your community and support causes that you are passionate about, making your efforts even more meaningful.

Personal Satisfaction

There is immense personal satisfaction in knowing that your efforts are making a positive impact. Being a trustee can provide a powerful sense of purpose and direction in your life, as you contribute to meaningful causes and witness the tangible results of your work.

For more information about what being a Trustee involves https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-commission-guidance

How often do Trustees meet?

Trustees will need to attend board meetings 5 times a year. These usually take place at the Friendly Trust office and online. Trustees can be based anywhere, and the Friendly Trust will cover expenses for travel to attend the meetings. Access support will be provided as required for anyone who has specific needs. Information of what will be reimbursed if you become a Trustee can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/payments-to-charity-trustees-what-the-rules-are

Trustees may also be asked to engage with the Friendly Trust’s work outside of the 5 meetings, such as reviewing specific documents, policies, and financial papers. We will always provide help and support for Trustees to ensure everyone can participate in decisions.

Applications

If you are interested in being considered for a Trustee position, all you need to do is send us short answers to the below questions.

• Your full name, address, email address, mobile number (and, if applicable, website; social media handles, etc)
• Why you would like to join our Board and what interests you about the position.
• How your experiences, both professional and lived, could help us to realise our vision.

We are actively seeking to expand the range of lived experiences, cultural perspectives and personal and professional interests in our Board and welcome applications from anyone who believes they have something to offer and who could be a passionate advocate for our work.

Video applications are also accepted – send your video of no more than 5 minutes covering the bullet points above. Please send your application to darren@friendlytrust.org.uk. Or, if you’re interested but not sure whether you want to apply, please feel free to contact Darren to arrange an informal chat, either with himself or with the Friendly Trust Chair of Trustees – Phillip Boshier.

This will be a rolling application process – applications will be reviewed as they arrive and those who have the desired experience, expertise and interest will be invited to interview immediately.

We’re thrilled to announce that the Friendly Trust is now not only a proud member of the Living Wage Foundation, ensuring fair pay for our staff, but we’ve also recently achieved Cyber Essentials accreditation!

This prestigious certification demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding our online systems and protecting the information entrusted to us. This means you can be confident that your data is secure when interacting with the Friendly Trust.

The Friendly Trust was started in 1998 with the aim of supporting individuals to manage their personal finances. The Friendly Trust has grown and is currently supporting over 550 people to become as independent as possible.

On Friday, 22^nd September we held an event at Channel View leisure centre to celebrate this milestone.

The participants of the Engagement Project worked incredibly hard to help our team get all the invites sent out and to make some lovely decorations for the party venue.

Brian and the other participants helped with some of the important jobs to prepare for the Party. Here, Brian is sticking labels on to envelopes to be sent out with the invitations.

Here are some of the party people that came to Channel View Leisure Centre to celebrate with us.

Here are some of the staff of the Friendly Trust helping with the organisation of the party.                                       And our delicious cake.

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Councillor Bablin Molik very kindly awarded certificates of Excellence to some of our Participants for “Giving your Regular Time and Work to make The Friendly Trust’s 25^th Anniversary Event so Special” to Roy, Julie and Brian. Peter and Darren will be given their certificates at a later date to say thank you.

We were all very pleased that everyone enjoyed themselves at the party, and are looking forward to the next 25 years of The Friendly Trust.