TRUSTEE RECRUITMENTPACK
Thank you for reading this information pack for the position of Trustee at the Charlotte Straker Project.
Our Vision
Empowering elderly individuals in Northumberland to live life to the fullest with dignity, independence, and exceptional care.
Our Mission
To provide outstanding care and support to elderly and infirm members of our community in the Tynedale area (and wider Northumberland), ensuring their needs are met through high quality accommodation, nursing, and rehabilitation in a compassionate and homely setting.
Our Values - “FAMILY”
Our Services
Charlotte Straker House is a 32-bed care home based in the Northumbrian village of Corbridge operated by the Charlotte Straker Project, a registered charity (Charity Number:1021086) serving the local community.
The home opened in 1992 and is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator of health and social care in England, to provide accommodation and personal and nursing care for adults.
Our last CQC inspection took place on the 15th of October 2020, the inspection report published on the 19th of November 2020 gave the home an overall rating of ‘Good’, with ‘Outstanding’ in well-led. CQC last reviewed the home on the 6th of July 2023 and confirmed that this rating remains unchanged.
The registration confirms we can meet the needs of people who are living with dementia or memory deficits, and those who have sensory loss. We are unable to provide services and accommodation for people living with severe dementia illnesses, or behaviours that challenge, that we are unable to care for safely. We can also offer end-of-life care and short term respite care.
We also provide eight supported living bungalows in the grounds of Charlotte Straker House.
Our philosophy is very much based around providing a comfortable, homely, family environment promoting independence and choice whilst maintaining privacy, dignity, and safety. All 32 rooms within our home offer ensuite facilities with details of available room types, ranging from Standard to Premium.
Alongside these rooms Charlotte Straker House also offers the following facilities:
Hairdressing facilities available twice a week (not included in fees)
Lounges on ground and first floors
Dining room on the ground floor leading to outside decking area
Wet room and bathroom with accessible bath for assisted bathing on the ground floor
Bathroom with accessible bath for assisted bathing on the first floor with an integrated jacuzzi
On-site laundry facilities
Accessible beautiful gardens, outside decking and summer house
On-site parking facilities for residents and visitors
Activities that are undertaken on all floors
Our Community Respite Care Bed provides short term free of charge respite care for those over 65 years of age, who live in Northumberland. Our respite care bed (apart from a break due to Covid) has been in constant use with 100% occupancy and has been a lifeline to hard pressed carers throughout our catchment who needed a break from their caring responsibilities.
Our Charitable Objectives
Our not for profit care home has the following charitable objectives:
The provision of fully funded rooms each year for local authority residents where required. One of our main charitable objectives is to provide care needed by residents, no matter an individual’s financial means. We therefore raise funds to cover the “fee shortfall” between the cost of care per resident per room and the payment made by the local authority. Most residents wish to stay in their community, close to their family and friends, but many cannot afford care home fees. The shortfall in Local Authority fees is the difference between Northumberland County Council’s residential fee rate and what it costs our care home to provide the care and accommodation. As part of our charitable mission we pay this for those residents who lack means and whose families are unable to help by contributing a 3rd party top up to the LA fees. The shortfall continues to be a significant expense for the charity.
The provision of a fully funded free of charge community respite care bed for the community. Our Community Respite Care Bed based provides short term free of charge respite care for those over 65 years of age, who are frail, unwell and/or have other complex conditions who live in the Northumberland. This Respite Care Bed service costs £60,000 a year and is completely funded through charitable donations and grants. Our respite care bed (apart from a break due to Covid) has been in constant use with 100% occupancy and has been a lifeline to hard pressed carers throughout the Northumberland who needed a break from their caring responsibilities.
The provision of a high quality activities and outings programme and up to date facilities. Any surplus income made is reinvested in our care home, for the benefit of our residents. This ensures access to top-notch facilities and stimulating activities and outings and we also have a rolling refurbishment programme for our rooms and gardens.
All residents, regardless of funding designation (Local Authority, SelfFunded, Nursing or Continuing Healthcare), benefit from our charitable status. Our high staffing levels, well-trained staff, excellent equipment, quality facilities and strong governance combine to deliver an excellent t d d f d lit f lif
We always felt so fortunate that Mum was able to go to Charlotte Straker. We had absolute confidence in the exemplary level of care and we’re so grateful for everything that was done for Mum.
Family member of previous resident
Role Description
Title: Reports to:
Purpose:
Trustee
Chair of Trustees
Base and Hours:
Key Responsibilities:
Trustees are responsible for the strategic oversight, governance and long-term vision of the charity. They ensure the organisation is well-managed, legally compliant, financially sound, and delivering the best possible outcomes for residents and the wider community. Approx. 6–8 board meetings per year + occasional subcommittee or project support
Trustees are responsible for providing strong governance and strategic direction, ensuring the charity always operates in line with its mission, values and charitable objectives. They help shape long-term plans, monitor performance, and ensure the highest standards of care, safety and compliance are maintained. Trustees also oversee the charity’s financial health by approving budgets, reviewing accounts, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance including Charity Commission requirements and CQC standards and making sure all resources are used responsibly and in the best interests of residents.
Person Specification
We are looking for individuals who are committed to the charity’s purpose and resident wellbeing, and who are willing to uphold the highest standards of governance, integrity, and ethical decision-making. Trustees should be able to think strategically, communicate effectively, work well as part of a team, and feel confident constructively challenging and asking difficult questions when needed. The role requires the ability to understand financial, operational, or regulatory information (with training available where helpful), along with the time to prepare for and attend meetings and occasional events.
What We Offer
Full induction and ongoing training
A supportive and committed Board of Trustees
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to residents, families and the wider community
A chance to contribute your skills and experience to a well-loved and valued local charity
Key Responsibilities
Main Objectives and Responsibilities of a Trustee
1. Governance & Strategy
Ensure the charity operates in line with its mission, values and charitable objectives.
Contribute to the development of long-term strategy and oversee its implementation.
Monitor performance and ensure high standards of care, safety and compliance.
2. Legal & Financial Oversight
Ensure the charity complies with charity law, Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, and all relevant legislation.
Oversee financial management, approving budgets, accounts and major decisions.
Ensure resources are used responsibly and in the best interests of residents.
3. Risk & Safeguarding
Identify and manage key risks, including safeguarding, quality of care, finance, and governance.
Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation.
4. Support & Challenge
Provide constructive challenge to the CEO and senior leadership team. Act as a “critical friend,” supporting the team while holding the charity to account.
Champion transparency, fairness, and ethical decision-making.
5. Representation & Advocacy
Promote the charity within the community and act as an ambassador for our work.
Support fundraising, partnerships and strategic relationships where appropriate.
6. Board Participation
Attend meetings regularly and prepare in advance by reading papers and reports.
Serve on sub-committees or short-term working groups if required. Contribute actively, respectfully and collaboratively to discussions and decisions.
Person Specification
Essential
Commitment to the charity’s purpose and resident wellbeing.
Willingness to uphold the highest standards of governance and integrity. Ability to think strategically and make balanced, informed decisions. Good communication and teamwork skills.
Willingness to constructively challenge and ask difficult questions when needed.
Ability to understand financial, operational or regulatory information (training can be provided).
Availability to commit time to meetings, preparation and occasional events.
Desirable
Skills or experience in any of the following areas:
Health and social care
Finance / accountancy
HR / workforce
Legal / compliance
Fundraising / income generation
Marketing / communications
Property / estates
Governance or charity management
Experience of working with or supporting older people. Local community knowledge or networks.
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in joining the board at the Charlotte Straker Project.
To arrange an informal discussion with the Chair please contact our office team on 01434 633999 or email office@charlottestraker.org.uk
To apply, please submit CV and covering letter to office@charlottestraker.org.uk or post to:
The Charlotte Straker Project Charlotte Straker House Cookson Close Corbridge NE45 5HB
We will review all applications and in due course and candidates will be contacted to arrange meeting.
We look forward to receiving your application.