We are seeking new Trustees to help guide our next chapter. We are particularly keen to hear from people with experience in fundraising, finance, property, charity management, or with lived experience that reflects the voices of our members. We also warmly welcome applications from younger people, those from UKME/Global Majority Heritage backgrounds, and people with disabilities, who are currently under-represented on our Board. This is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills and insights to strengthen a much-loved community charity and shape its future.

1. ABOUT KATHERINE LOW SETTLEMENT

Katherine Low Settlement is a much-loved, busy charity that has been at the heart of the
community in Battersea, South West London, since 1924. Our recent-released
documentary, The Heart of Battersea – 100 Years of Katherine Low Settlement, brings our
century of work to life through the voices of members, staff and volunteers.
We support local older people and children, young people and their families from
sanctuary-seeking backgrounds. With an annual turnover of around £1m, our small team
of 32 mostly part-time staff, along with over 120 volunteers run a range of our own
community services. We campaign for social change and we support other charities and
communities to thrive. Our building is used for community activities and events by
over 500 people a week, and our rooms are available for hire at affordable rates. KLS is
funded from supporters, trusts and foundations which enable us to achieve our goal to
reduce poverty and isolation and bring Battersea together.
The Settlement is situated on Orville Street and Battersea High Street and aims to serve
the communities of SW11 and SW8, which includes areas of significant deprivation
alongside some of the most prosperous neighbourhoods in the country. Its vision is to
bring people together, to discover a common humanity in the process and to work together
for some of the most vulnerable people in London.

2. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees is the legal guardian of Katherine Low Settlement to ensure that
KLS complies with its governing document (Memorandum and Articles of Association),
charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for directing the Settlement’s strategy and vision, for
overseeing the work of its Chief Executive and Staff, and for settling policy, administering
its finance and offering advice and support in the delivery of services. The board is
currently made up of seven serving members, and has vacancies for up to three new
Trustees, to a maximum of ten. Trustees are appointed by the Annual General Meeting for
a period of three years, renewable by mutual agreement.
Gaps we’re looking to fill
The Trustees have identified gaps in its membership in terms of experience of fundraising,
finance, property, charity management and the voice of Settlement members. The board
also recognises that it lacks diversity and lived experience, particularly in representation by
UKME/Global Majority Heritage people, younger people and those with disabilities. Most of
all we are looking for willing and able trustees who are aligned with our vision, mission and
values and who are committed to this local community of Battersea.

4. RECRUITING TRUSTEES WITH PARTICULAR EXPERIENCES

As part of a regular process of self-audit, the Trustees have identified a particular need to

recruit Trustees with experience of:

• Fundraising – from the perspective of either charitable trusts or high net worth

individuals or both, to help maximise our chances of success in fundraising activities

• Finance – to be a second finance Trustee, in addition to the Treasurer
• Property and general management – to help us to maintain, refurbish and develop

plans for our historic building

• Charity experience* – to bring knowledge of financial and operational management in

that sector

• Lived experience* - Ensuring the perspective of volunteers, members and alumni is

represented in decision making
Although the Board is very effective, it lacks significant diversity, which diminishes its
capacity to be even more effective. The Trustees would therefore particularly welcome
interest from those from UKME/Global Majority Heritage backgrounds, younger people and
people with disabilities, all of which are under-represented on the Board.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Ability to contribute to the strategic vision and direction of KLS
• Ability to work as an active and vocal part of the Trustee board
• Effective communicator – both verbal and written
• Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries
• Committed to KLS’s mission, vision and values and its work
• Knowledge of Battersea / Wandsworth
  No prior experience is needed. Full training and support will be given.

Trustees are expected to:

• Formulate and review regularly the strategic aims of the Settlement in accordance with

its legal objects, and to ensure the policy and practices of the Settlement are in keeping

with its aims.

• Monitor the performance of the charity against the agreed strategic aims.
• Ensure that the Settlement functions within the legal and regulatory requirements of a

charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.

• Act as guardians of the charity’s assets, tangible and intangible, taking all due care

over their security, deployment and proper application.
Within that broad responsibility, shared among the Trustees, the main tasks and
accountabilities include: