Energy Solutions is looking to strengthen its Trustee team Would you like to become an Energy Solutions Trustee? Energy Solutions is a small charity which works to promote the sustainable use of energy and reduce fuel poverty. Due to changes in our management committee we are currently recruiting for up to four Trustees for the following roles. -

1 x Honorary Treasurer 3 x Trustees (non specific role)

Skills & Experience A recent skills review has identified the need for candidates with skills and experience in the following areas;       

Finance and accounting. Fundraising. Contracts & Tendering Health and well-being related to housing and social care Renewable/sustainable energy technologies Housing Associations Energy Supply Companies

Trustees are expected to:     

Bring skills to the organisation that will support the charity in its mission to reduce fuel poverty and support the improved use of energy in buildings. Act in an independent and impartial manner at all times. Attend quarterly board meetings, held in Wembley, London. Participate actively in at least one other activity or committee. Work on a voluntary, unpaid basis, although reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Applicants must have a willingness to commit 4-6 days annually to the charity which includes preparation and attendance at 4 Board and some additional time supporting specific actions. If you would be interested in taking on such a role please complete and submit the accompanying Trustee application form by the closing date. Applications will be reviewed by the current Board in March 2014 with a view to appointment in April 2014. If would like to find out more about the organization and what’s involved please contact Matthew Sheen the Chief Executive for an informal chat.

[email protected] 020 8201 4362 Below is some additional information about the charity, its management committee and the role of a trustee.

About Energy Solutions Energy Solutions is a not for profit organisation with over 13 years experience in fighting fuel poverty and promoting energy efficiency awareness. Since our creation we have worked on a variety of projects assisting individuals, schools, community groups and businesses to reduce their energy consumption and ensure the most vulnerable have access to adequate levels of thermal comfort at affordable prices. We work across North West London but our main geographic focus is within the London borough of Brent. Within Brent we work in partnership with Brent Council and a variety of public and 3rd sector agencies, The current focus of our work is on tackling the growing problem of fuel poverty and fuel debt helping to promote and deliver the Government’s new Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) program to improve the energy efficiency of the built environment. We also run a small energy consultancy service which advises architects, developers and building contractors on how to reduce energy consumption and improve sustainability in the design of new buildings and refurbishment of existing buildings. Our services include planning energy statements, Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM assessments, PassivHaus compliance, assessment and certification, as well as assessments, calculations and certification for SBEM, SAP, Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Display Energy Certificates (DECs).

Energy Solutions Management Committee Energy Solutions is a registered charity and limited company. Its management committee members are referred to as Trustees and the Trustees also act as the registered Directors of the company. The management committee should be made up of a minimum of 6 members whom meet quarterly to review performance and financial position of the charity, plan strategy and advise on operational and legal matters. The Chief Executive is responsible for the day to day running of the charity and reports to the board. Brent Council was integral to the establishment of the charity and continues to provide core funding for its activities by way of two service level agreements. Within the constitution of the charity, Brent Council has the right to appointment one member of its executive to sit on the management committee.

Current Management Committee is; Chairman: Anthony Dunn (Former Brent Cllr) Cllr Margaret McLennan (Brent Lead Member for Housing) Robert Pollock (HM Treasury) Jackie Peacock (Chief Executive of Brent Renters4you) Other members but not with no voting rights Company Secretary: Michael Read (Asst Director Environment & Neighborhood Services Brent Council) Chief Executive: Matthew Sheen (Full time employee responsible for the day to day running of Energy Solutions and reports to the board) Role of the Trustee The role of the trustee is in ensuring the organization;     

is meeting it charitable aims and objectives, its resources and assets are well managed its is legally compliant in activities Advise on operational matters Plan and advise on future organisational strategy

The minimum commitment is to attend 4 quarterly meetings plus some time preparing for meetings. However we encourage all trustees to use their skills, experience and contacts to provide additional support to the charity. All trustees are covered by All Risks Trustees indemnity policy. Please see the following websites for more information on the work we do.

www.energysolutions.org.uk www.keepwarmandhealthy.org.uk www.greenerbrent.org.uk

Additional Information The following report is available to download for free from the Charity Commission website and provides further guidance on the role of a Trustee. The Essential Trustee – What you need to know