Treasurer and new Trustees The Gestalt Centre

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Treasurer and new Trustees The Gestalt Centre

Join the Board of The Gestalt Centre as a Treasurer or a new Trustee, and help shape their ambitious growth strategy with the life-changing approach to counselling, psychotherapy and organisational development - applications from first time Trustees are very welcome.

• Closing date: Interviews will be held in June 2025

Who we are

Gestalt inspires The Gestalt Centre Strategy, and as such, it is about enhancing connections and relationships with:

• ourselves, as people and colleagues
• each other, as we work collaboratively and grow together
• our organisation, as it develops and thrives
• the environment within which we operate

It aims to strengthen, flex and grow The Gestalt Centre as a 'soulful' organisation with good business sense. 'Soulful' as we deeply and sincerely connect to our values, vision and work and with 'good business sense' for sustainable growth.

We're deeply committed to Gestalt theory and practice. We strongly believe that Gestalt is a positive force for change and that it can empower people to live life to the full by improving their communication, helping them to manage conflict and develop their creativity. At the heart of the Gestalt approach is:

• respect and appreciation for individuals, diversity and difference
• a belief that we are all connected
• valuing of the awareness of self and others with integrity and honesty

Gestalt is a highly positive and practical integrative therapeutic approach. Broadly, Gestalt practitioners help people focus on their immediate thoughts, feelings, and behaviour and better understand how they relate to others. This increased awareness can help people find a new perspective, see the bigger picture, and start to effect changes.

The Gestalt Centre is a registered charity with a Board of Trustees and a Board of Directors. The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the organisation carries out its purposes and for overall planning and good governance. The Directors (executive and non-executive) make decisions about strategy, the running of the organisation and oversee the work of the Psychotherapy faculty, the Counselling faculty and the management team.

Purpose of the role

Trustees are legally responsible for all aspects of the Charity, including:

• agreeing the purpose and strategy
• ensuring the Charity is financially viable
• making sure a charity does what it was set up to, which includes making decisions about how it is run

Operational matters are delegated to the CEO and the Executive.

Who we are looking for

EDI is a strong value for us, as are the other values above. Perhaps refer to all our values above instead of just EDI.

We seek new Trustees who can strengthen our expertise in critical areas as we look to strengthen our Board to devise and deliver our ambitious plans. We are keen to hear from people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Events management - with the willingness to share the load, proactively support the Executive Team to organise a variety of events.
• Fundraising - proposed alternative:lead and coordinate the Board's fundraising activity to support more people from a range of backgrounds with their therapy training and therapy.
• Property- proposed alternative: with knowledge of the property world and lease management, you will provide professional advice as we face the renewal of our lease and want to explore all options regarding renewing/moving.
• Higher Education - experience related to therapy training and/or adult higher education with good ambassadorial skills and connections within the education sector.
• Marketing and Social Media- with expertise in marketing strategies, setting up digital marketing campaigns and overseeing technical marketing activities, including on social media to support marketing activity.

Treasurer

We are looking for a new Treasurer who brings more than just financial expertise. You will be a strategic thinker with good knowledge of charity accounting and the Charity SORP, who can help shape our future while ensuring sound financial management. You will bring commercial acumen to guide our financial strategy during a transformative period.

Working closely with the Board and executive team, you'll oversee our financial governance, reserve investment, and risk management while contributing your broader strategic insights and experience across all aspects of our work.

Time Commitment

Trustees: one day per month.

Treasurer role: two days per month.

You will:

• Attend an induction session at the Gestalt Centre
• Attend all board meetings. At the moment, this is five times a year, 6-8 p.m. at the Gestalt Centre, with discussions in between meetings over the phone and email. Papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings.
• Work on specific projects with the Executive as and when necessary
• Trustees may be asked to join a working group

The Treasurer will also liaise with and meet with the CEO and Finance Manager as required on financial matters to oversee the charity's financial performance and oversee and support the preparation of annual accounts.

For some candidates, it can be challenging to apply for a first-time Trustee role.

'Imposter syndrome' is the phrase often used to describe disbelief in one's accomplishments, doubting their legitimacy or whether they are truly a result of personal effort or skill.

Many superb candidates possessing extensive knowledge and experience often find themselves on the verge of applying for a position, such as this one. Yet, they pull back, due to self-doubt and the fear of not ticking every box. Ironically, these individuals often do possess the necessary skills and would be an ideal fit for the role.

Everyone has a unique skill set and set of experiences that make them who they are. We welcome applications from those looking for challenge and growth within this role. We are committed to supporting the right candidate to fulfil their potential.

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Grant Taylor