[Hiring] Legal Trustee @Focus Birmingham

Role Description

The Legal Trustee will play a vital role in ensuring that the charity complies with its statutory obligations and maintains a culture of integrity, transparency, and lawful conduct. This is a unique opportunity to apply your legal skills in a high-impact, purpose-led context helping to protect the charity’s long-term sustainability and the rights of the people we serve.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, the Legal Trustee shares collective responsibility for the governance, strategy, and sustainability of Focus Birmingham. In addition to these general duties, the Legal Trustee provides expert legal insight and guidance to the Board and executive team, ensuring the charity complies with relevant laws, maintains robust risk management, and adheres to best practice in governance and decision-making.

You will work closely with the Chair, Chief Executive Officer, and fellow Trustees, supporting key decisions across areas such as regulatory compliance, contracts, safeguarding, employment, and charitable governance.

Key Responsibilities

• General Trustee Duties
  • Ensure the charity complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and all relevant legislation or regulations.
  • Contribute to the development and monitoring of Focus Birmingham’s strategic direction and operational plans.
  • Act in the best interests, avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Uphold and champion the charity’s values, mission, and policies including those related to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.
  • Attend and participate actively in Board meetings (typically held quarterly), relevant sub-committees, and strategic events.
  • Maintain effective oversight of financial performance, risk, and governance quality.
  • Serve as a critical friend to the executive team, providing support, challenge, and encouragement.
• Legal Trustee-Specific Responsibilities
  • Act as the Board’s primary source of legal expertise, offering high-level advice on legal, regulatory, and contractual matters.
  • Advise the Board on its responsibilities under charity, company, employment, data protection, and safeguarding law, among others.
  • Support the scrutiny of key contracts, leases, service agreements, and policies to ensure legal compliance and mitigate risks.
  • Guide the Board in managing disputes, liabilities, or potential legal actions, working with external counsel when needed.
  • Assist with drafting and reviewing governance policies, board terms of reference, delegated authorities, and codes of conduct.
  • Ensure the charity is prepared for regulatory inspections (e.g., Charity Commission, CQC) and supports compliance reporting.
  • Monitor emerging legal developments that may impact the charity and advise accordingly.

Qualifications

• Legal expertise in charity, company, and employment law.
• Experience in governance and compliance.
• Strong understanding of risk management and legal frameworks.

Requirements

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Opportunity to make a significant impact in the charity sector.
• Gain experience in governance and legal oversight.
• Work with a dedicated team committed to supporting individuals with visual impairments.