Information / application for prospective new Trustees - 2026
WHO WE ARE
The Harmony Centre (“Harmony”) is a local Bridport charity that works “for the relief of persons suffering from, or recovering from mental health problems by providing support, information and activities helping them further their recovery and integrate into the community.” It serves a population of about 40,000.
For many years Harmony has provided a range of services to those affected by mental health problems through our Community Front Room (CFR) and Drop-in groups. We provide social support, information, advice and activities to help people suffering with, or recovering from, mental health challenges to re-integrate into the community. At the same time, we promote activities that support positive mental health pathways and lifestyle.
Harmony is facing an exciting future as recent years have brought a substantial National Lottery grant, a move to new premises in St Michael’s, and the award of an NHS contract to deliver part of their Access Wellbeing scheme. These have all allowed us to grow and extend our services to meet the needs of those currently without support in the local community.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for up to 3 new trustees, and hope to find people with business, public sector or charity knowledge/skills. We would particularly, but not exclusively, welcome people with experience of communications and marketing, strategic HR or IT. No previous Trustee experience is required; however, enthusiasm and energy are needed to help us plan and deliver further growth and development.
The role is voluntary and part time. At its most basic it involves attending 6 two-hour meetings each year. However, most Trustees find it hugely rewarding, and there is plenty of scope to evolve the role to make the most of your interests and skills.
The Board welcomes applicants with the right experience from diverse backgrounds. We also seek applications from people who have had personal experience of mental health problems.
You will use your skills and experience to help the Board make sound decisions, ensuring Harmony fulfils its objectives.
Please tell us if there may be any barriers to your engagement with us and we will actively support your application.
The Trustees work very much as a team and also work within the wider team of amazing staff and volunteers who deliver our services. It really benefits our Trustee team to have people with a mix of skills, experience, and backgrounds.
TRUSTEE JOB PURPOSE
The general duties of a Trustee are:
To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role of giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
To ensure that the charity complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
To ensure that the charity pursues its charitable objects as defined in the governing Document.
To ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively in furtherance of its objects, i.e., the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
To safeguard all those in contact with the charity, upholding the values of Harmony.
To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity.
To ensure the financial stability of the charity.
To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.
To appoint and support the service manager, staff and volunteers of Harmony, assisting the service manager as needed.
In addition to the above statutory duties of all trustees, each trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience he or she may have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance requested by the board on new initiatives or issues relevant to the area of the charity's work in which the trustee has special expertise.
YOUR APPLICATION
If you feel you have the skills, knowledge and/or experience we need please send a resume/ CV of your experience in your own style to rachel.c@theharmonycentre.org.uk
For further information about the charity and this role, contact Rachel Coney on 07971 225873.