Recruitment has begun to a new Wells Recreation Ground Trust Advisory Group, paving the way for the creation of a new-look Trust which will operate independently of Mendip District Council.
At a meeting of Full Council in December last year, Mendip approved proposals to improve the Trust’s governance arrangements by developing a new incorporated charitable company limited by guarantee.
Subject to agreement, the council will no longer be the sole trustee. Instead, the new trust’s Board of Directors will comprise members of the community who will be responsible for running the trust and decision-making on the way forward. Benefits include a modern trust structure, wider public involvement and improved access to grant funding.
Recruitment has now begun to an Advisory Group, which will operate in parallel with the existing Trust Committee during the transition period. This Advisory Group was originally to be called the Shadow Board, but the change in title was agreed following feedback from the local community.
The purpose of the Advisory Group is to help shape the way forward, particularly on the structure of the new trust, how it operates and its forward plan and to review options for the Bishop’s Barn and the role of the Working Group. In total, up to eight individuals will be recruited, one of which will be the Chair and lead the group.
Anyone interested in being on the Advisory Group can find out details of how to apply at www.mendip.gov.uk/vacancies or by ringing Jane Sharp on 0300 303 8588.
The application process is open from Thursday 22nd January until Friday 13th February 2015. Interviews will be in the week commencing 23rd February for Chair. The Chair will then sit on the interview panel for the other members of the Advisory Group in the week commencing 2nd March 2015.
A new Trust Board of Directors will be recruited around autumn 2015. They will be in place to take over running the new Trust as soon as it is established.
The regulatory body for charity law is the Charity Commission and they have recommended the approach the council is taking. Ultimately, the new Trust and how it is set-up will need their full approval.
Cllr John North, Chair of the Wells Recreation Ground Trust, said: “Starting recruitment to the Advisory Group is a major step in this complicated process of change.
“This is a chance for people with the right skills and experience to play a key role in shaping the new Trust.
“We are looking forward to receiving applications from people who want to make a real difference by securing a sustainable future for the Bishop’s Barn and recreation ground.”
For more information about the Wells Recreation Ground Trust go to: www.mendip.gov.uk/wellsrecreationground