ASCO Charity Secretary (Trustee)

Job Description: Operations and Governance Trustee (Secretary)

Voluntary Position | UK-Wide | c. 3-6 hours per month

About ASCO

The Association of Special Constabulary Officers (ASCO) is the nationally recognised professional body for Special Constables across the UK. Our mission is simple but vital: to ensure every Special Constable has a positive, safe and rewarding volunteer career that enhances public safety, trust and confidence in policing.

We achieve this by:

· Championing professional standards and evidence-based practice

· Supporting inclusive leadership and community connection

· Influencing national policing, legislation and policy on behalf of Special Constables

· Providing research, development, campaigns, events, training and support to our members

Role Overview

ASCO is seeking Operations & Governance Trustee acting in the formal position of charity Secretary. The primary objective is to strengthen ASCO internally by maintaining a robust policy framework, ensuring legal compliance, and supporting the strategic and tactical planning cycles. This role is critical in identifying operational efficiencies that allow the charity to better pursue its Objects: promoting the efficiency of the police and advancing community development.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence and Planning

· Initiative Leadership: Identify areas for internal improvement and lead on cross-charity initiatives to help other functional areas (e.g., Finance, Communications) achieve their goals.

· Executive Advice: Provide strategic oversight and advice around charity activities to support the Chair with key decision making.

· Planning Cycle: Support the Board in the annual strategic planning cycle.

Governance and Legal Compliance

· AGM support: Work with ASCO events specialists to organise and provide notice for General Meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM), ensuring the annual statement of accounts and reports are distributed.

· Minutes and Records: Ensure (through effective use of technology) that accurate minutes are kept for all appointments of officers, proceedings at general meetings, and meetings of the Charity Trustees.

· Legal: Work with ASCO specialists to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Policy Framework and Oversight

· Policy Maintenance: Act as the lead for maintaining key charity policies (e.g. Safeguarding)

· Compliance: Manage the collection of data as required to fulfil the legal obligations of the charity.

· Code of Conduct: Support volunteer and trustee compliance with ASCO processes and policies.

Skills & Attributes

Essential

· Proven experience in organisational governance, administration, or as a company/charity secretary.

· High level of literacy with the ability to draft clear, evidence-based policies and briefing notes (making best use of technology available).

· Coordination, facilitation and influencing skills to achieve charity objectives with a broad spectrum of stakeholders from practitioner to senior, internal and external.

Desirable

· Strong understanding of the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR requirements.

· Experience in strategic planning and project management.

· Experience working within policing or volunteer-based organisations.

· Familiarity with charity governance or trustee responsibilities.

· Understanding of Special Constabulary culture, policy, and national landscape.

Time Commitment

· Approximately 3-6 hours per month, including:

o Attendance at quarterly board meetings

o Engagement & Events planning meetings

o External stakeholder contacts and events

· Additional time may be required during annual strategic planning / AGM.

· This is a voluntary, non-remunerated role. Approved out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

What You’ll Gain

· Opportunity to shape national strategy directly impacting public safety.

· Experience developing the governance and operational infrastructure to enable a national charity to deliver against its objectives.

· A place on a dynamic trustee board contributing to meaningful change in policing.

· The chance to support volunteers dedicating thousands of hours to serving the public each year.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from individuals with a passion for finding pragmatic, effective and efficient solutions in a volunteer-centric environment.

To express interest, please apply on the website this JD was found on.

For any questions please contact: Hello@ASCO.police.uk