About Us
Frank Parkinson was a pioneering electrical engineer, notable for the early development of electric lighting and motors. He and his brother established a company in their hometown of Guiseley, West Yorkshire, which prospered and became Crompton Parkinson. When he died in 1946, Frank left a large part of his considerable fortune to establish the Trust, and we focus on the following:
- Providing inclusive, low-cost accommodation to older adults (and others by exception) registered as living in the wards of Leeds and Bradford who are experiencing socio-economic deprivation and/or adverse consequences of increased costs of living.
- Investing in the local community to help address the wider determinants of health and wellbeing.
- Providing educational opportunities for the local population in the fields of information technology and engineering through working with partner organisations (e.g. voluntary and community social enterprises, higher education institutions).
Under the wider objectives of the Trust, we also make grants to other registered charities within the Guiseley area, where their aims align with ours. For example, we have provided ongoing support to a local charity catering for the needs of older adults with living disabilities by funding the purchase of a minibus. This facility has enabled them to go shopping and access other local amenities.
Background to the roles
The Board of the Frank Parkinson Yorkshire Trust currently comprises five Trustees including the Chair. We recognise the need to enhance the Board and welcome new Trustees who will bring energy and a range of knowledge and skills to support our important work. We are seeking motivated people who live locally or in the surrounding areas and who share our commitment to honour Frank Parkinson’s legacy by providing housing for older people and supporting local charities.
We’re looking for one or more trustees with a finance background as well as someone with a legal background, possibly in property law. Applications would also be welcome from people interested in our work who bring other skills and experience, for example, social housing, property, charity governance, or older people.
Main Responsibilities
Finance Trustees(s)
The role of the Finance Trustee(s) is to oversee, approve and present budgets, accounts, and financial statements as well as the preparation and presentation of financial reports to the board. In addition, ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place and liaise with the Operations Manager about financial matters.
Legal Trustee (property)
This role will provide expert legal advice on property-related matters, including leases, compliance, and risk management. You will support the strategic oversight of our property portfolio, ensuring legal integrity, regulatory compliance, and alignment with charitable objectives.
General Trustees
These roles will support our work by bringing professional skills and experience from other areas such as social care, work with older people, buildings and property, and charity governance. You will support our work, ensuring we deliver on our strategy and are providing the best, most appropriate care to our residents. Trustees are valued ‘critical friends’ and your input will be invaluable.
Person Specification
Finance Trustee
- A recognised financial qualification
- The ability to take a strategic approach to financial planning and oversight and to help non-financial colleagues understand these
- Analytical ability and good independent judgement
Legal Trustee (property)
- Ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, including charity and company law
- Supporting governance processes related to property and estates
- Contributing to board-level discussions on risk, sustainability, and legal frameworks
General Trustees
- Analytical ability and good independent judgement
- The ability to think strategically and understand the importance of The Frank Parkinson Yorkshire Trust’s role
- The ability to work effectively as a team member and demonstrate a willingness to learn and develop
Diversity
Eastside People is fully committed to equality of opportunity and diversity and work with our clients to ensure that we recruit inclusively, seeking to address the under-representation of some groups of people on boards and in leadership teams.
If you would like a call to discuss the role in more detail, please email Lucinda at [email protected] to arrange a convenient time. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.
