GOVERNANCE
At Soul Survivor Watford, we are committed to maintaining transparency, accountability, and excellence in all we do. Our governance structure ensures we operate effectively as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), serving our community and fulfilling our mission.
We are part of the Church of England and fall under the oversight of the Diocese of St Albans. As a Bishop’s Mission Order (BMO), we have a mandate to reach those who might not engage with traditional forms of church, while staying rooted in Anglican structures and values.
Structure
Soul Survivor Watford is a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and a Church of England ministry under a BMO, our governance is shaped by both charitable law and ecclesiastical oversight. This dual accountability strengthens our commitment to integrity and faithful service.
There is a Board of Trustees who are responsible for the overall governance of Soul Survivor Watford. The Executive Leadership of the Church are responsible for building the strategic direction of the church and are accountable to the Trustees who ensure that, as a charity, the church complies with its legal obligations, acts in the best interest of the congregation and operates in line with its mission.
Roles
The collaborative relationship between the Trustees, the Diocese of St Albans, and the Exec Team ensures the charity’s goals are met while maintaining integrity and compassion, and maximising impact in all we do.
Board of Trustees
Our Trustees bring a wealth of expertise from various sectors, including business, law, finance, and education, ensuring robust decision-making and wise stewardship of resources.
Executive Leadership Team
Our Exec Team made up of the Lead Pastor, Associate Pastor, Head of Operations & HR Lead. They are responsible for the day-to-day running of Soul Survivor Watford. Together with the wider staff team, the Exec Team builds and implements the strategic vision of the church with accountability to the Trustees.
The Exec Team are responsible for:
Developing the vision and strategy for Soul Survivor Watford.
Delivering programmes and activities that align with Soul Survivor Watford’s mission.
Managing church operations, including worship services, community outreach, and events.
Developing and implementing financial plans, approved by the Trustees.
Ensuring compliance with policies, safeguarding practices, and health and safety standards.
Operational responsibility for safeguarding across all church activities in conjunction with St Albans’s Diocese Safeguarding Team.
Regularly reporting to the Trustees on progress, challenges, and opportunities.
The Trustees are responsible for:
Providing oversight and ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and Church of England regulations.
Approving the charity’s strategic goals, policies, and annual budget.
Monitoring financial health and ensuring appropriate use of funds.
Supporting and challenging the Exec Team while respecting operational boundaries.
Safeguarding the charity’s reputation and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Our Trustees
Staff Attendees
The Exec Team attend all Trustees meetings to offer updates and information as required. There are also other members of staff invited on an ad hoc basis to share insights from their ministry and operational areas. Staff attending Trustees meetings do not have voting rights.
Annual General Meeting
On Monday the 27th January 2025 at 7:30pm we will be holding an Annual General Meeting that all who call Soul Survivor their home church are welcome to attend. This will be an opportunity to hear from the trustees and the staff team, to reflect and give thanks for all that God has done in our church over the last 12 months, and to take time to look at what’s ahead. This is also where the new recruited trustees will be announced and there will be an election for a further new trustee - please see above for more details.
Become a Trustee
Would you like to play your part in the vision and mission of Soul Survivor Watford by become a Trustee? We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about our mission and can contribute their skills and experience to our Board of Trustees.
Types of Trustees
Recruited Trustees
Recruited Trustees are appointed through a traditional application process including shortlisting application and an interview with the current board. The focus of these Trustees are their experience and skills that they can offer to the board. They serve a fixed term.
Elected Trustees
Elected Trustees are appointed by church attendees who participate in our Annual General Meetings (AGM), elected Trustees bring the perspective of the congregation into Trustees discussions. Their application need to be supported by other church attendees. They serve a fixed term.
Routes to becoming a Trustee
Vacancies
We are looking for three Recruited Trustees to join the Board of Trustees at Soul Survivor Watford. Previous experience as a Trustee is helpful but not essential. A commitment to our values and a willingness to contribute actively to the Trustees team is key.
We are particularly interested in application from individuals with experience in:
Human Resources
PR and Communications
Strategic Leadership
Fundraising
Buildings
How to apply
Read ‘The Essential Trustee’ document written by The Charity Commission.
Download the Trustee Role Description and Application Pack below.
Submit your CV and short covering letter explaining your interested and relevant experience to the Company Secretary Sarah Neale by Monday 6th January 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with our current Trustees and executive leadership team for an informal discussion.
New Trustees will be announced at the AGM on Monday 27th January 2025.
For an initial conversation or more information, please contact trustees@soulsurvivorwatford.co.uk.
Policies and Accountability
At Soul Survivor Watford, we believe in being transparent and ensuring the highest standards of governance, safeguarding, and compliance. Our policies are designed to protect all who engage with us and ensure our work aligns with our values.
As a registered charity, Soul Survivor Watford is committed to:
Preparing and publishing annual accounts in line with Charity Commission guidelines.
Hosting an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to share updates with stakeholders.
Upholding the highest standards of safeguarding, equality, and diversity.
For more information about our governance or to view our latest Annual Report, please contact us or visit the Charity Commission website.
Whistleblowing
Soul Survivor Watford is committed to being open, honest, and accountable. We actively encourage a free and open culture in all dealings between the congregation, volunteers, staff, trustees & workers. Tackling problems is vitally important to maintaining the overall health & well-being of the church and achieving its charitable aims. See more about our Whistleblowing policy below.
Safeguarding
Soul Survivor Watford is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk to worship and grow in Christ safely. This is done in a coordinated and supported manner and involves the Trustees, Executive Leadership and Safeguarding Lead of Soul Survivor Watford in collaboration with St Albans Diocese Safeguarding Team.
Concerns about children, young people and adults at risk will be diligently and promptly responded to according to our procedures, recognising the sensitivity it may hold for those involved.
Policies
We are committed to the wellbeing and safeguarding of all. You can view our comprehensive policies, including safeguarding, by clicking the link below.
Fiona Scolding KC, Independent Report
In line with our commitment to accountability, we commissioned an independent review into our governance and practices in 2023. The Fiona Scolding KC Independent Report was released in September 2024 and provides an in-depth analysis of our operations and recommendations for growth and improvement. The report offered some recommendations for Soul Survivor Watford and we will provide an update of progress this week. In December 2024 the Trustees shared an update on the progress so far against the recommendations.