Chorlton Good Neighbours is a registered charity, in the process of becoming a
Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It is well-established and has been supporting
older people to reduce isolation and engage in community life in the Chorlton and
Whalley Range area since 1967. From its base in Wilbraham St Ninian’s Church, CGN
provides a range of services and activities designed to meet the different needs of older
residents. These include home visiting and befriending; coffee mornings and social clubs;
exercise classes; singing, arts and crafts groups; drama workshops; history talks;
gardening club; positive living group; support with digital queries and practical repairs and
occasional outings. It also runs a referral-based Parent and Toddler group.
CGN employs a full-time Manager (CEO), a full-time Visiting Support Worker and a part-
time Charity Administrator. They work in collaboration with activity facilitators and over
100 volunteers. 

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A CGN TRUSTEE
Becoming a Trustee is a great way to gain experience in and understanding of all aspects of governing an organisation and allows individuals to
continue using valuable skills and knowledge honed over their own careers. CGN Trustees are actively involved in running a successful charity
and making a difference in their local community. There are opportunities to represent CGN at local and citywide events and to propose and
develop new activities in line with the charity’s strategic aims.

TIME COMMITMENT
The CGN Board meet monthly for approximately two hours. In addition, Trustees serve on one or more of a small number of sub-committees
which meet as required. Trustees are expected to read papers and prepare for these meetings to ensure they are as productive as possible.
Trustees will also take part in occasional development or training days to help develop the knowledge and expertise within the organisation.
Some Trustees also volunteer at one of the CGN activities or as a befriender, which are useful ways to stay connected to the charity and its
members.

RUNNING CGN
While day-to-day management and operations are delegated to the CGN Manager and small staff team, supported by a wide group of committed
volunteers, the Trustee Board remains responsible for supervising and supporting the CGN Manager, ensuring that the organisation is well
managed, operating within agreed policies, the law and its budget. This would include the Trustees, as the employer, ensuring cover for the office
is arranged when the Manager is away. Line management of the Manager is through the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

SUPPORT AND TRAINING
CGN is committed to developing its Trustee Board and small staff team to take the organisation forward and continue to meet the needs of our
members. Trustees take part in online workshops during the national Festival of Trustees and in tailored sessions and Development Days,
supported by Manchester Community Central (MACC).

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY
CGN is committed to Equal Opportunities and championing diversity and inclusion. We positively welcome Trustees from all backgrounds.

FINDING OUT MORE
If you are interested in finding out more about Chorlton Good Neighbours and/or becoming a Trustee, contact our Manager Heather Barnes on
coordinatorcgn@gmail.com or on 0161 881 2925. You can arrange to visit CGN activities and meet other Trustees to understand the role.
If you decide to apply to be a Trustee, there is a simple application form and checks to ensure you are eligible (eg, are over 18 and not
disqualified from being a Charity Trustee) and, as with all CGN volunteers, you would undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.