Lead Trustee for Safeguarding 

Who are we?

Mandala Yoga Ashram (Charity Number: 1195209) is an internationally recognised centre of yogic knowledge, based in Wales, UK. We offer residential retreats, online courses, and yoga teacher training based on the authentic teachings of yoga, advaita, and tantra.

The mission of Mandala Yoga Ashram is to carry the light of traditional yoga to the world in practical and scientific terms that are relevant to modern life; to present yoga as a means of improving physical, emotional and mental health, and awakening us to our Essential Being. In this way the Ashram teachings bring deep meaning, happiness and fulfillment into our lives as a service to all in society.
- Swami Nishchalananda, Founder

Our approach emphasises meditation, transformation, and the cultivation of direct insight through practice and personal experience. As one of the few authentic ashrams to be found outside of India, we provide a vibrant link between the spiritual teachings of the yogic sages and sincere seekers of the modern world. Founded in 1986, the Ashram has over the years been a source of profound learning and transformation for thousands of people from all walks of life.

Key Responsibilities

As well as fulfilling the wider responsibilities of a Trustee (see below), the Lead Trustee for Safeguarding will be responsible for the following three main sets of duties related to safeguarding.

Strategic

• Consider Mandala Yoga Ashram’s Constitution and policies, making sure they reflect safeguarding legislation, regulations specific to our activities, statutory guidance, and the safeguarding expectations of the Charities Commission.
• Work with the director and designated safeguarding lead regularly to review whether the things the organisation has put in place are creating a safer culture and keeping people safe.
• Check the organisation’s risk register reflects safeguarding risks properly and plans sensible measures to take, including relevant insurance for trustees’ Liability.
• Be aware of any relevant activities that need inspections, be prepared for said inspections and respond to any following reports.
• Ensure there is space on the agenda for safeguarding reports and help trustees understand and challenge those reports.

Effective Policy and Practice

• Ensure there is an annual review of safeguarding policies and procedures and that this is reported to Trustees.
• Understand the monitoring your charity does to see whether policies and procedures are effective.
• Call for audits of qualitative and quantitative data (either internal or external) when they’re needed.
• Learn from case reviews locally and nationally, to improve Mandala Yoga Ashram’s policies, procedures and practices.
• Oversee safeguarding allegations against staff or volunteers, together with director and designated safeguarding lead.
• Be a point of contact for staff or volunteers if someone wishes to complain about a lack of action in relation to safeguarding concerns.

Creating the Right Culture

• Champion safeguarding throughout Mandala Yoga Ashram
• Support the Trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding.
• Engage with teachers, team and beneficiaries to understand safeguarding on the ground.
• Work with the chair, director, designated safeguarding lead and operations team to manage serious safeguarding cases.
• Support regular safeguarding updates for staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
• Ensure you have ways of gathering the views of staff and volunteers in relation to safeguarding and sharing these with the board.

In addition to the above, the lead trustee for safeguarding will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees:

Responsibilities of All Trustees

• Support and provide advice on Mandala Yoga Ashram’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their Implementation.
• Oversee Mandala Yoga Ashram’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of Mandala Yoga Ashram.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Mandala Yoga Ashram’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to Mandala Yoga Ashram’s Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Mandala Yoga Ashram’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Mandala Yoga Ashram’s own governance.
• Attend Board meetings (mostly online), adequately prepared to contribute to Discussions.
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Mandala Yoga Ashram’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Mandala Yoga Ashram’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issue, in which the trustee has special expertise.

Attributes and Qualities

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. No previous governance experience is required—we provide full induction and training. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of Mandala Yoga Ashram.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in Discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to the ashram’s values.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Why Become a Trustee?

Volunteering as a Trustee is a meaningful way to give your time and energy for the benefit of others, while gaining personal and professional rewards:

• Contribute to a meaningful cause that enhances the wellbeing of others, whilst also enhancing your own, giving a sense of purpose and connection through the service.
• Develop invaluable skills in governance, strategy, leadership, financial management,
  risk, and fundraising.
• Expand your network and gain experience useful for future leadership roles, board
  positions, or entrepreneurial ventures.

Added Benefits

• Join The Sangha, our community of practitioners and supporters, getting free access to weekly nourishing led practices.
• Receive a complimentary place on a residential retreat (up to 5 days per year of service; longer retreats of 7+ days excluded) after a six-month trial period.

Time Commitment

Estimated at approximately 5 hours per month, including:

• Attending Trustee meetings (mostly online; one in-person meeting annually at the Ashram in Wales, usually in March)
• Regular meetings with the Operations Manager of the Ashram, with flexibility to respond swiftly to occasional ad hoc issues
• Reviewing papers and contributing to discussions
• Attending strategy / training sessions as they arise

How to Apply

If you can offer your time and energy to support the Ashram, please send a covering letter and CV to [email protected]

Kindly entitle the email: FAO: Board of Trustees – Lead Safeguarding Trustee Application.