Internship Assignment B

The Hoxton Trust:

Stated Purposes and Policies:

Mission Statement: "Through consultation and partnership, Hoxton Trust facilitates community initiatives to enhance the social, economic and environmental potential of Hoxton."

The Hoxton Trust helps people who would otherwise not get help. Whether it be through legal advice or a horticulture program which culminates with a Level II Certification, the Hoxton Trust looks to better people, which transpires unto improving lives of community members, and the community as a whole.

Chain of Command:

The Hoxton Trust is a very relaxed place to work. Karina van der Mewre is the manager, who deals with everything from compiling financial paperwork, oversight of the property, and dealing with some phone calls. Under her is Margaret, who is in charge of the Legal Advice Service. Gwen is a member of the Legal Advice Service, and there are a number of Volunteers who come in on various days to clean, do paperwork, and other small things. There is a board of trustees (8) who are above Karina, who she reports to at bi-monthly meetings.

The building has three floors. The first floor is a waiting room for clients of the Legal Advice Service. The second floor is Gwen and Margaret's offices, along with a small kitchen. The third floor houses Karina and mine's office, plus a toilet and a second office.There is also a classroom in the back yard, for students of the horticulture program. 

Policies:

A new policy may be introduced by anyone, but when reporting these policies, they must first be approved by Karina (Director). Once she gives it the green light, she will take it to the Trustees, who will vote and decided whether or not to accept the policy.

The members of the board are as follows: Andrew Large, Chair; Andrea Rawlings, Secretary; Tunde Akande, Treasurer; Ahmet Arikan; Irena Edgcumbe; Malcolm Grant; Nicky Moule; Tousaint Walters.

Competition:

Competition against the Hoxton Trust include other charities, legal advice services, solicitors, community colleges and other horticulture training programs. Having this competition, the Hoxton Trust has to quantify the impact they have on the community so they can stay competitive for government funding (their main source of income). They also have to spend money on infrastructure (computers)  so they seem to be up to date and modern to appeal to people from all generations. 

Funding:

Because of the location of the Hackney Community College, the Hoxton Trust has started a partnership with them, and they pay a set amount per student. Donations are a big source of income, along with corporate donations such as ones from Lloyds TSB. Other sources of funding come from the government: Department of Work and Pensions; Social Action for Health; Shoreditch Trust; St. Anne's Church Community Hall Committee, European Regional Development Fund. 

Clientele:

The Hoxton Trust has two main groups of clients: Those seeking legal advice and those seeking horticulture training. However, input from the local community is also very important from the trust. 

Employees:

There are four members of staff that are paid, as well as interns, volunteers, and the board of trustees. 

Benefits:

Being that the staff would be considered part time and funding is tight for the Hoxton Trust, there are few benefits. Karina, due to her status, does get Child Care Tax Vouchers. She get a set amount taken from her salary each month. This money is not taxed but it goes directly for nursery fees. All paid employees also get some taken from their salary to pay for National Insurance.

Positive and Negative Issues:

Positive:

• The community garden brightens up the otherwise drab and building laden Hoxton Street.
• Over 300 clients a month are seen by the Hoxton Trust
• Courses offered help people get back on their feet, build confidence, and make relationships. 
• Gives corporations the opportunity to volunteer.

Negative:

• Building is hidden, entrance is not on Hoxton Street, so hard for the public to find.
• The website is not up to date, so that could be discouraging to people.
• Funding is very limited and based heavily on government discretion.