Board chair volunteer roles

Join us our Chair of the Board of Trustees

 We are seeking an inspiring Chair who will play a vital role in shaping our future.

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the community? Do you have a strong desire to contribute your skills to a cause that matters? We invite you to become the new Chair of our Board of Trustees and be a driving force for change!

Who we are

CAYSH is a purpose driven charity, dedicated to making a difference to the lives of young people. We believe in the power of community, collaboration and transparency to create lasting change. We provide supported housing, advice and guidance to more than 100 vulnerable, homeless young people.

Our Community Interest Company has a separate board and exists to provide 24/7 concierge services to young people at CAYSH and externally to vulnerable adults with complex needs.

What we are looking for: An individual who will provide strategic guidance, support our growth and provide governance leadership. You will also support us in making a difference to the lives of young people and vulnerable adults.

While working collaboratively with our CEO, dedicated team of staff, trustees and directors you will support and oversee the activities of our organisation and have oversight of board and committee activity and decision making.

 Why you should join us as our Chair:

Impact: Be part of an organisation making a real difference to the lives of homeless young people. Leadership: Support our strategic decision-making and shape the future direction of the organisation. Fulfilment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your efforts contribute to positive change.

We want to work with a Chair who is an experienced trustee or director, with a career background that will raise the work of the CAYSH Group and champion our vision and mission. We endeavour to grow our organisation and particularly welcome applications from anyone who will support our business growth strategy. Commitment to safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults is essential, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discriminatory practice.

Time commitment:

Our Trustees and Directors provide a valuable and positive contribution, building on our strengths and ensuring our results are sustained. There are currently 9 Trustees / Directors within the Group who bring a wide range of skills, knowledge and experience to the organisation.

You will attend an average of 4 Board meetings and up to 4 Committee meetings a year, plus Trustee / Director away-days & other events, such as AGM. Meetings are held outside regular business hours and are mostly online. Events (including strategy days, AGM and service user get-togethers) usually take place at our offices in Croydon.

How to Apply: If you are ready to embark on a rewarding journey and to become the Chair of Board of Trustees with CAYSH, we would love to hear from you! Please submit a brief statement outlining your interest and the skills you bring to our organisation.

Apply now and become a catalyst for positive change! Together, let's build a better future.

Board Chair for Enterprise Oxfordshire

Are you an experienced business leader either living or working in Oxfordshire with a passion for driving economic growth, innovation, skills and employability that will enhance the area and prosperity of your community? 

Enterprise Oxfordshire is seeking a persuasive and influential senior business leader to join their Board as Chair. This is a unique opportunity to build your network and play a pivotal role in the sustainable development of Oxfordshire through the implementation of their strategic economic plan.

About Enterprise Oxfordshire:

Enterprise Oxfordshire, formerly known as the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership Ltd, is committed to advancing economic growth and innovation within Oxfordshire. With a history of successful initiatives such as the City Deal and the Local Growth Fund, they have contributed over £1 billion to the local economy and secured an additional £2.3 billion in investments from both public and private sectors. Building on its significant achievements as OxLEP, Enterprise Oxfordshire now oversees a comprehensive suite of business, skills, investment, and trade support services. They also support various strategies aimed at realising Oxfordshire’s economic potential in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

Role Overview:

As the Board Chair, you will bring energy and passion to their newly established Board, fostering positive relationships with key stakeholders and acting as a high-level advocate regionally, nationally, and internationally. You will lead the Board in delivering their original Oxfordshire Strategic Economic Plan priorities and driving prosperity through the Local Industrial Strategy and Economic Recovery Plan. 

The new Board is made up of 2 other members representing an elected member of Oxfordshire County Council and an Officer of County Council.   The Board report into the Shareholder Committee who are made of elected members of the Oxfordshire’s County Council’s cabinet. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strong leadership to the Board
• Represent Enterprise Oxfordshire at external high-profile events and advocate for the interests of Oxfordshire's economy.
• Engage in high-level negotiations with key influencers in government, business, and community to drive a positive future for Oxfordshire.
   

Candidate Profile:

• The Board Chair must ideally live and work in Oxfordshire.
• Have significant and current experience of leading and SME and/or large business.
• Ideally be an influential and persuasive business leader with a high profile in Oxfordshire
• Ability to provide clear strategic vision, and a demonstratable understanding of the economic drivers and challenges facing Oxfordshire.
• Strong empathy and ability to work with and influence a wide range of stakeholders including business, local authorities, MPs, national government and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrable track record of engaging and supporting communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; articulate and able to influence, broker, and build strong networks.
   

Commitment:

• Commitment 20-30 days per annum initially, including monthly Board meetings, external events, and committee engagements (once the board is established it’s expected to be more around 20 days).
• Serve for a minimum three-year term with an option to extend
• Unremunerated with reasonable expenses
   

Application Process

Please send an up to date CV. In the first instance you will be sent a link to a candidate pack microsite with further details on the opportunity and how to submit a formal application.

Application deadline is Tuesday 20th May at 5.00pm.

The team at TPP, Lisa, Sema and Matt are on hand to answer any questions.

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 help with making the application process work for you.

The Millennium Point Charitable Trust invests in projects, events and initiatives that support the growth of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) in Birmingham and across the West Midlands. With profits generated by the commercial activity at Millennium Point, a landmark public building and multi-award-winning venue in Birmingham city centre owned and operated by the Trust, over £40-million has now been re-invested into the region.

Our mission as a charitable trust is to advance education for the public benefit, with a particular focus on the industrial and technological processes that shape the modern world. This includes areas such as  Space Research, AI, Robotics, Life Sciences and to help the next generation to gain the qualifications and skills to equip them for whatever as-yet unknown career opportunities may present themselves. We are delighted to work with established partners including Birmingham City University and Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum in advancing our cause.

Millennium Point Trust are proud to support a wide range of students and young people through various activities, including providing bursaries, collaborating and partnering with relevant educational organisations that support development. More information on our work in this area can be found on the Millennium Point website.

The Trust is now seeking a Chair of the Board of Trustees for an initial term of three years. The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board, delivering its responsibilities of governance and oversight of the Trust. The Chair will guide and support the Chief Executive Officer in shaping and delivering the Trust’s strategic plan, and where necessary challenge them to ensure the Trust’s financial health and that all operational activities are aligned to its mission and values. 

The Chair of the Board will act as a spokesperson, ambassador and advocate of the Trust to enhance its public profile and develop relationships, embodying the Trust’s values and representing its interests in the wider community, with corporate partners, educational institutions, and funding bodies.  More information on our project and partners can be found here: Case Studies | Millennium Point

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will be required to possess:

• A strong and genuine passion and commitment to the Trust’s mission and values.
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level, with a successful track record of achievement.
• Experience of governance in the charity sector, with experience at Board-level; either as a Board member or in a senior advisory role. 
• A broad knowledge and understanding of the not-for-profit sector, and the current issues effecting it. 
• Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity-specific finance issues. 
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to foster and promote a positive and collaborative team-working environment. 

For full details of the requirements of the role, please refer to the Job Description document.

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will be required to commit to 2 to 4 days each month, including attendance at quarterly Board meetings and an annual general meeting. The Chair may also be required to attend sub-committee meetings and other meetings or away-days as deemed necessary. 

This role is unremunerated; however, expenses will be reimbursed for reasonable travel and other expenses. The Chair will serve an initial three-year term, renewable for one additional term.

If you are excited by the opportunity to offer strategic leadership and oversight to one of Birmingham’s prominent charitable Trusts, please click on 'How to Apply' for more details.

Seeking the next visionary to lead Pegasus Opera Company as Chair of Trustees

What will you be doing?

Are you ready to lead with purpose and passion? Pegasus is seeking a dynamic and visionary Chair of the Board to help shape the future of our vibrant charity. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by championing our mission, empowering our people, and guiding us toward an ambitious new era.

As Chair, you’ll provide inspiring, inclusive leadership to our Board of Trustees—ensuring we remain bold, accountable, and united in delivering real change. You'll collaborate closely with a committed Executive Team, including our Artistic Director, Executive Director, and Talent Director, to set the strategic direction and drive innovation at every level.

What are we looking for?

The ideal Chair will have senior strategic leadership experience, a successful track record, and a solid understanding of charity governance. They’ll be confident in chairing meetings, managing stakeholders, and acting as an ambassador. A strong passion for opera and commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the charity’s mission are essential. Candidates should bring gravitas, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to foster collaboration and be willing to commit time to attend events and meetings outside of normal working hours.

What difference will you make?

The Chair will play a pivotal role in shaping Pegasus’s future, providing the strategic leadership, governance oversight, and inspiration needed to drive the charity into its next chapter. By fostering a high-performing Board, strengthening accountability, and supporting the Senior Management Team, the Chair will ensure that Pegasus remains artistically bold, financially resilient, and true to its mission of championing diversity in opera.

They will be a unifying force—guiding trustees, energising stakeholders, and amplifying Pegasus’s voice across the sector. With their influence, the organisation will build deeper partnerships, enhance its public profile, and grow its impact for artists and communities alike.

Ultimately, the Chair will be the catalyst for Pegasus to thrive artistically, operationally, and socially—ensuring it continues to lead with purpose and ambition on a national stage.

Before you apply

To be considered for this role, please send your CV along with an expression of interest in the form of a cover note or letter 

The New Normal are seeking a Chair of our Board of Trustees! The primary responsibilities are providing leadership, strategic direction and governance oversight for the charity. They ensure that the board functions effectively, that the organization remains true to its mission, and that it meets its legal and ethical obligations. 

We are looking for a driven and diligent person to support TNN in it's mission to provide free-to-access peer support for a diverse range of grief experiences, communities and identities. 

Applicants should have the capacity to provide around 4 hours per month on a flexible basis, with some months quieter/busier than others.

We are seeking someone who has strong leadership, facilitation and decision-making skills, excellent communication and public-speaking, understanding of financial management, fundraising and stakeholder engagement, and a passion for the Charity's mission and long-term success. You should have experience in ​governance, strategic planning, or non-profit leadership. ​

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and pathways. This is a voluntary role and responsibilities are listed in below Job Description.

[Due to the nature of the role and the work we do, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check. Persons will be shortlisted and appointed based solely on character, skills, qualifications and experience.]

South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) is an independent registered charity providing specialised legal advice and assistance covering Wandsworth, Merton, Croydon, Kingston-upon-Thames, Richmond-upon-Thames and Sutton in South West London.

Our vision is a future where people who cannot afford a lawyer:

• Have equal access to assert and enforce their rights;
• Are empowered to benefit from everything a healthy society has to offer;
• Are treated equally with dignity and respect.

You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to grow and prosper. If you have a passion for access to justice and believe that you can improve the impact the SWLLC can make, then we look forward to hearing from you. 

What will you be doing?

Our previous chair stood down after an extended term of 6 years. They helped oversee the law centre during the pandemic and its aftermath during which we have seen the law centre continue to flourish in a very challenging environment. We are looking for a new chair who believes in what we do and is prepared to lead and act as an ambassador for the charitable trust so that we can continue to do this work. We currently have a strong trustee board of varying skills and tenures and the day to day management of the law centre is delegated to a small team. This team is small for what the law centre is trying to achieve. We need you to bring your expertise, energy and networks to the law centre. The role isn't glamorous, it's unpaid, and it's sometimes unacknowledged, but it is rewarding. You will play a critical role in helping SWLLC to support over 6,000 people a year, who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. We are very proud of the impact that we have had over the last 50 years, and continue to have. SWLLC continues to operate in a challenging environment, the work of the law centre is regulated and audited by a number of external bodies, our finances continued to be challenged by static legal aid, grants and donations, despite this we have continued to flourish, but the need for our services is greater than we can provide. The main areas that our trustees board can support alongside the role of governance of the law centre are:

• Finance
• Fundraising
• Human Resources
• Communications and Marketing
• IT and facilities
• Community Engagement and Community Activism

Time commitment:

6 Board meetings per year. Take place through a mixture of in person and online meetings in the evenings (usually midweek between 6pm – 7:30pm). The Chair will also need to have regular meetings with the Chief Executive, and Senior Management Team outside of these regular board meetings. Such meetings will typically be brief, online and arranged at a mutually convenient time. The Chair will also need to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders. Our head office is based in Croydon with other offices in Clapham Junction and Morden. We expect the role to take around 1 -2 days per month.

What are we looking for?

Principal responsibilities:

Strategic leadership

• Act as representative of the whole board and not its defacto head
• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity in partnership with the CEO

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership

Relationship with the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective, supporting and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives 

Personal Qualities:

• Personal gravitas to lead a significant organisation demonstrating a strong and visible passion and commitment to the law centre, its strategic objectives and cause  
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the law centre
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours

Experience:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events Knowledge and skills
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the legal sector and current issues affecting it
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance issues Terms The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a four-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.

What difference will you make?

The impact the Chair will have is to ensure the continuation of the law centres' successful mission 

Law Centres are community-led, not-for-profit organisations that help local people to understand and enforce their legal rights. Their services are free, and they attempt to target the people who most need them – people who are at risk of discrimination and ill-treatment and those who are least able to protect themselves, for example because they lack the money to hire someone with legal expertise to help them.  We are currently celebrating our 50th year. SWLLC s is one of the larger Law Centre in Great Britain covering six London boroughs – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth. Our catchment area covers 1.7 million people. We now operate from 3 branch offices. We help over 6,000 people each year with a face to face service covering 3 broad services. 

• Expert casework and representation in the social welfare law covering community care, debt, employment, housing, immigration/asylum, public law, welfare rights and cost of living support 
• Emergency representation as part of the Housing Possession Court Duty Scheme 
• Pro Bono Clinics 

Amongst the results we achieve that make us proud of what we do are:

• the prevention of homelessness 
• the prevention and reduction of poverty 
• the protection of family life by reuniting people living in the UK with those living abroad
• the prevention of torture and death beyond our borders by the provision of advice and representation to people fleeing persecution 
• the prevention of ill-health by successfully challenging unfit living conditions 
• the prevention of mental ill-health by assisting people to deal with their personal debts

Before you apply

If you would like an initial discussion before putting in your application please message through the Reach Volunteering Platform and Senior Management Team will be on contact to further discuss the role and the opportunity. A panel of trustees and senior management team will review your application. If we consider that your skills and experience are a good fit with the Law Centre, you will be invited for an informal discussion with the panel about our work and the trustee role. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submissions.

Amica Care seeks a Chair of the Board of Trustees

• Unremunerated: This is a voluntary position, without remuneration, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
• Location: Taunton Somerset

· Time Commitment: Approximately 6 hours per month of time required

Amica Care delivers exceptional, person-centred care for older adults across the West and Southwest of England. Their network includes five nursing and residential care homes and three independent living sites, offering a full spectrum of services from daycare and assisted living to specialised dementia and end-of-life care. Each site contains excellent facilities, enabling residents to balance independence with community.

Alongside providing outstanding support and care, Amica is committed to enriching each resident’s life. They help residents have meaningful experiences, creating special memories with friends and family. With aspirations to expand and serve more communities, they are seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees.

The Chair of Trustees provides effective leadership to the Board of Trustees, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process. The Chair develops the knowledge and capability of the Board, encouraging positive change when appropriate and resolving any arising conflicts. They also collaborate with the CEO, providing support and guidance when required.

Knowledge/Experience 

Knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous, but not essential:

· Care Sector

· Social Enterprise

· Finance

· Legal/Contract Law

· Property/Facilities

· IT

· HR

· Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

· Experience of working with or as part of a Board

· Experience of chairing meetings

· Financial management expertise and an understanding of charity finance issues

· Charity governance

Previous experience as a Chair, Vice-Chair or Charity Trustee is essential

Activity Alliance looking for a Chair and three new Trustees who will add value to the charity and exciting journey ahead. You will bring your expertise and/or lived experience to drive meaningful change for disabled people. Two Trustees will be Board-appointed, and one will be Member-appointed. Their start times will vary. We are pleased that you are interested in joining us to work towards our vision and thank you for your interest.

The key responsibilities of the Chair will be:

• Provide visionary leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Activity Alliance fulfils its mission and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within  the organisation.
• Oversee the governance framework, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the Board in monitoring organisational performance and  ensuring effective risk management. 
• Act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance, promoting our vision and mission. This includes being a spokesperson for the charity with the media and at events.
• Champion the voices of disabled people, advocating for change and influencing policy and decision-making at the  highest levels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, funders, and government bodies.

The key responsibilities of the Trustees will be:

• Have outstanding commitment to Activity Alliance with a strong understanding of the organisation’s values as well as of the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall  policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. 
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation. 
• Represent the organisation at functions and meetings when appropriate, and act as an ambassador for Activity Alliance.

Currently, we are particularly interested in recruiting Trustees with understanding, skills, and/or experience in one or more  of the following areas: 

• Legal 
• Commercial and corporate affairs 
• Income generation 
• Application of AI and technology

The posts are for an initial term of up to three years, which may be extended for two further terms of three years.

The Vacancies:

Emersons Green Village Hall is seeking to recruit three new Trustees to its Board. We are particularly interested in hearing from you if you have professional experience of accountancy, banking, marketing or facilities management or if you attend activities or events at Emersons Green Village Hall.

Our Trustee vacancies are voluntary roles with a minimum time commitment of approximately two hours per month. Our Trustees attend our bi-monthly Board Meetings, which last up to two hours and are usually held on Tuesday evenings, and our AGM. Our Trustees may also attend Trustee Staff Meetings and support our Operational Staff if they wish to give more of their time and expertise. All meetings mentioned above are held in-person at Emersons Green Village Hall. Any other meetings may be held in-person or via Teams.

The Role of Trustee:

Trustees shape the strategic direction of our charity and are also its company directors. The role is an opportunity to make a difference in the voluntary sector and provides good experience of senior management. We are also happy to provide references for our Trustees upon request.

About Emersons Green Village Hall:

Emersons Green Village Hall is a charity which runs the community centre with the same name. Our aim is to be at the heart of the community. We run our own events and activities and hire out our rooms.

How To Apply:

Please send your CV with contact details of two referees. While we do use LinkedIn, we will not accept your LinkedIn profile in lieu of your CV.

The first step is for our Company Secretary to show you around Emersons Green Village Hall and answer any questions about our operations and the building. If you wish to proceed with your application after your visit and discussion, the Chair of Trustees will take up your references. If these are satisfactory, the Chair will interview you. The Board will then discuss any candidates proposed by the Chair at our next Trustee Meeting and you will be notified of the outcome by the Chair.

Our Company Secretary will then arrange for successful candidates to complete the necessary paperwork, including a basic DBS Check, before starting their roles as Trustees. Please note that the Chair meets with all new Trustees at the commencement of their role, to ensure that they receive an appropriate induction.

Dreams Come True – Chair of Board of Trustees

Terms: This is a voluntary role and is therefore unremunerated

Length of tenure: The Chair’s tenure is for an initial period of three years.

Dreams Come True, a national charity which creates life-enhancing and life-changing experiences for children with serious and life-limiting conditions and who live in social deprivation, is seeking a new Chair for their board of trustees.

For over 30 years, Dreams Come True has been transforming lives through their unique mission and dream programme, bringing joy and lasting impact to thousands of children every year from the UK’s most socially deprived areas who have serious illnesses, life-limiting conditions or disabilities.

The charity helps to transform individual and community dreams into reality, and is committed to scaling up their work by forging new partnerships, innovating their fundraising approaches and enhancing the dream programmes to ensure that every dream granted has a lasting and transformative impact. They are now seeking a new Chair to help lead them into the next chapter of this journey to broaden reach and impact.

This is an opportunity for a compassionate and visionary individual with proven leadership skills and the ability to guide the board and executive team in achieving strategic objectives.  The ideal candidate will have significant experience on a charity board, either as a Chair or as a trustee, with a personal empathy to the mission of Dreams Come True. They will also bring strategic oversight and governance expertise, and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and well-established networks would be highly desirable. A solid understanding of finances, particularly within the charity sector, to support sustainability and growth will be essential, alongside strong diplomacy, interpersonal and negotiation skills. They will also need to understand the challenges and opportunities of a growing charity.

The new Chair will work closely with the CEO and a talented and committed board of trustees to ensure the charity continues to deliver life-changing dreams, builds on their successes and looks to the future with ambition and optimism.

Please click through to access and download our Candidate Pack for more information [PDF] including application details.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 31st March, 9am GMT.
 

PLEASE NOTE: We will be longlisting applications as soon as we receive them, so please apply early to register your interest. 

Are you interested in becoming Rowan's next Chair of Trustees? Discover how you can join our vibrant team and support adults with learning disabilities through the arts 

Ideally we are seeking applications from people with a background in the following:
• Interest in supporting adults with learning disability,
• Experience as a trustee, and / or previous experience as a Chair,
• Experience in some of the following: finance, budgeting, health and safety, governance, safeguarding and/or strategy.
• Willingness to attend and represent the charity at social events, sometimes in the evenings and at weekends,
• Ability to represent the charity in the community with local dignitaries,
• Interest in the arts.

In order to achieve its ambitions Active Dorset CIC is looking for outstanding individuals to join the board.

Our Board is key to what we do and is comprised of a number of experienced Independent Non-Executive Directors and strategic leaders who ensure that our communities voices drive our work. Energy, ideas, challenge, and opportunities sit at the heart of our work as a Board. We're bold with our ambitions because we know our challenge is big, we recognise therefore we need someone with exceptional skills and qualities to become our next Chair.

We're open minded to the background and experience the right person would bring; we have built strong trusted relationships with partners across all sectors of society including sport, health, social care, education, housing, transport, youth work and volunteering to name a few, and would welcome applications from within and beyond the sectors we work within.

We are looking for someone who;

• Shares our deep passion and energy for the role of sport and physical activity in helping change people's lives.
• Has the desire and ability to build a culture of trust, collaboration, open-ness and bringing people together.
• Can inspire and play an influential role on a local stage in advocating for and championing the work and collective impact of our network.
• Has significant expertise in providing strategic direction, governance, financial management and executive leadership.
• Can be innovative, resilient, curious and prepared to challenge others and ourselves about our work and progress.

View our person specification and recuitment pack on our website.

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system.

As educators and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps young people develop their English language and self-advocacy skills whilst addressing their social and wellbeing needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in the UK.

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Chair to work with the Board of Trustees and Director to oversee Springboard's operations and strategic direction. We're looking for someone who thinks strategically and creatively, enjoys working collaboratively and wants to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education and migration landscape.

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and participatory education, as well as our commitment to supporting and platforming displaced young people. We're keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us continue to refine our delivery and grow. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, inclusive, anti-racist and commited to actively challenging the hostile environment and violent border regimes across all its work. We are interested in hearing from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We particularly encourage applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and leaving care. 

Responsibilities of the Chair include:

• Providing leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of setting the strategy and policies for the organisation
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and setting the agendas
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings 
• Monitoring that decisions taken at board meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at appropriate events, meetings or functions  
• Liaising with the Director on organisational activity and providing support as appropriate 

Qualities:

• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality
• Understanding of the wider political landcape, abolitionist perspectives and commitment to challenging the hostile environment
• Independent judgment
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing work that centres newly arrived young people

TIME COMMITMENT

In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of two hours per month to the charity. 

As Chair, you will be required to support with annual reporting to the charity commission, plan the agenda for board meetings and provide intermittent support to the Director. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond by email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

Wimbledon Guild is recruiting a new Trustee to Chair our Talking Therapies Committee for our experienced and established Board. We are looking for people who have the professional skills and personal passion to help us deliver support services to adults in Merton with the ambition that no-one should face life’s challenges alone.

About Wimbledon Guild

Wimbledon Guild is a community charity offering practical help and support so that people in Merton never have to face life’s challenges alone.

Whether someone is worried about money, they’re feeling low or overwhelmed, or they’re looking for new friends and activities locally, we’re always here.

Wimbledon Guild is more than just a place, we're a real community where everyone belongs.

We’ve supported our community for over 100 years and continue to grow our services in response to local needs and aspirations.

We are passionate about providing holistic services  tackling issues such as social isolation, financial hardship, emotional  and mental health difficulties. We also have an extensive activity programme aimed at keeping older people active and healthy. We have earned a reputation for delivering excellent services and we collaborate closely with other local and national organisations to ensure that our approach is dynamic and relevant.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong professional background in adult social care, counselling or mental health services to join a well-established and effective Board, and to contribute their experience to ensure that Wimbledon Guild achieves its goals. The Committee Chair will be responsible for representing the Talking Therapies Committee at Board meetings, as well as fulfilling all of the general duties of an active trustee. These include helping to develop strategy, providing oversight, and promoting the highest standards of corporate governance.

About You

The Talking Therapies Committee Chair should demonstrate the following qualities:

- A clear and confident communicator who has experience working at a senior level.

- An ability to take over existing projects and ensure that these are on track for successful delivery.

- A strong professional background in adult social care, mental health services, counselling or related professions

- A willingness to be a committed Board member, and to contribute actively to a skilled and experienced Board.

- A commitment to Wimbledon Guild’s objectives and to the Merton community.

- An understanding of and commitment to our  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies