Board Trustee Volunteer Roles

Offering your skills and time each month will give our fledgling organisation the boost it needs as we deliver our long-term strategy. Carers' Hub is an independent local charity based in Brixton. Our mission is to improve carers’ lives in Lambeth through quality services and community engagement. We achieve this through four core workstreams: raising awareness of carers, influencing local policy through community engagement activities, improving carer wellbeing and connecting carers to each other and to support and training opportunities through our services.

Caring for a loved one, family member, friend or neighbour, can have a significant impact on all aspects of a carer's own life. Our dedicated and passionate team work with carers to help overcome challenges around managing at home, finances, caring with confidence, education and employment, physical health and emotional wellbeing.

We would now like to add to our  Board and would like to hear from you if you are keen to offer your time and expertise to support us. We are particularly keen to hear from you if you have skills in the following areas:

• Finance: accountancy, financial planning or budgets. 

• Safeguarding: experience of managing or overseeing safeguarding processes and practices. 

• Fundraising: writing applications or bids, or helping to raise funds

• Senior management experience in a charity

We are also keen to hear from you if you have personal experience of being a carer, although this is not essential for the role. 

Meetings take place at our offices, in person, in Brixton approximately once every two-three months.  They currently run from 4pm until 6pm and we value our Trustees being able to attend meetings in person.  It is hoped that you will be able to contribute your time to help develop pieces of work outside of meetings depending on your skill set and availability. 

How to apply: Click the Quick Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation.

Closing date: 9am Thursday 6th June

Established in 1988, Nene Park Trust serves as the proud provider of Nene Park and an exciting and growing portfolio of other spaces, places, and ground-breaking regional initiatives. As a Trust, we believe that Nene Park is the Crown Jewel of the region. Our mission is to safeguard and nurture the park indefinitely. We’re proud to offer inspiring programmes within our environmentally rich spaces to connect people meaningfully with nature, culture, and heritage.

The Park is also a haven for wildlife, providing the community of the City of Peterborough with high quality green spaces and recreational venues.  

We are now looking for our next Chair to provide leadership to a substantial and committed Board, oversee the development of the organisation, and support our collaboration with partners and our vibrant Peterborough communities. Your commercial acumen and commitment to our vision will ensure we remain aligned to the big picture, whilst delivering results.

The Trust has crafted an ambitious and progressive Nene Park ‘Master Plan’, a visionary blueprint which takes us well beyond our historic boundaries. As our new Chair, you will foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability, enabling us to tackle a spectrum of challenges, identify new opportunities, and journey towards a bright and sustainable future.

You will be a credible and influential leader with well-honed strategic skills. With a deep commitment to the Trust’s mission, you will have the skills to act as critical friend, guiding and supporting us in the execution of our Master Plan and to achieve our broader priorities. A background in conservation or heritage is not strictly necessary – you may have worked in business, in public service or in the voluntary sector. Wherever you are now, you will be someone who inspires confidence quickly with funders, partners, and supporters, and who has a down to earth personal style.

Closing date: Friday 24th May 2024

Are you passionate about supporting people who have experienced homlessness? Do you believe in giving people a second chance?If so, then this opportuity could be for you!

Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, support people who have experienced or been at risk of homelessness, find a place where they can enjoy companionship and support.

We are about to embark on an exciting project to redevelop our Stockwell Head site based in Hinckely. If you enjoy a challagne and would like to be part of the new look Emmaus Leicestershire and Rutland - please get in touch.

Cancer Support Scotland exists to improve the wellbeing of those affected by cancer, whether they are a person with cancer, a carer or loved one. Our wellbeing services range from professional one-to-one and digital counselling to stress management and self help tools.  In the last year we’ve offered over 6,500 appointments and demand for our services is continuing to rise.  We are seeking a new chair to lead us through the next phase of our strategy and to help us continue to ensure people live well with cancer.  We’re looking for someone who shares our passion for our purpose, has experience in ensuring effective governance and excellent financial acumen and is experienced in leadership.  We meet 4 times a year and have a dedicated group of Trustees who lead 4 sub groups Finance and Risk, Services, Marketing and Fundraising and People.

We’re also keen to invite applications for trustees with digital skills, who have an interest in the services we provide or those with people experience

Progress towards equality for autistic children and young people has been made and we’re proud of our role in this as a movement for change. But there is still more progress to be made. This is an opportunity to lead the board of a charity that is ensuring we live in a world where autistic children and young people can be themselves and realise their ambitions.

Location: London across several sites.

Applications close on Friday 31st May.

Who we are.

Ambitious about Autism is the national charity for autistic children and young people. We were established in 1997 by a group of families of autistic children who were concerned about the lack of appropriate provision for their children. Following a major capital fundraising campaign and a series of temporary locations and premises, Treehouse School and our charity moved into purpose-built accommodation in 2008, together creating the Pears National Centre for Autism Education. Since then, we have grown our education services opening Ambitious College, The Rise School and Spring School, and merging with St John’s College in September 2023, alongside extending our national influencing and enabling activities.

We run specialist education services and an award-winning employment programme, wherein children and young people are at the heart of our charity’s decision-making, policy work and campaigning. We also use our expertise to deliver training and consultancy to a wide range of organisations to improve awareness and understanding of autism. We want to help even more autistic children and young people to improve their quality of life and secure a fulfilling and rewarding future.

Even during the pandemic, we lived up to our name as we achieved so many goals and plans. We developed our Right from the Start toolkit, launched our Employ Autism campaign, and have grown and evolved.

We are experiencing an exciting period of growth. We were chosen to open a new school – Spring School which supports up to 90 pupils at capacity from ages 4-19 and we announced our merger with St John’s College. Although this is exciting, we have a battle on our hands as we call on the government to follow their solutions in the SEND Green Paper. We’re concerned that some of the proposals will make it even harder for autistic children to access education support and so we are asking for a public commitment from the government to fund support for children with SEND. There are more than twice as many children with SEND in schools and colleges now than there were in 2010, but the government has not set out what funding will be available to pay for the additional support they need.

We know there is an increasing need for mental health support across all schools. Everyone should be able to feel OK at school. But we know this isn’t the case for many autistic pupils. That’s why we created the Autistic and OK programme to empower autistic pupils to take control of their mental health and wellbeing, understand themselves and feel OK at school. Our guide is free for every single secondary school. But there is more for us to do, to continue to build and empower our communities to ensure autistic young people feel understood and accepted.

We recognise that there is still more to be done to grow and develop our important work, first outlined in our Time for Ambition 2021-2024 strategy and so we are extending this strategy for a further two years. Our aims continue to include ensuring autistic children and young people have an excellent and inclusive education, alongside striving for every autistic young person to have good careers education at school and in further and higher education, including experience of work. Autistic people need services that support good mental health by reducing isolation and so we want to ensure early intervention through signposting to specialist support. We aim to ensure peer networks are available alongside uplifting but realistic information tailored to autistic young people and their families. We also want to further develop our Ambitious Youth Network and continue to expand nationally to empower young people to connect with one another and to influence societal change.

Given we run schools, following a governance review in December 2019, we created our own Multi-Academy Trust – Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust (AaAST) which currently has two schools. We implemented several new changes to our governance including Joint Trustees and a joint committee structure wherein there are five trustees each of the Charity and Trust Boards and three Trustees who are Trustees of both Boards who serve as the joint Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Charity and Trust. All Trustees of the Charity and Trust are members of a Joint Group Board Committee to ensure oversight of the Charity and Trust. How this works in practice is everyone meets together with a short meeting afterwards to discuss Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust.

Our new Chair.

Our current Chair, Neil Goulden, is approaching the end of his term in December 2024, and we are in search of our next Chair to lead our Board. We need a Chair who has extensive experience in modern board leadership, ensuring robust governance, and promoting collective strategic decision-making. We are looking for someone who is commercially astute, as we strive to drive our organisation’s continued growth, ambition, and development. We value a Chair who embodies credibility and adeptness in navigating complexity. The ability to work with others and build trusting relationships with a variety of stakeholders are key.

Our new Chair must be committed to making a meaningful impact and leading an organisation that empowers young autistic people during a pivotal period of change in our communities. We need a Chair who is an inclusive leader, fostering engagement, strategic thinking, and openness who will lead the board as an

exemplar of inclusivity. They must be supportive and challenging, creating opportunities for growth and positive impact.

It is vital that our new Chair works with the board to ensure that all voices are heard and will have an affinity for our mission to stand with autistic children and young people, champion their rights, and create opportunities.

The new Chair will work with an established board and ambitious executive team that is ensuring our organisation is sustainable, evolving, innovative and impactful, and leads change whilst providing outstanding education to young autistic people.

The Board meets once a term and has an annual strategy away day. We expect the time commitment for the Chair to vary, and we would expect the equivalent on average of circa two days a month across various activities such as preparation for board meetings, reading board papers, regular conversation with the Chief Executive, ad hoc discussions with board members and the executive team, and attending events throughout the year.

Our board is diverse in many ways, including autistic people, who are part of our board, alongside a balance of gender, ethnicity, and age. We want to continue ensuring our Board represents our society and the people we work with every day.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Friday 31st May. 

Kiplin Hall and Gardens in North Yorkshire is recruiting Trustees to join the friendly and dedicated Board which oversees the management of this intriguing Jacobean house.  The house was built in the 1620s for George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and founder of the US state of Maryland. A member of the Historic Houses Association, the Hall and Gardens are open to visitors and we welcome over 30,000 visitors each year. We are currently creating a new Welcome Centre with improved retail and catering for our visitors which will open in Spring 2025. . With the support of National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are further enhancing the service and experience offered to visitors, to ensure Kiplin is sustainable and resilient for the future.

We are particularly seeking Trustees with skills and experience in finance, visitor operations, legal and curatorial to help oversee the continued development of the Hall and Gardens.  We are looking to grow our Board of Trustees to help guide us through an exciting period of change and transition. 

Our aim is to develop and broaden the diversity of our Board of Trustees, ensuring we have a variety of perspectives and backgrounds and are particularly interested in receiving local applications. If you are interested in becoming a Trustee at Kiplin Hall, you can find out more about the role on our website. The deadline for applications is 2 June  and interviews will be held on  at Kiplin Hall on 11 June 2024. 

Are you passionate about taking action on climate change, biodiversity loss and social equity?

Do you believe that it's possible to meet today's needs without compromising those of future generations?

If you combine these beliefs with leadership skills and governance experience, we want to hear from you. Our Board of Trustees needs you to help us put Sustainability First in the UK.

Who we are

We’re a small, highly regarded think-tank and charity that promotes practical, sustainable solutions to improve environmental, economic and social wellbeing.

What we do

Sustainability First works towards real environmental and social change. Primarily

focussed on the energy and water sectors, we:

• undertake research

• initiate policy discussions

• make complex issues accessible to the public

• promote under-represented voices

• develop solutions to influence Players in the sector

The opportunity

You will be joining Sustainability First at a critical time, when we are stepping up our ambition to drive change in the energy and water sectors in a way that benefits people and responds to the urgent need to transition to a more sustainable future. You will work collaboratively with our Executive Director in meeting our ambitions to scale our work, drive change across the sector and embed the representation of people into decision-making.

This will include six primary responsibilities:

1 Ensure that Sustainability First has a clear strategic direction aimed at fulfilling its charity objectives and that the Strategy is regularly reviewed.

2 Oversee the governance of the Charity with:

     a. an effective, diverse and relevant Board of Trustees.

     b. appropriate policies, processes & financial management such that the Charity operates within the law, in pursuit of its Strategy and demonstrating good practice.

     c. regular and effective liaison, reporting and oversight of the Executive Director, Company Secretary and, as necessary, staff and panel of experts in order to ensure effective and proportionate planning, use of resources, monitoring and reporting by the Board of Trustees.

3 Set the agenda for and chair Board meetings to ensure engagement of, and discussion amongst Trustees based on the best possible information, input from the Executive Director and team, leading to clear and accountable decision-making.

4 Appoint, support and manage the Executive Director on behalf of the Board.

5 Ensure that the charity has an income generation strategy which is monitored and actively supported by trustees and Chair, in order to achieve the Board’s stated objective to build resilience and capacity for Sustainability First to successfully fulfil its charitable objects.

6 Represent the charity externally as required.

Skills

After many years of service to our charity, our current Chair is retiring. At a time of opportunity and challenge for our organisation, we’re looking for someone with a proven track record of leadership at board level, ideally in the UK charity sector. Your experience of running and growing a small but impactful organisation in a professional or voluntary capacity will be crucial to the work of our Board, dedicated staff and expert associates.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, you will draw on your experience of collegiate collaboration, positive decision-making and effective problem-solving to help ensure funding, organisational excellence, and ultimately environmental and social change.

PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR CHAIR

The ideal candidate will have proven knowledge/ skills/ experience in the following areas:

• Governance and board experience (essential) and in a chairing or leadership role (desirable)
• *Demonstrable leadership skills consistent with Sustainability First’s values and charitable purpose (essential)
• *Ability to both manage and support the Board and Executive Director to help achieve the best outcomes (essential)
• Support the vision and mission of the charity (essential) with experience, networks and profile in one or more of our areas of operation (desirable)
• *Sufficient time and energy to fulfil the role (essential)
• A growth mindset* (essential) and income generation experience (desirable)
• *Experience of small organisations and their particular challenges in a professional or voluntary capacity (essential)
• Experience of working within the UK Charity Sector (desirable)

In addition to preparing for and chairing the Board, the Chair will be an ex officio member of all Board Panels, will line manage the Executive Director and will represent the charity externally as requested.

The commitment is likely to average around two days per month. The appointment is for an initial three-year term with the option to renew.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 13th May. You can read our recruitment pack in full on our website. Please send a cover letter explaining your reasons for applying, the skills and experience you would bring to this role, and a copy of your CV plus a completed EDI Monitoring Form to our Company Secretary and Head of Finance, Claire Williams.

Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees, West Smethwick Enterprise.

Salary: N/A - Voluntary Position.

Location: Birmingham/Sandwell.

Time commitment: Five x 3.5 hour Board meetings per year, plus the Mentorship of the Director of Childrens Services and occasionally representing the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders.

The Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with the Director of Childrens Services to ensure that upcoming Board Meetings are well planned, efficient and the relevant information is available to enable Trustees to make timely and well-informed decisions. This would constitute approx. 8-16 hours per month in time commitment.

Closing date: 30th April 2024.

About West Smethwick Enterprise

West Smethwick Enterprise CIC is a community-based charity with an aim to improve outcomes for children and families in some of the most socially and economically challenged areas within the UK. We currently provide high quality Pre-Schools for children aged between 2-5, from 5 locations across Smethwick and Ladywood in Birmingham, as well as offering family support services for children and their families within the local community.

We are also building local professional capability for the Early Years sector itself through pioneering partnerships with Higher Education providers. This initiative is primarily driven through our Pre-School centre based in Ladywood, Birmingham.

As WSE’s Chair of the Board of Trustees (BoT), you will be responsible for engaging the Trustees to support our talented, committed employees to continue growing a sustainable, resilient and agile organisation, capable of delivering an ambitious strategy; developing talent and capability; building successful partnerships and attracting suitable investment/funding.

West Smethwick Enterprise in a nutshell

Pre-school settings – 5

Turnover - £800k

Staff numbers – 37

Our values: Kindness, Fairness, Determination, Collaboration and Imagination. These values are deeply ingrained in our culture and the way we work with our colleagues and with the children and families we serve

About the role

The operation and success of West Smethwick Enterprise is overseen by a capable, dedicated and experienced Board of Trustees and this is led by the Chair.

Working closely with their Board of Trustees, the Chair is responsible for ensuring that our WSE leadership team continue to deliver financial stability, strong operational grip, high quality children’s services and apply strong governance to the organisation. The Chair also plays a crucial role overseeing the development and successful delivery of the strategy.

The successful Chair will provide mentorship to the Director of Children’s services, who leads the organisation on a day-to-day basis, helping her to continue to create a climate where the wider team can thrive and achieve new heights.

The role is perfect for a leader who is an experienced people manager, passionate about supporting young children from economically disadvantaged areas to thrive, and wants to use their skills, professional network and experience for good.

It is a voluntary position, with reasonable travel costs and expenses being covered.

The Chair position is a central leadership role within WSE, with the successful candidate drawing on their skills and experience to ensure the organisation can develop to meet the growing requirement for high quality, low cost and/or grant funded pre-school education in the Birmingham Ladywood and Smethwick footprint. We are keen to hear from anyone who is passionate about our aims, has time to give and feels able to lead West Smethwick Enterprise through the next chapter of growth.

Please refer to the attached job description fro the full job specification.

Join Us in Shaping the Future: Bring your passion for eye care and diverse expertise to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those in need. Become a Trustee of Vision Care for Homeless People!

• Are you passionate about ensuring everyone has access to essential eye care services, regardless of their circumstances?
• Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness?
• If so, we invite you to consider becoming a Trustee at VCHP, where we're dedicated to providing vital eye care to those in need.

About Us

At VCHP, we believe that everyone deserves the right to clear vision and eye health. Since 2003, we've been on a mission to provide comprehensive eye care services to individuals experiencing homelessness across the UK. From eye exams to prescription glasses, we're committed to ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to their vision. Now, as we look to the future, we're seeking dynamic individuals to join our board and help guide our strategic direction.

What We’re Looking For

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. Do you know how to positively challenge the status quo? At VCHP, we're on a mission to provide essential support to those experiencing homelessness, and as we move forward, we recognise the importance of having a diverse and skilled board to guide our efforts effectively. We're currently seeking individuals who can bring specific expertise to address the existing skills gaps on our board. We're particularly interested in candidates who possess one or more of the following skills and experiences:

• Board Experience: To provide strategic leadership and governance oversight.
• Digital Skills: To navigate the digital landscape and leverage technology for organisational growth.
• Cybersecurity: To ensure the security and integrity of our digital infrastructure.
• Lived experience of homelessness or experience as a service user: To offer firsthand insights into the needs and challenges of our service users.
• Charity Law and Compliance: To ensure that we operate in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Policy Development: To develop robust policies that align with our mission and support our organizational objectives.

By adding individuals with these specific skills to our board, we aim to enhance our capacity to fulfil our mission and serve our community more effectively. For the full role description, which outlines essential skills and responsibilities, please contact us.

Why Join Us

• Make an Impact: As a Trustee, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve and contribute to positive change in our community.
• Professional Development: Joining our board offers valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development, networking, and learning from experienced colleagues.
• Be Part of Something Meaningful: Join a dedicated team of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference and creating a brighter future for VCHP and those we support.

How to Apply

If you're ready to embark on this rewarding journey and help shape the future of VCHP, we'd love to hear from you!

To apply, kindly detail your alignment with the desired skills and experiences and articulate your motivation for seeking the role of trustee at VCHP within a concise response of no more than 2 pages. Please accompany this with your CV, if you have one.

If you want to learn more or have questions before applying, please contact Anna, who will be happy to assist you. Please note: If you would like to submit an application or express your interest in an alternative format such as audio or video upload or require any adaptations for your initial engagement with us, please contact Anna who will be happy to advise on this.

Closing date for applications: 31st May 2024, with the possibility of interviews conducted on a rolling basis.

Interview dates: July 2024. While this role can be carried out remotely, please note that there will be one annual face-to-face meeting.

Caberfeidh Horizons is a vibrant social enterprise, working with adults and young people who have  learning disabilities, at the heart of their local community. We are looking for a new Chair and Trustees to join our Board. Applicants must live within the Badenoch and Strathspey area.

Our mission is to improve the future prospects of the adults and young people we work with by providing training, work experience and social opportunities to increase their confidence, health, life skills and community involvement.

We currently run three shops in Kingussie, a Charity Shop, Bookshop and Community Hub. Between them, they sell everything from books, clothes, children’s toys, furniture, bric-a-brac and more. Our main shop, The Hub also houses the Community Food share. For further information about who we are and what we do, please visit our website.

Trustees are appointed on a voluntary basis, and do not receive any remuneration. As a board member you will play a critical role in the future governance of the charity.  You will help to oversee the activities of the charity ensuring it remains compliant with regulations, help to set strategic development and help to shape its future.

This is a great opportunity for individuals with a passion for supporting our cause and gives the potential for the development of new/existing skills, to meet new people and support our community and to enhance the lives of those we support.

We are looking for people with H.R, I.T, Legal, Governance, Leadership, Strategic Planning and Fund Raising skills, who believe that they can really make a difference to our community. If this is you we would love to hear from you, contact details as per our website.

The closing date for these posts is on-going.

We are seeking a new Secretary to undertake administrative duties to support the board of trustees of the African Bird Club in fulfilling its responsibility for the good governance of the charity and in delivering its strategy. You will be one of five executive officers and as such, have a key role in helping to progress ABC’s status and mission.

The African Bird Club is dedicated to conserving birds and their habitats across the continent of Africa and related islands and furthering ornithology in this region. We raise funds to make grants to support local conservation projects, produce a peer-reviewed journal and are developing a free birding app. ABC currently has over 1100 members from 70 countries and is governed by a board of twelve trustees.

The Secretary is expected to attend three board meetings a year and the annual general meeting of members of the charity, as well as ad hoc meetings of the executive officers and provide administrative support for the running of the charity, as required, with other trustees and contractors.

You must be eligible to be a trustee of a charity, have sufficient time to devote to the role and be committed to achieving ABC's objectives. You must also have strong communication and interpersonal skills, maintain constructive relationships (with other executive officers, trustees and the charity’s contractors) and deal with routine correspondence. Previous experience as a secretary or trustee of a charity would be advantageous but is not necessary.

We are looking for a Trustee who can help us strengthen and deepen our reach with stakeholders, communities, and funders.

Ideally you will have some professional experience within the third sector or a personal connection with what we do. However, wherever you are now, you will recognise how significant our organisation is within our community and will share our desire to further strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to be a sustainable provider of services to people with complex needs.

Key Attributes We Seek in Trustees:

· Commitment to the YSS Mission: A keen belief in YSS's mission of fostering independence and empowerment is vital. We believe our Trustees should be driven by a passion for effecting positive change in people's lives.

· Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability is non-negotiable. Trustees must embody honesty and ethical behaviour in all endeavours.

· Strategic Thinking: Effective trustees possess strategic foresight and the ability to analyse complex issues. They contribute valuable insights to shape YSS's long-term direction and goals.

· Leadership Skills: Demonstrating strong leadership qualities is essential. Trustees should inspire others, foster collaboration, and proactively identify opportunities and challenges.

· Financial Awareness: Understanding financial matters is crucial for fulfilling a Trustee’s financial responsibilities to the organisation. Trustees should actively review financial reports and plans to ensure YSS's financial health.

· Diversity and Inclusion: YSS serves diverse communities, and we value diversity in our Trustees. Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is paramount.

· Effective Communication: Trustees should possess strong communication skills, articulating ideas clearly and engaging with stakeholders effectively.

· Collaborative Approach: Operating through collaboration is a hallmark of YSS. Trustees should be team players, working collaboratively towards common goals.

· Adaptability and Resilience: Trustees should be adaptable and resilient in navigating change and uncertainty while staying focused on the organization's mission.

· Commitment and Availability: Serving as a trustee requires dedication of time and energy. Trustees must commit to attending meetings, participating in discussions, and engaging in relevant activities.

Principal responsibilities

· Provide strategic direction.

· Monitor performance.

· Ensure compliance.

· Safeguard reputation and values.

· Ensure financial viability.

· Contribute to MD's appointment, support, and performance monitoring.

· Participate in appraisal, recruitment, and disciplinary panels.

Desirable Areas of Skills and Experience:

· ICT and digital transformation

· Legal

· Safeguarding

· Criminal Justice

· Social Care or Social Enterprise

· Accountancy and financial planning/reporting

· Organizational Management

· Human Resources

· Community Development

· Balancing conflicting views sensitively

· Networking and relationship-building

· Commitment to the charity's vision and values

· Strong leadership with credibility and enthusiasm

· Effective decision-making and independent judgment

Summary of the Role: As a Trustee, you'll be responsible for setting strategic aims, objectives, and direction. You'll ensure YSS achieves its objectives, represents stakeholders' interests, and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Structure, Governance, and Management: YSS is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board delegates responsibility for day-to-day management to the Managing Director, aided by the Senior Management and Leadership Team.

Strategy: YSS has a broad 3-year strategy linked to our organizational Theory of Change. Bi-annual strategic reviews are undertaken by the Trustees and Senior Management Team.

Priorities for 2024-2025:

· Implementation of impact measurement metrics

· Creation of staff and service user forums

· Focus on income sustainability and relationships with local authorities and funders

· Further development around our social value strategy

As the Chair you should take control of meetings, ensuring that everyone who wishes to has a reasonable chance to speak and take part. The Chair should ensure any reasonable adjustments are made for Trustees with learning disabilities or other disabilities. You should be able to listen to and understand a wide range of views, present information clearly and concisely and get clarification of relevant points, thus enabling the board to make effective decisions. The board must demonstrate its leadership of the organisation. It is the chair's role to enable the board to do that.

Personal skills and qualities

● leadership skills

● experience in chairing meetings and committee work

● facilitation skills

● tact and diplomacy

● excellent communication and interpersonal skills

● impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences

● Knowledge or experience of learning disability, including the issues that impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities

● Good knowledge of the third sector

 It is desirable for the chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by Speak Out and a commitment to keeping ahead of the changes in the organisation that take place.

This is an opportunity to lead the Board of a rapidly growing children’s mental health charity, significantly impacting the lives, mental health and well-being of our children and young people through the provision of award-winning mental health services. Play your part in leading Kids Inspire as they grow in scale and geography and further their impact.

Applications close on: Monday 10th June 2024.

Location: Essex and Suffolk (with meetings in Chelmsford)

Time commitment: c.2 days per month

About Kids Inspire

Kids Inspire was founded in 2007 by our Chief Executive, Sue Bell OBE, to fill gaps in mental health provision for children and young people. Today, Kids Inspire has a track record of success, providing specialist mental health services for children, young people and families.

We have a highly ambitious executive team and an engaged board of trustees. Together, we are determined and driven to make a sustainable difference in the lives of children, young people, and families by ensuring they get the support they need to recover from trauma and thrive.

We provide a range of therapeutic and community services which are suited to each child’s needs. Our holistic specialist services empower children, young people and their families affected by trauma or negative experiences to make positive choices and reclaim their lives.

Our services are informed by the latest developments in research and practice of neuroscience, trauma, and therapy. We believe the best outcomes are achieved when the adults around the child are included in the support, keeping the child at the centre.

Uniquely, therefore, since our inception we have provided ‘family inclusive’ specialist services to children and young people affected by negative experiences or trauma. This approach is one of the critical differentiators that enable us to make a positive impact in young people’s lives.

We are experiencing ever-increasing demands for mental health support. As a society, we are navigating post-pandemic challenges alongside the cost-of-living crisis and its effects.

The global uncertainty puts pressure on everyone, and we know children and young people are sensitive to the well-being and emotional capacity of their parents and/or adults who care for them.

Alongside this, we have seen an increase in the complexity of how our young people present and what concerns them. We need to ensure young people have access to support as we face an emerging and growing mental health crisis.

We know that children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have, on average, weaker social and emotional learning skills at all ages than their peers. This is linked to poor mental health, lower academic attainment, and poorer employment outcomes. However, evidence suggests that developing social and emotional skills can improve young people’s lives.

A recent partnership with Impetus who supports and funds ‘high potential charities,’ has enabled us to reflect on and refine our theory of change and create a rigorous and robust strategy for the next three years of growth. The partnership also gave us access to pro bono support from Bain and Company who pressure-tested our strategy and created a comprehensive implementation plan which is already underway.

We work across Essex and are rapidly growing into Thurrock and Suffolk, with ambitious plans to continue to grow sustainably and have a bigger impact on the lives of children and young people.

We are on the cusp of our next stage of development, from local charity to countrywide provider, and, as we embark on our new business plan, this is a great time to join and lead our board as Chair.

About the role

As our current Chair, Simon Carpenter, is due to step down later this year, we are looking for a new Chair to lead our board at this pivotal time of growth, scaling and development for our organisation.

Who we are looking for

Our new Chair will:

• Bring governance experience and strong commercial acumen, with entrepreneurial experience in scaling and growing organisations.
• Together with our Chief Executive, Sue Bell, help to develop and drive our strategy, creating a bigger impact.
• Have experience leading organisations through growth and change and bringing a business focus.
• Understand the distinctive culture of the charity sector.
• Challenge and support our board and executive team alongside a strategic, open, calm, diplomatic and inclusive approach.
• Join our ambitious and engaged board and collaborate with the executive team to ensure our organisation grows sustainably.
• Share our vision and values and have a passion for supporting children’s and young people’s mental health and well-being.

We want to ensure that all voices are heard across our organisation, and our Chair will work closely with our Chief Executive and team to ensure that young people are at the core of how we work.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 10th June 2024.