Chair And Members Of The Board Of Trustees Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Mansfield is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues
The core responsibilities involved are:
· Ensuring accountability
· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
· Budgetary allocation and control
· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
· Setting the school’s aims and values
· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.
What are we looking for?
This vacancy is for a Primary School (ages 3-11). The school is looking to find a Chair of Governors who is a great communicator and who has empathy and an affinity with children. Due to gaps on the current board, it would be ideal if you have a finance background but this isn’t essential. You don’t necessarily need to have been a chair before but any experience you do have would be advantageous.
You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.
Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.
As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:
· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.
· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work
Before you apply
You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.
About Governors for Schools
Objectives
Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chair of Trustees
We are looking for a Chair of Trustees who is passionate about the cause but also keen to get involved and help drive the charity’s strategic direction.
Working for a small Muscular Dystrophy family charity, you will work closely with trustees and the charity’s founder and CEO to drive the organisations strategic direction.
Position: Chair of Trustees
Location: Hybrid / South East
Closing Date: 20th May 2024
The Role
You will work closely with the charity’s founder and CEO but also you will lead the trustees in strategy, good governance, and policy development. As part of this engagement, the Chair will provide support to the CEO, including supporting his wellbeing and ongoing professional development.
Other duties will include:
· When necessary, ensure the Chair and Trustees challenge the CEO constructively and only in the best interests of the charity as ‘critical friends’.
· Liaising with the Charity Secretary, and the CEO with drafting agendas and supporting papers for Trustee meetings, ensuring provision of timely information and sharing with all.
· Ensure charity business is covered efficiently and effectively in meetings.
· Undertake a leadership role to ensure that board members fulfil their governance responsibilities and that trustee decisions are acted upon.
· Maintain trustees’ commitment to board renewal, succession planning and trustee performance reviews, in line with the governing document.
· Ensure board and trustee performance is reviewed annually.
· Ensure the performance of the CEO is reviewed annually.
The Chair will also ensure that Trustees make an effective contribution and are engaged, fully involved and invested in the charity in discharging their responsibilities.
Time Commitments
· The time commitment required to fulfil the Chair role will be somewhere between 2-3 days per month
· MHF’s Trustee Board meets virtually once every 2 months, for 2 hours, within the financial year (1st Mar – 29th Feb)
· The Chair & trustees are encouraged to attend and engage with at least one Muscle Dream programme per year
· The Chair will conduct an annual review meeting with each trustee, outside of any other trustee meetings
· The Association of Chairs (AoC) are an independent association of Chairs of social purpose and not-for-profits – formed to help Chairs with their unique task to lead the board in delivering the organisation’s aims – the AoC offer some excellent resources including Chair Training (if required)
If you would like to progress your interest forwards, in the first instance, please upload your CV together with a covering letter outlining your skills, experience and motivations.
About You
We have an exciting opportunity for someone to bring their leadership and communication skills to the fore. Previous trustee experience and charity governance are essential.
You will not only have experience of being a charity trustee or someone who has held a senior management role, but also an individual who has a keen sense of strategic purpose, underpinned by an inclusive and compassionate style of leadership.
We are open to applications from those with relevant senior level charity experience and would love to hear from people with experience of income generation, small charity or small business leadership experience as well as experience of governance in a small charity.
The recruitment process is open and inclusive. Applicants will be communicated with in advance, so they know what to expect as the process unfolds.
About the Organisation
Small multi award-winning family-centred charity uniquely tackling the isolating and debilitating muscle wasting disease Muscular Dystrophy (MD) for children and young people. Their vision is a world of hope, purpose, inspiration and empowerment for all children with MD. The organisation delivers highly personalised interventions (in-person & virtual) in the UK called Muscle Dreams that provide powerful physiological and psychological benefits from improving emotional and mental wellness to boosting confidence, uplifting self-esteem and increasing social connection.
One of the strengths as a board is its diversity. And as a charity, the community’s diversity. We are interested in hearing from applicants with diverse skills and experiences that reflect the diversity of the beneficiaries.
You may have experience in areas such as Chair, Chair of the Board, Chair of Trustees, Board, CEO, COO, CFO, Chief Executive, Charity, Senior Executive, Head of, Director.
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.
Our work currently involves a range of projects across the UK, including long-standing weekly music sessions at Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals, projects in around 12 prisons a year in England, and our Resonate programmes in Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham, which focus on those with disabilities and mental health issues in the community.
The Board of Trustees upholds the best interests of Good Vibrations, ensuring that we achieve our charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations.
Good Vibrations wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees who is experienced in organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The Chair supports and empowers the Board and CEO to lead the charity so that we achieve our vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.
The Board of Trustees
Good Vibrations is a registered charity in both England & Wales (1126493) and Scotland (SC048860). The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, which currently numbers five following the standing down of some long-term members.
The Board is vital in Good Vibrations’ governance and is responsible for setting directions in strategy and maintaining oversight over all activity. Trustees also play an ambassadorial role in raising awareness of our work.
The current board includes expertise in arts and culture, legal and charitable affairs, finance and academia, helping to ensure that we extend our knowledge of the issues and challenges we face.
Good Vibrations is regularly in receipt of funding from Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, as well as from the National Lottery and several other Trusts and Foundations. The Board is currently involved in creating the organisation’s next 5-year Business Plan. You can see our most recent Annual Report and Accounts here.
What are we looking for?
The position has become available following the standing down of the current Chair Nick Jolliffe, who has been with the organisation since 2018. The organisation has recently appointed a new CEO, and this is an exciting time of development for the organisation.
As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.
The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders.
- Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society.
- A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success
- Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles
- Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance.
- Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause.
- Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.
How our Board works
Trustees meet quarterly at Board Meetings, either in person in London or online from 5.00pm – 7.30pm. There is also an annual Strategy day in London.
In addition, a Finance sub-committee meets quarterly, looking in-depth at finance and other matters, before putting recommendations forward to the Board.
Trustees do not receive remuneration or other benefits, but all expenses can be claimed including those required to cover access needs such as sign language, interpretation, captioning or travel expenses. The full legal framework for Trustees is laid out in the Articles of Association, which were recently revised in 2022.
Trustees serve for an initial term of three years and will have the opportunity to be re-appointed for a second and final term (maximum of nine years).
What Responsibilities will you have?
Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators.
ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work.
All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.
All Good Vibrations’ Trustees have responsibility for the:
- governance of the organisation in line with legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, OSCR, other regulatory bodies, and funders;
- appointment, including the approval of job descriptions and pay levels of members of staff; agreeing terms & conditions and employment procedures;
- recruitment of new Trustees;
- approval of Good Vibrations’ strategy, its business, and artistic plans, and use of resources;
- approval of budgets, annual accounts and financial strategies;
- approval of all policies ensuring that they are updated in line with law and best practice.
The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has some additional responsibilities including:
- working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity;
- conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO;
- ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction
- ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress;
- leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning;
- support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies;
- working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups;
- planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings;
- chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly;
- acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations
Before you apply
Good Vibrations is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity of thought and experience and inclusion of those who are historically underrepresented in leadership roles. We would particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the contexts in which we work, including from people with a previous conviction.
For an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact us through details on our website.
Please note this post will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) and references.
How to Apply
We welcome all applications but particularly those from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, disability, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental ill health, and autistic and neurodivergent people. We also encourage applications from those protected under the 2010 Equalities Act due to age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
We are interested to hear from those who may not consider a position like this due to social or financial disadvantage. Those with caring responsibilities and on low incomes are encouraged to apply, and we will work to make provision where possible.
To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your interest through Charity Job. We will also accept applications in any preferred format (including audio or video).
The closing date for this position is 14th May 2024 with interviews to be held on the week of 20th May. Any access requirements will be met.
Please complete the attached equality and diversity form when completing your application, many thanks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Green House Bristol is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to join our Trustee board. As Chair of Trustees, you will play a critical leadership role and ensure the Trustee board functions effectively.
Overview of the role
3 in 20 girls and 1 in 20 boys will experience sexual violence before they turn 18. Yet, with access to the right help, children and their families can heal and recover. The Green House offers this lifeline, delivering the only specialist service to children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse living in Avon and Somerset.
We are currently recruiting for a new Chair of Trustees to join our Trustee board. As a Trustee of The Green House, you will play a crucial role in setting the strategic direction of the charity and ensuring good governance. You will contribute to ensuring that the charity fulfils its mission, operates effectively, and remains accountable to survivors of child sexual abuse, and their families.
In addition to the general duties as Trustee, as Chair you will be in a leadership role: overseeing the Trustee board, acting as a spokesperson and ambassador for the charity, and working closely with The Green House’s CEO.
Please note that you will also be appointed as a Director of The Green House, reflecting our registration as both a charity and a Private Limited Company.
Why join us?
The service The Green House provides is distinct in four ways:
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We are evidence-based, with everything we do guided by research and best practice
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We are led by the voices of young people and their families
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We are centred on community and connection
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We are focused on the transformational power of the creative arts in helping survivors to rebuild their lives
This has resulted in a distinct service that ensures children have access to timely, specialist support services that are right for them.
Although The Green House delivers a local service, the work we do is increasingly leading the way in changing the national response to child sexual abuse – from delivering national training on pre-trial therapy to our involvement in the Upfront Survivors project.
It is an exciting time to join us as we embed our new service model, deliver a new strategy, and look to increase both our local and national visibility. You will be joining an ambitious team who work tirelessly to improve the lives of children, young people and families who have experienced sexual abuse.
About you
You will need previous experience acting as a Trustee, but it is not essential to have experience as a Chair of Trustees. We are looking for you to demonstrate:
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Commitment: A deep passion and commitment to work alongside survivors of sexual abuse and their families.
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Integrity: That you uphold the highest ethical standards.
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Strategic Thinking: An ability to contribute to ‘big picture’ thinking.
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Financial Acumen: The ability to understand financial statements and budgeting.
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Collaboration: A recognition of the need for The Green House to act alongside partners and survivors, and for the Board to function as a collective.
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Advocacy: A willingness to represent the charity and advocate on The Green House’s behalf.
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Communication: The ability for you to communicate your area of specialism to other members of the board with different specialist knowledge.
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Time Commitment: The ability to consistently devote time to the role.
We value a wide range of experiences and specialisms, and our work is research-led and evidence-based. We welcome and encourage those with lived experience to apply. We know that there is no ‘us’ and ‘them’ and that many of The Green House’s team are themselves survivors of sexual abuse and/or have wider lived experiences that offer huge value to the work we deliver.
Duties of all Trustees
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Prepare for and attend Board meetings, using your skills, expertise, and knowledge to contribute to discussions.
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Participate in setting the charity’s strategic direction. Contribute to decision-making on key matters, including long-term planning, financial sustainability, and program development.
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Provide support, learning and challenge to The Green House’s CEO.
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Ensure The Green House acts in line with its governing document and complies with all relevant laws and regulations.
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Ensure the charity lives its values (hope, creativity, and connection), delivering accountability to children who have experienced sexual abuse and their families.
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Monitor operational progress against The Green House’s new strategy.
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Ensure the charities financial and wider resources are being used effectively and treated with care.
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Ensure all relevant policies and procedures are in place and are being implemented.
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Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored, and controlled effectively.
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Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect The Green House’s interests, to the exclusion of your own personal and/or any third-party interests.
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Proactively represent The Green House, building the charity’s visibility and reputation.
Duties of the Chair
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Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that The Green House achieves its mission.
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Work in partnership with the CEO, offering challenge and support towards our goals.
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Act as Line Manager to the CEO and conduct annual appraisals of the CEO.
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Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
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Plan and chair monthly board meetings.
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Act as a spokesperson and ambassador for The Green House.
Terms of appointment
Terms of office
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Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, with renewal for two further terms to a maximum of three years.
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This is a voluntary position, but all reasonable expenses are covered.
Time commitment (Approximately 2-4 days a month)
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Attend monthly Board meetings. These are typically held on a Thursday evening at 6pm. Most meetings are virtual although we do meet in-person on a quarterly basis.
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Line Management and Appraisal of the CEO (1 hour every 6 weeks; 1 hour annually).
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Additional time is needed to take ownership of actions that arise from meetings (from supporting with recruitment and exit interviews where appropriate, to attending events on The Green House’s behalf). You will also need to be flexible in responding to emergent time-urgent issues when they arise.
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We also ask Trustees to attend an initial induction day at The Green House, The Green House’s annual Festival of Activism against Child Sexual Abuse (1 day in early February) and spend a strategy day with the staff team (typically 1 day September). From time to time, depending on the nature of the Fundraising activity it may be necessary for Trustee’s to attend fundraising events/meetings with the CEO.
EDI Statement
The Green House actively encourages and welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Having a diverse workforce would not only help us evolve as an organisation, but also help us better our inclusive practices for the various communities we serve. Because of this, we are particularly keen to receive applications from members of ethnic minority groups and individuals with disabilities who are currently underrepresented within the charity.
We also understand that different barriers effect people with protected characteristics from accessing certain opportunities or experience. That is why we would like to offer any candidate living with disability that meets the minimum criteria a guaranteed interview.
There is an optional Equal Opportunities form included for those living with disability to submit alongside their application to qualify for the guaranteed interview scheme. As well as in general for our internal diversity in recruitment monitoring, which can be sent to us at the same address alongside your application. This form will not be seen by the hiring panel.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is your opportunity to lead the board of an organisation striving to make space for stammering and create a world where stammering is just a difference, no one judges stammering or how people choose to deal with it. Join the board of STAMMA and work with a brilliant community.
- Location: Hybrid, virtual and in-person meetings in London and Manchester
Applications close on Monday 27th May.
Who we are.
STAMMA is a small, award-winning charity with big ambitions working with a brilliant community keen to create space and respect for people who stammer.
Many people who stammer face daily ignorance, discrimination and disrespect. This can affect job prospects and mental health and cause social isolation. It can make a GP appointment a nightmare, stop you from accessing a service altogether and leave you feeling disbelieved. STAMMA is here to change that.
We have embarked on a new three-year strategy – Space to Stammer, to achieve real and practical change for people who stammer and showcase the inadvertent barriers they face. We aim to create a culture where consideration for people who stammer is akin to checking for wheelchair access; it is something to be thought about when it comes to every day like oral exams, customer services, booking GP appointments, online banking, or even being a parliamentarian. Our campaigns are about changing perceptions and have been award-winning and life-changing, and include Make GP Bookings Accessible, It’s How We Talk, No Diversity without Disfluency and campaigning against the Apple suggestion of the Woozy face emoji when the word ‘stammering’ is typed.
We want to reach more people who stammer and grow our base but to do that, we need to expand our training and advocacy services and underpin our whole range of support services, hence, we need to build our income streams.
We believe we’re on the cusp of creating real and long-lasting change for people who stammer. With this, this is a great time to join and lead our board as Chair.
About the roles.
Our new Chair
As our previous Chair, Joanna Gaukroger, stepped down due to illness, we are looking for a new Chair to lead our Board. It is vital that our new Chair shares our passion for creating a world that makes space for stammering, where a stammer is embraced as just a difference, and no one judges a stammer or how someone deals with it. Our new Chair will bring governance experience, be commercial and drive our strategy with our Chief Executive to continue our organisation’s development, including ensuring sustainability. Our new Chair will be committed to making a meaningful impact, foster engagement and strategic thinking.
Our new Chair will work with our ambitious board and executive team to ensure our organisation continues to be innovative and sustainable and champions the rights of those we support. We envisage our Chair as an inclusive leader, ensuring all voices are heard. We must represent our diverse communities, and we support everyone; those who passionately believe there should be no need to hide or control their stammer as well as those who seek more fluent or smoother speech.
Our new Fundraising Trustee
In addition to our new Chair, we are looking for a new Trustee who will bring skills and experience in strategic fundraising. Our new Trustee will have senior leadership experience with fundraising experience, particularly around individual giving, corporate partnerships, and major donor fundraising. Our new Trustee will share our excitement and ambition for change. We are looking for someone who can support us build our fundraising strategies and provide sound advice and challenge.
Time Commitment
The Board meets 6 times a year including an annual general meeting and our national conference – STAMMAFest. Meetings are usually held on a Saturday for 2 – 3 hours online and 4 – 5 in person. 3 of these meetings typically take place online, and 3 can take place in person in different locations across England, including London and Manchester.
We also have several committees; Trustees usually join one sub-committee. Our committees include the Finance Committee, the Fundraising Committee, the Research Committee, and the Membership Committee. Our new Fundraising Trustee will join our Fundraising committee.
We expect the time commitment for the Chair to vary. On average, we would expect the equivalent of c.2 days a month, spread 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. The time commitment of our Fundraising Trustee would be the equivalent of a day a month.
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 27th May.
Applications close at 12 p.m. Monday 20th May.
About the role.
Following the decision of our current Chair, the Solihull College & University CentreCorporation welcomes interest from candidates who have the time, passion, experience, and interest to become a Governor and our Chair Designate in summer 2024.
Initially joining as the named Chair Designate, with time to engage in an extended and supportive handover period through the 2024 autumn term, we look forward to welcoming the person appointed as Chair of Solihull College & University Centre from early 2025.
The Chair provides leadership to the Corporation and its members, working closely with the Principal & CEO and the Director of Corporate Governance, Risk & Compliance. Supported by two Vice Chairs, the Chair ensures Governors have oversight of organisational development and are made aware of risks affecting strategy, finance, staffing, student experience, or reputation, through receiving plans and reports from the Principal & CEO and her senior team.
The Corporation is comparable to a board of non-executive directors and is composed of members from the local community, stakeholders, students and staff members.
Actively involved in long-term visioning and approving the educational character of Solihull College & University Centre, the Chair ensures Governors’ diverse skills, areas of specialist knowledge, networks, and professional opinions are used for the advancement of the organisation and in the most appropriate way.
With up to 19 Members of the Corporation, plus two External Members, the Chair ensures professional engagement between the Corporation and both employees and learners, through both formal means (meetings) and informal opportunities (such as events and visits).
Governors help the organisation to maintain a long-term focus whilst working on its shorter-term goals and plans. The day-to-day management is very much the responsibility of the Principal & CEO, and the executive management team. The Corporation is advised by a Director of Corporate Governance, Risk & Compliance who is part of the senior leadership team.
There are seven meetings of the Corporation throughout the academic year (September through to July). In addition to this, there are additional meetings of the Search & Governance Committee, the Audit & Risk Committee, the Remuneration Committee, and the Financial Oversight Group. Opportunities for Governors to participate in visits and meetings with students are arranged throughout the year.
It is expected that – with preparation for meetings, regular contact with Governors and both the Principal & CEO and Director of Corporate Governance, Risk & Compliance, plus any ambassadorial duties and training – the person appointed should plan to spend up to five days per month fulfilling the duties of the Chair.
Who we are looking for.
To be successful in this non-executive Chair role, we believe it is important that the person appointed brings experience in strategic leadership. When considering the requirement to be the ‘critical friend’ for a chief executive of a complex £50m business of education and training, set across several campuses and operating across the West Midlands, having a Chair with skills and knowledge which supports the development of the Principal & CEO, the executive team, and the broader Corporation and its members, is important.
Ideally, our next Chair will be an experienced non-executive, and know from experience the difference between operational leadership, and strategic oversight and scrutiny. The application of this knowledge will be welcomed, so that we may continue to benefit from the mutual respect that exists between the non-executive and executive representatives at the College.
If the person appointed doesn’t have direct experience of being a non-executive director or board member, then we will expect them to be able to demonstrate their ability to chair well and know how to get the very best out of a talented and committed voluntary non-executive group.
More than experience, we need a Chair who is passionate about the work that we do to transform the lives of our learners and provide opportunities to help shape their futures. The further education sector is a wonderful and enriching part of our education sector and a place where anyone, with any background or starting point can come, learn, and progress.
We are very open to the background and sector experience of the next Chair. We recognise the many potential benefits of appointing someone with either public, private, or third-sector leadership experience.
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 at 12 p.m. Monday 20th May.
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.
We are looking for a strong and passionate Chair to lead and enable the Board of Trustees at Home-Start Portsmouth (made up of eight Trustees and CEO) supporting, developing and delivering a focused and robust rolling three-year business plan.
Who we are
Home-Start Portsmouth supports families with young children through their most challenging times. Our vision is a world where no parent feels alone in the critical task of raising children.
The charity is part of the Home-Start UK federation of more than 80 Home-Starts.
Through our expert staff team and local community of more than 100 trained volunteers, we offer practical and emotional support to parents and families by spending time in their homes, running parenting programmes and offering
The role
We are looking for a Chair to lead our Board, which is currently made up of eight Trustees and CEO. The priorities of
the Chair include:
Strategic, Financial and Operational Priorities
Lead and enable the Board of Trustees (made up of eight trustees and CEO) in the delivery of a rolling three-year
business plan so that Home-Start Portsmouth:
- Has a well-developed, focused, and robust strategy for growth and sustainability
- Can manage its financial risks by evenly spreading contract income through widely diversified income channels and projects within the scope of the business plan. Ideally, so that no individual contract will exceed 45% of our income.
- Has a senior management team, led by the CEO, performs consistently in achieving all internal and external metrics (Chair is responsible for line management of CEO)
- Creates and maintains a committee structure to deliver on all Charity Commission and Companies House governance requirements
- Maintains policy and risk controls within required periodic frameworks
The Chair is a highly visible charity and community member who is comfortable and confident with networking, public speaking, presentations and hosting events.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school near to Bournemouth is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues
The core responsibilities involved are:
· Ensuring accountability
· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
· Budgetary allocation and control
· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
· Setting the school’s aims and values
· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.
What are we looking for?
This vacancy is for a Middle C of E School (ages 9-13). They are ideally looking for someone with experience of strategic- level leadership and/or change management in any industry but please do apply if your skills and experience lie in different areas.
You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.
Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.
As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:
· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.
· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work
Before you apply
You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.
About Governors for Schools
Objectives
Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Willow is special. We help make precious memories in the toughest times.
Our team works hard to provide fun-packed Special Days or quiet breaks, a chance to meet heroes and legends, or the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream. In the toughest times, Willow creates tailored experiences that give people a boost and bring families closer together. We are the only UK charity that supports seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds, creating magical moments which become shared memories that last a lifetime.
Since Willow was founded in 1999, we have provided more than 20,000 Special Days, Special Breaks and Special Treats, but we see this as only the first part of Willow’s journey and a base for further growth. We currently provide around 1,000 treats, days or breaks each year which means that we only reach a small percentage of those who would benefit from our services. We would love to be able to do more.
This is a pro bono appointment which brings rewards and if you would like to make a difference in our world, this is a great opportunity to bring your skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver on our mission.
Travel expenses directly incurred in our roles as Trustees on official business can be reimbursed. Board and Committee meetings are held in person or remotely with in person meetings normally held in London.
Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term with the opportunity to extend for a further two, three-year periods.
The time commitment is to attend 4 Board meetings a year plus relevant committee meetings. There are always opportunities to become more involved with specific projects, and trustees are strongly encouraged to attend at least 1 Willow fundraising event each year.
Specifics about the role
Willow seeks to appoint 2 new Board members as part of our succession planning. We are keen to hear from candidates who have skills or expertise in the following or similar areas:
- Worked as a senior fundraiser in a charity with a range of public fundraising methods, and are used to setting targets and reviewing the effectiveness of different streams of income. At Willow, you will help to scrutinise and enhance our fundraising strategy and may have experience of data insight and interrogation;
- Served on, or supported a range of charity boards and are familiar with charity regulation, including the Charity Commission, HMRC and the Fundraising Regulator. We anticipate that you will join Willow’s governance committee and perhaps serve as a future Chair or Deputy Chair
- A Senior Leader (CEO, Executive Director, Fundraising Director) from the Charity sector, with particular expertise in fundraising and the use of technology to engage supporters
You will be joining a dedicated team of Trustees. We currently have 10 board members with a variety of backgrounds and experience including finance, investments, fundraising, PR and communications, management consultancy, events, and legal. Our trustees work closely with the Chief Executive, leadership team and senior members of the team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Birmingham is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues
The core responsibilities involved are:
· Ensuring accountability
· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
· Budgetary allocation and control
· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
· Setting the school’s aims and values
· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.
What are we looking for?
This vacancy is for a Primary School (ages 4-11). The school is looking to find a Chair of Governors who has got previous chairing experience (happy to consider in another capacity). They would love to find someone with a finance background with experience of managing teams. It would be great if you have good ICT skills.
You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.
Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.
As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:
· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.
· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work
Before you apply
You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.
About Governors for Schools
Objectives
Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Great Lowestoft is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.
What will you be doing?
Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues
The core responsibilities involved are:
· Ensuring accountability
· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
· Budgetary allocation and control
· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
· Setting the school’s aims and values
· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher
A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.
What are we looking for?
This vacancy is for a Secondary School (ages 11-16). They are ideally looking for someone with some experience in the education sector. Previous chairing experience in another capacity would be appreciated as would people management skills along.
You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.
What difference will you make?
Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.
Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.
As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.
What's in it for the volunteer?
Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:
· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.
· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work
Before you apply
You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.
About Governors for Schools
Objectives
Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.
We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Joining Respond as a Trustee - January 2024
Background Information
Founded in 1991, Respond is a national charity that seeks to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma. We are committed to bringing about positive change for our clients and their families, enabling them to lead richer and more resilient lives.
Respond's services for children, young people and adults are:
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Survivors' psychotherapy
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Family support services
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Advocacy, including ISVA and domestic abuse services.
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Training, consultancy and reflective practice
Respond supports charities that campaign for equality and inclusion with the aim to prevent abuse and equip individuals and their families to come to terms with their experiences and live more positive lives.
Our specialist training, supervision, reflective practice and consultancy equips agencies and health / social care providers to deliver trauma-informed services. This includes responding to and providing consultancy and training for significant events such as institutional abuse.
Our income base is diverse with trust funds and grants continuing to be a vital part of maintaining core services Respond offers, alongside donations from trusts and foundations. We also continue to have larger ongoing or spot contracts for our work for NHS commissioners and local authorities.
It is a good opportunity to join Respond's Board at this time, following our restructure and as we move towards the last year of our current strategy for 2022-25. Following a challenging period due to changing funding landscape and closure of some services, we will be focused on consolidation and improving impact measurement to secure long-term financial sustainability.
The role of the Board of Trustees
The Trustees (or 'Board members') are trustees of the charity and directors of the limited company. They are responsible for the governance, setting the strategic direction and monitoring the implementation of the strategy. The Board ensures that the charity acts in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
The Board has responsibility for:
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ensuring the charity acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and is providing public benefit and meets its legal obligations;
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making decisions in the best interests of the charity;
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developing the multi-year strategy;
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monitoring the management of the finances and resources of the organisation (operations, budget, property, workforce and tenders);
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monitoring performance, quality and impact;
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appointing and appraising the CEO.
Who we’re looking for
Following a recent skills audit within the current Board, the Board is seeking trustees with the following skills or experiences;
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Finance - This person will have a financial qualification and will enable the Board to ensure the sound financial health of the charity. The person will collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure that the organisation has systems that meet sector best practice and ensures financial accountability. This trustee will be the Treasurer and chair the Finance Committee.
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Human Resources (HR) - This person will have experience in working in HR roles, preferably in the voluntary sector. This person will help review and strengthen Respond’s HR policies, set up and lead the people committee and guide the Leadership team in dealing with complex HR issues including change management.
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Fundraising, Marketing and Comms – This person will work closely with our Head of Development and Commissioning on our income strategy and communications strategy.
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Psychotherapy /working in a trauma informed setting – As an organisation providing psychotherapy and arts therapies for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, we are looking for a trustee with experience of working as a therapist with a systems-psychodynamic approach.
The Board wants to ensure that the charity's 'beneficiaries' are represented in its governance. We encourage applications from people who have lived experience of autism, learning disabilities and/or trauma-informed work (either directly or through family members). How the Board carries out meetings will also be reviewed to accommodate adjustments requested by new trustees with learning disabilities or who are autistic. (Please refer to a separate document if you or someone you know with lived experience may be interested)
Person Specification
The following knowledge, experience and skills are essential for the role:
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a commitment to the mission of Respond;
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senior experience, ideally including one or more of the following areas – finance, human resources, fundraising/marketing, legal, compliance, hard-to-reach communities, caring/social care, psychotherapy, commissioning.
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ability to identify creative solutions to problems within limited resources;
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good analytical skills;
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ability to think strategically;
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independence and flexibility in thinking;
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ability to communicate efficiently and connect with a wide range of people, internally and externally;
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a willingness to meet the minimum time requirement (see below);
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an understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship set out in the Charity Commission's 'The Essential Trustee'; and
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an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to make decisions for the good of Respond.
Trustees will be expected to demonstrate the following personal attributes:
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good interpersonal skills including listening;
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commitment to excellence and high expectations of self and others;
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values people and the contribution of all stakeholders;
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sound judgment;
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team-oriented with a supportive approach.
Respond is dedicated to developing opportunities for Trustees to be appointed reflecting greater and varied diversity among our Board of Trustees, so we welcome applications by suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We particularly welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented on the board.
What we offer
New trustees will:
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Receive induction and training;
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Develop new skills and competencies;
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Meet new people and develop professional networks;
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Contribute to ensuring that the charity offers high quality effective services to autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced trauma, who are in need;
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An annual appraisal
Time requirement - What is involved?
Trustees attend eight Board meetings per year approximately every six-eight weeks currently on a Tuesday evening 5:30pm to 8pm. Meetings are in London, and remote access is available for trustees who live/work outside London.
Each Trustee is expected to be an active member of the Respond community, committing 5 to 10 hours per month to the charity which may also involve being on a sub-committee such as; Finance Committee, Clinical Governance and Safeguarding Committee each of which meets four times per year, typically during normal office hours online or in London.
Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Respond prior to their first Board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. Other meetings are away-days over a weekend.
Trustees are invited to the annual general meeting, which takes place typically in November.
Trustees may claim expenses incurred in effectively carrying out their duties, in accordance with Respond’s Trustee Expenses Policy.
Papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings. In addition, Trustees are expected to review documents and communicate with other board members and senior staff between meetings. Every effort will be made to ensure that trustees with learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse have access to documents in formats that they can understand or have the support available for them to fully participate as trustees.
Occasionally, circumstances may require urgent meetings (either face-to-face or virtual) to examine strategic issues or items requiring Board approval
Duration of the role
Board terms are for a five-year term following which the person can be elected to serve another three years.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustees - Field Studies Council
Thank you for your interest in being a charity trustee at Field Studies Council. We champion field studies in and beyond educational curricula. We encourage curiosity for the natural world. We practice and promote sustainability.
The Organisation:
We are an environmental education charity, best known for providing residential and day field trips for those studying biology and geography. But our mission is to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.
We have welcomed over 3.7 million visitors since we opened our first centre in 1946. In 2023 123,000 or so learners visited our centres: most were aged 25 and below and were in school or university groups. We (the Charity and its trading subsidiary) employ 325 or so people and in an accounting context have annual turnover in the range £15m to £20m.
The Role:
Who are we looking for?
You will bring diversity of thought and outlook, as well as new perspectives to the organisation. You will improve board decision making and outcomes for an increasing range of members of the public, especially children and young people.
To find out more about us, the role description and person specification please download the Candidate Information Pack.
Person Specification:
You may have had limited opportunity to explore nature, and you might be new to outdoor learning. And not every Trustee needs to be an academic, ecologist or environmentalist or have charity trustee, company director or equivalent experience. We are in particular looking for individuals who are able to bring their skills and expertise in the following areas:
• Hospitality and tourism
• The delivery of inner city projects for young people
• Strategic management and development of a property portfolio
How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please ensure you provide:
• An up to date CV detailing your relevant experience and including the details of two referees (who will not be contacted without your prior consent).
• A supporting statement addressing the criteria in the person specification and your motivations for applying.
If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter.
Closing date for applications: Monday 4th March 2024
Interviews with Field Studies Council: Week commencing 18th March 2024
We are committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and working inclusively across our organisation and to reflect this are keen to have a more diverse Board. Field Studies Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.