Chair Of The Board Of Trustees Volunteer Roles
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
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Alternatives to Violence Project Britain
The Alternatives to Violence Project is a network of skilled volunteers who run workshops for anyone who wants to find ways of resolving conflict without resorting to violence. We work in the community and in prisons.
What difference will you make?
The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) serves people who want to handle conflict well without using or suffering violence, whether physical or psychological. Our trained volunteer facilitators deliver intensive, low-cost, conflict-resolution skills workshops in the community, in prisons and in other settings. We reach diverse communities, attracting people from across a wide spectrum of ages, ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic backgrounds.
What will you be doing?
The overall role of the chair is to lead the Board as it sets strategic direction and oversees the good governance of the charity. You will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation is following correct governance and meeting its charitable obligations.
This is an active role, where time will need to be invested regularly outside of meetings to support this small charity.
In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Chair include the following:
• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings
• Giving direction to board policy-making
• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
• Organise & run board and other general meetings
• Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive to achieve this
• Working closely with paid stuff to ensure charity stays on track vs it's objectives
What are we looking for?
We are looking for an individual who will be committed to AVPB cause and has the following skills:
• Leadership skills
• Experience of committee work
• Tact and diplomacy
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Impartiality, fairness and ability to resolve differences
It would be a significant advantage if you have experience of chairing a trustee board or comparable body. (e.g Chair of School Governors, Parish or Town Council Chair etc). Also advantageous would be a background in health or social care.
Where you will be working
London, N1 6HT
Mainly at home, or remote opportunity.
All our board meetings are currently held online. We can occasionally gather for an annual event.
Time
Mostly outside office hours
Estimate of time needed:
1-3 hours / week
Term
Our trustees’ roles have initial term of three years, with the possibility of renewal for further 3 years.
Remuneration
The role of the Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.
Before you apply
Please submit your CV along with a short covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chief of the Board of Trustees - We Belong
We Belong is a UK charity established and led by young migrants. It is the first charity of its kind, and its mission is to campaign for equal treatment of young migrants and to put an end to the hostile immigration environment through a shorter and fairer path to settlement. It empowers young people by providing a safe platform for them to collaborate, raise their voice, and receive advice, training, and opportunities in areas like education, leadership, employability and immigration support.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Summary
We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who will offer strategic and supportive leadership to our highly effective, collaborative and committed Board. The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity's vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the Board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.
Chair role & responsibilities
Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Glass Door achieves its mission with the interests of Glass Door's guests at its centre.
Work collaboratively with the CEO, staff and volunteers to achieve our mission and optimise the relationship between the Board and Glass Doors's staff and volunteers.
Provide leadership within the Board, ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation and promoting governance among fellow Trustees, providing clarity around boundaries between governance, management and operations.
Plan and chair the bi-monthly board meetings and the AGM, with colleagues as appropriate and liaise with the CEO, Company Secretary and Governance Trustee with regard to setting up meetings, agenda items and annual report content.
Facilitate meetings ensuring all have equal involvement in discussions, clarifying any uncertainties, confirming decisions made and actions to be taken and ensuring effective time management of meetings whilst providing appropriate periods of discussion and reflection.
Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Glass Door when required.
Support Glass Door functions and events eg attendance at supporter events.
Support the Head of Fundraising & Major Donors with the cultivation of high-level donors, occassionally attending meetings where value can be added.
Represent the Board at staff Town Hall meetings.
Support the team liaising with partner churches and statutory authorities as required and be the public face of Glass Door in the local community.
Liaise with the CEO and he Board to keep an overview of the charity's affairs.
Provide supervision and support to the CEO as necessary in addition to planned monthly/bi-monthly 'catch up' meetings and, with the People Trustee, lead the CEO's annual performance review.
To act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
What we are looking for
Experience of being a Trustee, ideally in the third sector, and an understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee/Director.
A keen sense of strategic purpose.
Strong leadership skills, able to foster and promote a collaborative team environment and an inclusive and collaborative leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
An ability to facilitate, mediate, influence and respect the confidences of colleagues. The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
Excellent presentation and communication skills.
Advocate and ambassador - possess gravitas to lead the organisation and be able and willing to champion Glass Door.
Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to Glass Door's guests and ensure that the interests of our guests drive the decisions of the Board.
A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
A willingness to devote necessary time and effort to your duties as Chair and be available and responsive (e.g. when things sometimes 'come up' that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to).
What's in it for the new Chair?
Our vision is a world where no one has to sleep on the streets of London and we're working every day to achieve this. Your role as Chair will offer you an incredibly reqarding experience to use your skills and collaborate with the rest of the Board and staff members for the benefit of people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.
For more information please see the full role description and Glass Door information pack attached,
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? We are seeking a new chair to lead our board of trustees, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of volunteering and community projects in Kensington and Chelsea, one of London’s most diverse boroughs.
Established in 1969, we are the oldest Volunteer Centre in the country and are deeply rooted in the local community, empowering individuals to contribute positively through volunteering. Our programmes support diverse groups, including those living with disabilities and mental health challenges, ex-offenders, as well as marginalised residents seeking employment opportunities.
As chair, you will play a pivotal role in steering the Volunteer Centre towards its mission of fostering positive change in Kensington & Chelsea. Responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership in partnership with the chief executive.
- Facilitating constructive decision-making within the board.
- Maintaining relationships with stakeholders and representing VCKC at various events.
- Supporting the development and cohesion of the board team.
By becoming chair of our board of trustees, you will have the opportunity to drive positive change and contribute to a vibrant community. If you are ready to make a difference, apply now and be part of something meaningful.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
GSTTKPA is going through an exciting period of change. As a result, we are seeking to recruit a new Chair to support our ambitious and innovative change programme, so we can continue to achieve the aims and objectives of the charity.
The Chair role provides leadership to the organisation and the Trustee board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to ensure that GSTTKPA moves forward and continues to benefit kidney patients in the future.
The Chair will also need to set the strategy for the charity for the next few years which is vital for ensuring that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, the new post holder must understand that all the Trustees have a collective responsibility. This means that the Chair and the other Trustees must always act as a group and not as individuals.
As a Trustee, the new Chair must have a commitment to equality; celebrate diversity and be responsive to the needs of different groups and individuals within GSTTKPA and the wider community. In return, the successful applicant will join a warm and friendly team that works collaboratively to support each other as well as our kidney patients.
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!
Role title: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Location: Flexible (travel to London will be required at least once a quarter)
Salary: N/A (Volunteer role)
Time commitment: 2-3 days per month
Contract: The Chair is appointed for an initial 3-year term with the option of renewal for up to 3 terms. The maximum term for all trustees (including the Chair) is 9 years.
Purpose of the role:
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join a growing, impact-focused and ambitious charity supporting refugees to access meaningful employment and build a new life.
The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs Breaking Barriers effectively, in service of our vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.
The Chair of Breaking Barriers provides visionary leadership and strategic direction, ensuring that the organisation effectively achieves its mission while adhering to its core values. This pivotal role involves governance oversight, board leadership, executive support, and serving as an ambassador for the organisation.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic leadership and vision: Guide the organisation with a strategic vision, aligning the board and staff's efforts with the mission. Lead the development and review of long-term strategies to ensure responsiveness to community needs and adaptability to the changing environment.
- Governance and oversight: Ensure effective governance, oversee board operations, and ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and functional responsibilities. Monitor financial performance and adherence to non-profit management best practices.
- Resource mobilisation: Support and participate in fundraising strategies, leveraging networks, and engaging with donors and stakeholders to secure necessary resources for the organisation's work.
- Building and leading the board: Ensure the board comprises members with diverse skills and perspectives. Lead recruitment, orientation, and training of board members and facilitate effective meetings and discussions, ensuring productive governance to advance the purpose and values of the organization.
- CEO support and evaluation: Support and maintain a constructive relationship with the CEO, creating a positive and strong working relationship to jointly set and achieve appropriate targets, staying in regular contact and acting as a sounding board to discuss strategic or staffing issues - coaching, supporting and challenging as necessary. Ensuring accountability for organisational performance.
- Ambassadorship: Act as the primary ambassador, representing and promoting the organisation's mission, values, and interests to external stakeholders, enhancing its reputation, and fostering collaboration, fundraising and promotional opportunities.
To view the full job description and person specification, as well as details on our accessible recruitment process, please view the attached recruitment pack.
Other considerations
- As part of our safeguarding commitment to our clients, we carry out pre-employment checks to ensure that successful applicants are suitable to work with adults at risk. These include basic DBS checks, obtaining references and verifying a candidate’s identity and right to work in the UK.
- Breaking Barriers is committed to protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect and for their views, wishes and beliefs to be fully considered when deciding action.
- We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief.
How to apply
If you are looking for a role where you can make a real difference, we want to hear from you. Please apply via Charity Jobs by submitting a cover letter (up to approximately 2 A4 pages), referencing how you believe you best meet the person specification. You are also welcome to include any reasonable adjustments you require for the interview process. Please view the attached recruitment pack for further essential information for candidates.
Closing date for applications is 11:59pm on Thursday 2nd May. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis so please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We belong to the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative, which advocates and supports organisations to employ more people from a refugee background. With this in mind, we particularly welcome applicants with experience of seeking asylum and/or a refugee background. If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Please reach out to HR Manager Dani Meier for further details (we are unable to include email addresses in this advert, but you can find contact details on the final page of the attached recruitment pack).
Breaking Barriers exists so that every refugee can access meaningful employment and build a new life.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Chair holds a pivotal role in guiding the board and the governance of Home-Start Blackmore Vale
Location: Our office base is currently in Sturminster Newton, Dorset with some remote work.
Renumeration:The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed.
Time commitment: Approximately 1 – 2 days a month
Attending Board Meetings every 2 months with short 1 hour subject focused meeting in the interim month. Meeting with the / supervising the Scheme Manager, other ad hoc meetings
Principle Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership - Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries and ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity
Compliance - comply with the Home-Start Agreement and Quality Assurance system and ensuring the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks. Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability
Governance - Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity. Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees and encourage positive change and where appropriate address and resolve any conflicts within the Board
External Relations - Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity. Maintain close relationships with key stakeholders and with key influencers.
Efficiency and effectiveness - Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process. Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership.
further information on the role can be found on our website
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Support U is a Reading based charity set up in 2010 to provide support to LGBTQ people in the Thames Valley. Our small team runs social, emotional and wellbeing support and social groups and provides some counselling services. We are looking to revitalise our Trustee Board and require a new Chair of Trustees.
This role description includes:
1. Your general statutory responsibilities as a Trustee
2. Specific Responsibilities for your role as a Chair of Trustees
1. Your general statutory responsibilities as a trustee:
· Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy
· Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (ie its constitution), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
· Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public
· Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
· Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
· Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
· Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions.
This may involve:-
· scrutinising board papers,
· leading discussions,
· focusing on key issues,
· providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
2. Your specific responsibilities as Chair of Trustees, including person specification
Your responsibilities as Chair of Trustees include:
· Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit
· Chairing and facilitating board meetings
· Giving direction to board policy-making
· Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
· Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
· Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
· Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
· Setting agendas for board and other general meetings
· Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
· Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive (if staff are employed) to achieve this.
Person specification for the Chair
· Leadership skills
· Experience of committee work
· Tact and diplomacy
· Good communication and interpersonal skills
· Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
In most circumstances, it would also be desirable for the chair/vice-chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks.
Your role also includes the following person specifications, which are universal for all trustees:
· A commitment to the organisation
· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
· Strategic vision
· Good, independent judgement
· An ability to think creatively
· A willingness to speak their mind
· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
· A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Orchestras Live seeks a new Chair to lead the Board of Trustees and help steer the organisation through its next phase of development.
Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to and can enjoy the benefits of live orchestral music, regardless of their background. We work throughout England in places which have experienced historical underinvestment, including rural and coastal areas. Our projects can take place in schools, care homes, prisons, arts venues, museums, outdoors and online.
If you believe in and want to advocate for the power of culture to create social impact and positive change, this role could be of interest to you. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music or the orchestral sector. However, it’s important that you recognise the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, and love music – orchestral or otherwise.
About us
Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. We are a national producer and create projects where music and creativity can thrive. We work to ensure communities across England have access to world-class orchestral experiences.
We are seeking a new Chair from November 2024 when Tony Stoller steps down after 6 years in the role.
Through our innovative and developmental approach Orchestras Live has become a leader in the sector. We collaborate with local, regional and national organisations to energise and shape orchestral programmes, prioritising the needs and interests of audiences and participants. We are motivated by the knowledge that there is much still to be done to engage new audiences, break down social, economic and demographic barriers to access and support the development of an orchestral profession that reflects the diversity of today’s society.
Our new Chair will share our belief in and commitment to the power of culture to create social impact and positive change. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music or the orchestral sector. However, we are looking for someone who recognises the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, informed by a love of music (orchestral or otherwise).
Our current trustees bring a wide range of expertise and diverse perspectives to Orchestras Live.
Vision, Mission and Values
VISION
Orchestras are for everyone.
MISSION
To engage people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly those in historically under-invested, non-metropolitan communities in England, in creating work that harnesses the transformative power of orchestral music to inspire, bring joy and support wellbeing.
VALUES
Our values set the standard by which we hold ourselves to account and ask partners to do the same.
We are
Creative
To ensure that the orchestral experiences we co-produce are ambitious, meaningful and relevant.
To devise innovative solutions that underpin efficient organisational systems.
Inclusive
To ensure equity of access and opportunity across our delivery programme and organisational structure.
Collaborative
We respect and understand the needs and aspirations of communities with whom we work, our partners’ challenges and ambitions, and the expertise and potential within our staff and trustees.
Environmentally responsible
We raise ambition for ourselves and the sector to improve environmental responsibility, take focused action and collaborate to mitigate and minimise the environmental impacts of our operations and co-productions.
Forward-looking
To explore new developments and their potential – artistic, technological, environmental, societal or organisational – so that we offer innovative and dynamic leadership to the sector.
Who we are looking for, and why
We are looking for an exceptional individual with the experience, integrity and skills necessary to act as a powerful ambassador for Orchestras Live, and to lead the Board in the governance of the organisation. Leadership experience in any sector and an understanding of the role of not-for-profit Boards are essential. A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role of Chair is also required.
We are interested in hearing from candidates who can demonstrate their suitability in the following essential areas:
Experience and skills
- Leadership role in any sector, paid or voluntary
- Strategic leadership: working with others to agree objectives, devise, communicate and support the delivery of an organisational plan
- Assessing and managing risk
- Networking, advocating and building relationships, on behalf of an organisation, a sector or a cause
Knowledge
- Best practice corporate and/or charity governance principles
- Financial literacy
In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the following beneficial areas.
- Board membership in the not-for-profit sector
- Working in or with organisations and with individuals in the cultural sector
- Working in or with public bodies, e.g. local authorities
- Working with national policy makers
- Developing organisational strategies to achieve more equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion
- Identifying new sources of income, including income-generating models, for the not-for-profit cultural sector
- Using data to understand and articulate the value of cultural/creative activity and support decision making
- The operational and creative potential of digital technology
- The structure of publicly funded cultural provision in England and the role of Orchestras Live within it
- The role of central and local government in supporting artists and public access to the arts, and their current policy priorities relating to culture, education and social policy
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, age groups and cultures. The Board has made specific commitments to embed equity of access and opportunity across our delivery programme and organisational structure. To help us deliver these, we are keen to hear from Global Majority, D/deaf and disabled candidates to support better representation on our Board and in leadership positions in our sector.
Candidates who self-identify as belonging to one or more of these groups and can demonstrate experience in the essential areas listed above will be guaranteed an online interview at the first stage.
We offer access support for people who face barriers to inclusion, meeting in accessible venues, being flexible in scheduling meetings at different times of day and covering travel expenses as outlined in our Inclusion Statement, which can be found at the end of this document.
About you
You will believe in the power of culture to create social impact and positive change, supporting your commitment to Orchestras Live’s purpose and vision;
You will share our commitment to creating a more equitable orchestral sector and to cementing an inclusive approach across everything we do and how we do it;
You will demonstrate a strong affinity with our organisational values: Inclusive, Collaborative, Forward-looking, Creative and Environmentally Responsible;
You will demonstrate confidence and persuasiveness whilst adopting a collaborative leadership style;
Your leadership style will reflect Orchestras Live’s fair and transparent decision making culture;
You will be able to build resilient and supportive working relationships with trustees, the CEO and management team that facilitate positive discussion and challenge where appropriate;
You will share our enthusiasm for people who bring different work and life experiences, perspectives and ways of doing things to the organisation. We want to work with people who have open ears and an open mind to new approaches, prepared to challenge the status quo.
What you will be expected to do
Overall objectives of the role
- Provide leadership to the Board of Orchestras Live, ensuring it fulfils its responsibilities for governance of the organisation and supports realisation of its vision and mission.
- Work in partnership with the Chief Executive to develop and deliver the vision, mission and strategy of the organisation.
- Act as ambassador for Orchestras Live, helping to shape external relationships that will reinforce its national position and strengthen its ability to secure funding from a wide range of sources to fulfill its mission.
Trustees meet as a full Board at least four times a year and there are a small number of standing committees and working groups. Board meetings and an annual Away Day generally alternate between Leeds and London; as our trustees are based in different parts of the country, meetings are usually hybrid so that trustees may attend either in person, or online when distance and scheduling is an issue. Committees and working groups usually meet on Zoom. Papers are circulated by email in good time for trustees to read them thoroughly before the meeting.
The Chair can expect to commit to the equivalent of up to 30 days per year. This includes monthly meetings (in person or online) with the Chief Executive and regular communication with the Chief Executive and/or Company Secretary as required, as well as time spent in preparation and planning regarding governance and strategy. Full day commitments are rare; the expectation would be mostly for half days and 1-2 hour meetings (generally online).
In addition, all trustees are expected to attend at least two Orchestras Live activities a year and contribute feedback for our internal evaluation systems.
Whilst the role is voluntary and unpaid, travel and other appropriate expenses are reimbursed.
Term
We are looking for a Chair for an initial, minimum three-year term; ideally to be renewed for a second term to a total of six years.
Our Chair is appointed by the Orchestras Live Board of Trustees and is accountable to them.
The Role of Chair
The Chair of Trustees has the same legal responsibilities as other Trustees, but has additional responsibilities assigned by the Board.
Board leadership and meetings
- Chairing meetings of the Board and ensuring that, through the Board and its committees, the Board runs effectively, fulfils its duties and carries out resolutions. Calling special meetings if necessary. Drawing up agendas for meetings with the Chief Executive and Company Secretary.
- Chairing meetings effectively and sympathetically, creating an environment in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately.
- Ensuring that high standards of corporate governance and ethical, professional behaviour are maintained and, as appropriate, introduced to meet changing circumstances and good practice.
- Fostering collaborative and effective relationships between the Board, the Chief Executive and the staff team.
Governance
- With the Board, ensuring that financial controls and systems of management and risk are in place and effectively operated, and that the Board is kept informed in a timely and relevant manner of key issues and opportunities and performance against the business plan.
- To support, challenge and appraise the Chief Executive in managing the organisation, maintaining a balance between artistic and business goals, and ensuring a clear separation between executive and non-executive roles following corporate governance principles.
- Conducting periodic Board effectiveness reviews, ensuring that new Board members are fully inducted and that existing Board members are contributing effectively.
- Keeping an eye open for conflicts of interest.
- Generally keeping in touch with Trustees to ensure that they feel valued and can make a full contribution to Orchestras Live.
Advocacy
- Representing the Board and organisation to external stakeholders including funders, national and local government politicians, policy makers and the media where appropriate.
- Being a champion for fundraising, helping to identify and develop relationships with potential and existing donors and supporters.
- Encouraging Trustees to play an active role as advocates in their networks, attend events and external meetings when the Chief Executive or senior staff would value this.
Your relationship with Orchestras Live
With a clear vision and goals, and efficient operations, Orchestras Live aims to create a supportive and open working environment, that enables individuals to perform at their highest level. We support new trustees with a full induction process.
We offer access support for people who face barriers to inclusion, meeting in accessible venues, being flexible in scheduling meetings at different times of day and covering travel expenses as outlined in our Inclusion Statement.
In return for your time and commitment, we offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in a highly respected, innovative and forward-thinking organisation, bringing the thrill of live orchestral music to people and places all over England and steering new thinking in the sector. You will have the opportunity to gain new insights into the cultural and charitable sectors, connecting with national and local government and expanding your knowledge and skills.
Exploratory conversation
If you would like to have a conversation with the Vice-Chair, Chief Executive or departing Chair regarding any aspect of the role, please contact us.
How to apply
Please email your CV together with a covering letter of up to 2 pages (or a 5-minute film or audio recording if you prefer).
We encourage you to explain why you are interested in joining the Board of Orchestras Live, and describe how you demonstrate your suitability in relation to the essential areas outlined in the section on ‘Who we are looking for’. In addition, please let us know if you are able to bring experience, skills or knowledge in one or more of the beneficial areas listed.
Please address your letter or recording to our Vice-Chair, Helen Harrison.
Applicants who wish to disclose protected characteristics are asked to make Orchestras Live aware of this in their cover email.
If you have any access needs or other practical questions you would like to discuss before applying, please email or phone us.
The closing date for applications is 9 am on Tuesday 7 May 2024. First round interviews will take place online in the week commencing 3 June 2024. Candidates who reach the second round will then be invited to an informal meeting in person in June/July 2024.
On receipt of their application, applicants will be sent a link to complete a survey requesting personally sensitive data, enabling Orchestras Live to track the demographics of those who apply. Completion of this survey is entirely voluntary and all data is anonymised. Provision of this information is not part of the recruitment process.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion within Orchestras Live and the wider orchestral sector. This means reflecting critically on issues of diversity and inclusion within all that we do, identifying and taking appropriate action to reduce inequality and improve equity of opportunity.
For all roles, whether voluntary or paid, we welcome applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion or socio-economic background. We are committed to inclusive working practices and during the application process we commit to:
- Paying for your travel costs for interviews if they are held in person
- Paying for childcare while you’re attending an interview
- Making and paying for any reasonable adjustments to meet your needs and ensure equity during the application and interview process
- Providing all relevant information online and in Word document format, readily available to download from our website
If there is anything you’re concerned about or think we could provide, please email or phone us and we will do our best to help.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a Chair to steer our Board of Trustees, providing strategic oversight and governance. The Chair will be actively leading on shaping the future of our Hall, developing the business and setting its strategic direction to ensure financial viability for the future.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a wide variety of skills who can be an enabler to grow the business and build on the progress we have made to date. Ideally you will have experience in leadership, management and organisational development. Experience in the voluntary sector, community facilities or running community projects would be helpful.
As a ‘hands-on’ Chair, you will bring your experience and skills to the role and will be supported by the Trustee Board, plus an established staff team including the Hall Manager, plus the Treasurer and Company Secretary.
We are a village hall in heart of the Emersons Green community, offering rooms for hire to local businesses, charities, voluntary groups and individuals for recreation or business use. We also organise and run events for the local community such as seasonal fairs, family entertainment events, seniors' activities, childrens' craft and activity sessions and discos. Our village hall is at the centre of the Emersons Green community. As a large village hall, we are looking to the future to ensure that we can be financially viable in these challenging times.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of our charity. It is where final decisions are made. The Board’s key role is to make sure that the charity is successful in working towards its aims and objectives. The Board oversees the management of the hall and its staff and is responsible for the larger decisions, keeping an eye on the budgets and generally helping to ensure the halls continued success. This may include approving improvements to the hall, enacting policies, supporting the Hall Manager and the staff in dealing with hirers and staging community events and activities, and planning and monitoring progress.
The day to day running of the hall is dealt with by the Hall Manager, with the support of staff, the Treasurer and Company Secretary.
We have 6 scheduled meetings a year and then usually a few ad hoc ones to look at budgets and staff meetings. These are usually in the evenings. The regular meetings tend to last about 2.5 hours.
For more information or an informal discussion about this role please get in touch.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
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!
The overall role of the chair is help organise and run trustee meetings. They are responsible for ensuring that the organisation is following correct governance and meeting its charitable duties.
Chair of Bath Sound
In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Chair include the following.
· Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit
· Chairing and facilitating board meetings
· Giving direction to board policy-making
· Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
· Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
· Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
· Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
· Setting agendas for board and other general meetings
· Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
· Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive (if staff are employed) to achieve this
Where staff are employed:
· Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
· Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the chief executive
· Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels
· The vice-chair acts for the chair when the chair is not available and undertakes assignments at the request of the chair
Person specification
In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the treasurer should have the following qualities.
· Leadership skills
· Experience of committee work
· Tact and diplomacy
· Good communication and interpersonal skills
· Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
In most circumstances, it would also be desirable for the chair/vice-chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks.