Chair of the board of trustees volunteer roles

Chair of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine Trustees.The current Chair is looking to step down by Christmas 2025 but will remain as a Trustee to provide continuity and support.

The Role

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following. 

·Providing leadership to the organisation and the board, ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit. 

·Chairing and facilitating board meetings. 

·Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

·Representing the organisation at functions and meetings. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate. 

·Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making. 

With the chief executive

·Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required.

·Setting agendas for board meetings and other general meetings. 

·Developing the board of trustees. This includes induction, training, appraisal and succession planning. 

·Addressing conflict within the board and the organisation.

·Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and providing support where required. 

·Developing relationships with our partner organisations. 

·Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels and conducting exit interviews when required. 

The City of Oxford Charity dates back to 1700 and now is embarking on an exciting new phase. Additional funding, grant making, and a major almshouse refurbishment are all part of our commitment to supporting those most in need in the city.

We are proud of our heritage and the Chair will share our passion and enthusiasm for the future. They will deliver strategic leadership, strong governance, and act as an ambassador for the Charity. Working with the CEO and fellow board members, they will uphold our mission and ensure we continue to have a meaningful impact on the City.

Key responsibilities are:

- Lead the Board in setting and delivering strategic direction.
- Ensure effective governance and legal compliance.
- Support and hold the CEO accountable for day-to-day operations.
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, building relationships with stakeholders and the local community.
- Champion the needs and well-being of our almshouse residents.

We Are Looking For
- A deep commitment to our mission and values.
- Experience operating in a senior executive role within the private, public, or charity sectors.
- Strong understanding of governance, finance, and strategy.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of Oxford’s social and economic landscape.
- Availability to meet regularly with the CEO and dedicate time to the charity’s work.

Next steps
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive board and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Exciting opportunity as Chair of trustees of a small and dynamic arts and crafts re-use charity in SW London looking to take the charity forward and grow and diversify its income streams.The Chair will join an established and small board of trustees and must be experienced in leading a board in terms of strategy, risk and planning, financial governance, building positive relationships, one-to-one reviews with trustees to bring out the best in them, building the board and growing the charity's impact. 

The Chair will have a wide-ranging impact, shaping the charity's strategic direction and helping it achieve the charity's mission to promote artful re-use of waste materials diverted from landfiil and incineration for use with a wide range of beneficiaries for artistic, educational, recreational or therapeutic benefit throughout south-west London. Your leadership will ensure that the charity provides and extends its range of support and services to existing and future beneficiaries and maintains its role as an active participant in the circular economy. 

Windsor Horse Rangers is looking for a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. Our aim is to enhance Life Skills through Horse Skills.

Windsor Horse Rangers is based in Fifield near Windsor, Berkshire. The trustees, staff and volunteers are focused on providing a sustainable, inclusive and educative environment for 8–18 year olds to develop skills to ride and care for horses. 

We have 180 Horse Rangers attending weekly to learn horsemanship working with our 24 horses. We offer equine education in a safe and supportive environment that engages and empowers and which develops wider life skills, emotional resilience and positive wellbeing. Many  of our rangers have gone on to careers in equestrianism.

Our committed team of trustees are looking for a volunteer chair to lead and support the team, help with decision-making to deliver our mission, challenge us and bring fresh thinking to the role.

We are looking for a supportive leader who can bring experience from either another charitable environment or the commercial world.  Your responsibilities will include, providing leadership and ideas for the organisation and giving strategic direction to ensure a sustainable future.  You will represent and act as a spokesperson for the charity and chair and facilitate meetings of the trustees.  This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to apply their own skills and experience to enhance the life skills of young people and support a charitable institution.  A love and knowledge of horses is a bonus but not a pre-requisite. 

The ideal candidate would live locally so could  attend face to face trustees meetings.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the Charity’s mission

• Act as the senior representative and spokesperson for Windsor Horse Rangers

• Ensure annual and longer-term strategic plans are developed, monitored and executed.

• Ensure Board operates to a high standard of governance and financial probity

• Ensure the Trustees have relevant skills and backgrounds

Skills and Experience

• Desire to empower young people to improve their skills, independence and self esteem

• Leadership skills to facilitate collaboration with trustees, staff and volunteers 

• Strategic and financial management skills.

• Governance at Board level with voluntary/non-profit organisations 

• Working understanding (or a willingness to learn) of UK charity law and legislation 

• Networking within equine community or charity sector desirable 

If you share our commitment, and feel your experience and skills meet the needs of the role, please get in contact. We would love to hear from you.

The Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (the Trust) is looking to appoint a new Chair to join its high-performing Board of Trustees.

The new Chair will be an individual of standing, with a background that complements the activity of the Trust. The Chair must have a deeply held appreciation of the importance of The Historic Dockyard Chatham, its historical significance and the critical role it plays in inspiring audiences young and old, local, national and international.

The Trust is looking for a strategic leader to chair our vibrant Board and to act as a powerful advocate for our work.

As Chair, you will provide an inclusive approach to the governance of the charity and help us to advance our charitable purpose, truly delivering our twin charitable objectives of Preservation and Learning. You will optimise the relationship between the Board and staff and, as a Board, ensure we are focused on fulfilling our strategic role.

It is essential that the Chair has experience of excellent governance, strategic leadership, sound business credentials and ideally either a Naval background or keen interest in at least one area of the cultural, heritage or education sectors. A natural ambassador, you will promote and represent our interests externally, acting as a spokesperson where appropriate.

Our current Chair, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, following a highly successful tenure as Chairman since 2016, will be stepping down as a Trustee in November 2026 after completing the maximum of three terms at the Trust.

The current trustee group is highly skilled, dedicated and committed to the work of the Trust. Having established a new ten-year strategy, you will be tasked to support the CEO in ensuring its delivery.

Catching Lives is an independent charity based in Canterbury, supporting people who are homeless or insecurely housed in Canterbury & East Kent. 

The role as Chair is pivotal to us achieving the strategic plans of our charity. Our Trustee Board makes sure that Catching Lives delivers on its mission to help people find safe places to live and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. This is an opportunity to make a genuinely important contribution to a small community organisation that needs people with your skills and experience to continue providing its services to some of the most disadvantaged individuals.

What will you be doing?

The role as Chair is pivotal to us achieving the strategic plans of our charity. Our Trustee Board makes sure that Catching Lives delivers on its mission to help people find safe places to live and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.

Role Description
-Ensure that the Board fulfils its function and legal duties, and that the charity follows best practice in governance.
-Maintain the Board’s focus on strategic governance, as opposed to operations.
-Ensure that the charity is working within its mission, supported by clear strategic
direction from the Board.

Person specification

The ideal candidate for Chair will bring the following experience, qualities, and commitments:
-Governance Experience. Experience as a trustee (You do not need to have previously been a Chair) OR at Director level within a charity.
-Strategic Thinking. A keen sense of strategic purpose and the ability to guide long-term direction.
-Inclusive Leadership Style. 
-Strong Communication & Listening Skills. 
-Awareness of Sector Issues. 
=Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI).
-Responsiveness & Availability.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in the recruitment process

As a charity, we recognise the importance of having a diverse Board that reflects the wide range of communities across East Kent and the people we support.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and deeply value the unique contributions that each individual brings to our organisation. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment—one in which all staff feel empowered, respected, and valued. Our goal is to ensure both our Board and our workforce are representative of the communities we serve throughout the region.
As part of this commitment, we actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment processes.
If you require any specific adjustments to support your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

The Sherriff Centre, a community-focused charity now in its 11th year, and are seeking a dedicated and experienced Co-Chair to join our Board of Trustees. This pivotal role will work alongside the Vicar of the Parish of St Mary’s Kilburn and St James West Hampstead, who, because of the legal construction of the Charity and the Parish, will act as the other Co-Chair. This post holder will fulfil the usual role of a Chair of a charity and be there to provide leadership, strategic direction, and governance to help advance the mission and objectives of the Centre. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Governance:

·  Collaborate with the Vicar Co-Chair and Board members to provide strategic leadership and governance.

·  Ensure the Board operates effectively and meets its legal and statutory responsibilities.

·  Support the development and deployment of current trustees and staff and lead on the recruitment of new trustees.

2. Project Development and Service Delivery:

·  Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of services to ensure they meet the needs of our community.

·  Work with the Co-chair and Centre Director to develop new initiatives that align with our mission and strategic goals.

3. Community Engagement:

·  Act as an ambassador, advocating for our mission and building relationships with stakeholders, funders, and partners.

·  Foster a culture of community involvement, including with the parish, and encourage volunteer engagement.

4. Strategic Thinking:

·  Contribute to the strategic planning process, setting appropriate strategic goals and workplans

·  Ensure that the Board’s decisions align with our objectives and assist with regular monitoring of our activities in line with its objectives and the Board’s overall strategic goals.

·  Monitor trends and developments in community needs and adjust strategies accordingly.

5. Collaboration with Centre Director:

·  Work closely with the Centre Director to support operational management and service delivery.

·  Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures that enhance our effectiveness.

Person Specification:

1. Essential Qualifications and Experience:

·  Proven experience in a similar role, for example as a CEO or in senior leadership within a small/medium-sized charity.

·  Demonstrated experience in project development and service delivery within community settings.

·  Strong understanding of community work and the challenges faced by local populations.

·  Ability to be in sympathy with a community charity run in a Christian place or worship and relate to the parish community.

2. Skills and Competencies:

·  Strategic thinker with ability to develop and implement long-term plans.

·  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate stakeholders.

·  Strong leadership skills with a collaborative approach to governance and decision-making.

·  Ability to analyse information and make informed decisions.

3.  Availability:

·  Must have availability during weekdays, committing 8-10 hours per week to fulfil the role effectively.

4. Personal Attributes:

·  Passion for community service and commitment to the mission of The Sherriff Centre.

·  A proactive and positive attitude, with a willingness to address challenges and promote innovation.

·  Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong relationships.

BLUE SMILE - CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Founded in 2010, Blue Smile is a Cambridgeshire charity supporting children aged 3-13 to manage big feelings, process difficult emotions, overcome anxieties and build resilience.

Blue Smile's mission is to transform the mental health and life chances of Cambridgeshire children through arts-based therapies, supporting over 200 children a week in the region’s schools, providing one-to-one therapy and groupwork. We work in particular, in accordance with our charitable aims, with those who face disadvantage or deprivation.

CHAIR OF TRUSTEES ROLE

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure that Blue Smile fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead the Board in an inclusive way, promoting collaborative working and provide support and challenge to the Charity Director.

This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR NEW CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Our new Chair of Trustees will:

• Have board level experience as Chair, Non-executive or Trustee.

• Show a strong understanding of governance, strategy and the legal duties of a charity trustee.

• Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Have sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build a collaborative environment.

• Demonstrate a passion for improving children’s mental health and wellbeing which aligns with the charity’s values and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

TIME COMMITMENT

• Six meetings a year, including one as the AGM and an annual strategy day. Board meetings are currently held online.
• Monthly scheduled meeting with the Charity Director with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
• Ad hoc/occasional support through working groups and to the wider Blue Smile team.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• The Chair is appointed for a 5 year term of office, renewable for 1 further term to a maximum of 10 years in line with Blue Smile’s Articles of Association.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

TO APPLY

If you would like to be part of a welcoming and well-respected charity, please send your CV and a covering letter, outlining your interest and suitability for the role. We will be recruiting on a rolling basis so please do get in touch soon!

Blue Smile is committed to a diversity of voices in our organisation. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. 

Safeguarding is central to all Blue Smile activities, and we recognise that the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk, is paramount and that all have equal rights of protection. We have a duty of care when they are in our charge, and we will do everything we can to provide a safe and caring environment whilst they attend our activities.

We are committed to safer recruitment and trustees will be asked to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Make a Real Difference in Norfolk's Learning Disability Community

Mid Norfolk Mencap seeks up to 6 committed trustees to join our Board  

Are you looking to use your skills and experience for meaningful impact? Mid Norfolk Mencap, supporting people with learning disabilities across Norfolk, is recruiting trustees to guide our charity.

Location

Our charity’s office and principal activities are in Dereham, Norfolk.  All Board meetings are held in person. Sub-committees can meet face-to-face or hybrid via Teams to suit sub-committee members. We encourage our trustees to visit the office and all services whenever possible.

Support 

You will be supported by the Chair, other members of the Board of Trustees, and the CEO.

Responsibilities

As a trustee, you have important personal responsibilities to ensure the charity is well-governed, effective, and operates for the public benefit.

· Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes and delivering public benefit

· Understand the charity’s purposes as set out in our governing document, and be able to explain how all activities further or support these purposes

· To ensure that the charity pursue its stated purposes, as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

· To ensure that the charity complies with its governing document, applicable charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· Manage the charity’s resources responsibly by making sure that the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of its members

· Ensure that the charity’s assets, beneficiaries or reputation are not exposed to undue risk

· You must exercise reasonable skill and care, drawing on your own expertise and experience, and seek appropriate advice when necessary

· You should dedicate sufficient time, thought, and energy to your role, ensuring you are well-prepared for, attend, and actively participate in all Board meetings.

· Be able to demonstrate that the charity is complying with the law, well run and effective

· Ensure appropriate accountability within the charity, both to members and in relation to delegated responsibilities.

Qualities and experience 

This role is best suited to candidates who can demonstrate knowledge and experience that will benefit the charity, and who possess the following characteristics:

· A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information

· A keen and respectful listener who can empathise and respectfully challenge

· Commitment to the charity, approachable for the people we support, and enthusiasm for its vision, mission and aims

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee (we estimate this to be 2-3 hours per week in addition to Board meeting commitments below)

· Strategic vision

· Sound, independent judgement

· Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

· The ability to read and understand management reports

· Skills to analyse proposals and their consequences

· Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board

· General competence with IT

· Willingness to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis

Time commitment

The charity holds quarterly Board meetings, with each lasting approximately 2 – 3 hours. All Board meetings are held outside of normal office hours.

It is suggested that approximately two hours preparation time be allowed for prior to each meeting to ensure trustees are familiar with items to be discussed.

Sub-committees meet quarterly with each lasting approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. Approximately one hour is suggested for preparation in advance of the meeting.

Typically, all trustees attend the AGM in person, and at least one annual fundraising or social event hosted by the organisation. These are held on evenings or weekends.

To allow time to settle into the role, and to see the fruits of your work, we suggest that candidates assume a three-year commitment to Mid Norfolk Mencap at the outset.  

Training

You will be given a basic induction to the charity and opportunities to meet with the leadership team. 

All trustees are required to complete the statutory Oliver McGowan training. Additional training opportunities will be identified based on your individual experience and qualifications, ensuring you have the support needed to excel in your role.

Through the trustee recruitment and on-Boarding process, we will arrange for you to meet with our Chair and CEO, and we encourage you to explore their motivation and rewards as part of your evaluation of us.

Rewards

The role of a trustee is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed for required travel, training, communication and childcare/carers to enable trustees to attend and participate at Board meetings.  

Conditions of engagement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. At Mid Norfolk Mencap, we celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where every employee, volunteer and Board member is valued, respected, and empowered – no matter their background.

You cannot serve as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act. This includes situations such as having an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (for example fraud), being bankrupt or having entered a formal arrangement with creditors (such as an individual voluntary arrangement) or having been removed as a company director or charity trustee due to misconduct.

Appointment to our Board of Trustees is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and the production of a clean enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate.

Application process

If you would like to apply for a trustee role, or to discuss it informally, please contact us.

Our recruitment process will typically include the following:

· Interview, providing the opportunity for you to meet with the Chair, CEO and other members of staff

· An invitation to attend the Mid Norfolk Mencap office to meet some of the people we support

· Dedicated email/phone support for any queries or concern

Closing date for applications 14th November 2025. Interviews will take place 24th November - 5th December 2025. Successful applicants will be formally nominated to join the Board at our AGM on 22nd January 2026.

Please note: our recruitment process is designed to facilitate a two-way dialogue.  We recognise that you need to be as comfortable with us and our operating model as we are with you. Our commitment throughout, is to be open, transparent and to give you as much information as we possibly can so that you can be sure you are making an informed choice to volunteer as a trustee with us.

Board positions at Claremont Project (Islington)

Roles available: 1) Chair of the Board; 2) Trustee positions

Are you passionate about improving health and wellbeing outcomes, especially for older people? Do you value the “magic dust” of real human relationship? 

Claremont Project is a mental health, arts and wellbeing charity based in Angel, Islington. We are seeking Trustees and also a Chair of the Board, to strengthen our charity as we step into our next chapter.

About us 

Claremont has been around since 1907 and serves mostly older people through a powerful blend of social prescribing, low-cost psychotherapy and a programme of arts and wellbeing activities. 

Claremont is a place of innovation and creativity, underpinned by a Relational Approach which emphasises real listening, self-awareness and an awareness of how we are being in relation to other people. We were the UK’s first Wellbeing Centre long before the term was ubiquitous; and in 1920s and 30s we ran programmes that became models for the Welfare State. At our beautiful and well-loved building at 24-27 White Lion Street, we nurture a vibrant, inclusive community, underpinned by our conviction that everybody matters.

About the roles

The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for Claremont and ensures the charity is doing what it was set up to do. As set out by the Charity Commission, Trustees at Claremont are responsible for:

·Advancing the charitable purposes of Claremont and ensuring we carry out its purposes for public benefit.

·Ensuring Claremont complies with its governing document and the law.

·Acting in Claremont’s best interests.

·Managing Claremont’s resources responsibly.

·Acting with reasonable care and skill.

·Ensuring that Claremont is accountable as a charity. 

We are seeking to appoint two or three trustees, and also a Chair of the Board. We are seeking board members are passionate about our mission, vision and values; who have governance experience within charities; and who can think strategically as part of a team.

Between them, our Board of Trustees has knowledge, expertise and skills that cover a range of areas. Alongside a broad competence in charity governance, it would be desirable if candidates had skills that could help us fill the following gaps:

·Fundraising

·Psychotherapy (with understanding of an existentialist approach if possible)

·Buildings maintenance and retrofit

·Maximising income from office lettings and halls/room hire

·Public donations and legacies

·Dementia risk reduction and brain health

·Environmental sustainability and climate readiness

Strong candidates will have experience and competence in one or several of these areas, as well as having a certain “Claremontiness” – aspirational and personal qualities which embody a genuine relational approach to life.

Time commitment (Trustee roles):Quarterly Board meetings (held in the evenings), plus emails and optional committee work.

Time commitment (Chair role): In addition to the Trustee duties above, a fortnightly meeting with the CEO during office hours, plus ad hoc phone calls and emails (including during office hours).

Claremont is a community where people from all backgrounds are loved and wanted, and which is diverse in terms of characteristics like race and ethnicity, gender, disability and socioeconomic status. We warmly welcome applications from people coming from all walks of life, particularly those from backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented on charity boards.

Please note:

·You must be 18 or over and must not be disqualified from acting or as a Trustee and declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a Trustee.

·This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed

Are you passionate about families of disabled children having a voice? Do you have 10 hours a month to lead our charity?

Reading Families’ Forum is a small local charity with an experienced Trustee Board and our current Chair is retiring.

The Forum's role is to ensure that families of children with disabilities and/or additional needs can participate fully in the development of services within the Reading Local Authority. Help us make sure that services reflect families' needs.

The post holder will lead the Trustee Board and manage our 2 part-time staff.

We are the local parent carer forum and are part of the National Network of Parent Carer Forums, who provide training and support to the individual forums.

A full job description and application form is available on request. We are happy to arrange an informal chat with the current Chair and/or some of our Trustees. 

Key information about London PLAY and the Co-Chair role

About Play

Play is important. It is deemed so vital to children’s health, happiness, and development that the right to play is enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Yet play in London is under threat:

• Space for play is threatened by development and traffic.
• Freedom to play is stifled by perceptions of risk, and fear.
• Time for play is limited by more testing in school and sedentary activities.
• Funding for play workers and play spaces is increasingly scarce. About London PLAY London Play works to ensure children have the space, time and freedom to play.

We want every child in London to have high quality, free play opportunities, near to where they live. We’re working to achieve this through campaigning, organising events, supporting play providers and play workers and others whose work or lives include children, and creating opportunities for more and better play across the capital.

About the role

London PLAY is seeking a Co-Chair of Trustees to work alongside our current Chair, oversee the implementation of our strategy, and help us increase our impact and influence. The Co-Chairs will work closely with other trustees and staff to ensure effective governance, and to achieve London Play’s aims. After a period of transition, it is envisaged that the new Co-Chair will take on the full responsibilities of the role of Chair.

Key responsibilities (shared with the other Co-Chair)

In addition to the general duties and responsibilities of a trustee, the Co-Chair will: ▪ Plan the annual cycle of board meetings, in conjunction with the Director. ▪ Set agendas for board meetings, in conjunction with the Director. ▪ Chair and facilitate board meetings. ▪ Give direction to board policy-making. ▪ Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision-making. ▪ Represent the organisation at functions and meetings. ▪ Meet regularly with the Director to gain an overview of the organisation’s affairs and operation and for the purposes of providing support. ▪ Liaise with the Director to continually develop the board of trustees. ▪ Lead the annual performance appraisal process for the Director. ▪ Sit on selection, disciplinary, grievances and complaints panels, as necessary, and in particular where the appointment of new trustees is concerned. ▪ Support the organisation’s overall development. 

Person specification: Co-Chair of the board of trustees

▪ A commitment to the organisation, its vision and passion to make play accessible for all children. ▪ A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. ▪ An ability to think creatively and strategically. ▪ An ability to work effectively as a member of a team. ▪ Selflessness, integrity, and objectivity. ▪ A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

Other key information

• The role of Co-Chair is not remunerated, but reasonable expenses will be paid.
• The board meets four times a year, twice in person and twice online.
• In person meetings are held in London.
• The Co-Chairs (and board members) serve a three-year term to be eligible for reappointment at the end of each term for a maximum of two additional terms.

Summary and how to apply

This is an exciting role and opportunity to co-lead a small but influential charity that has championed children's right to play for nearly 30 years. If you are interested in applying for this role, please email (email address listed below) a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining why you are applying for the role and outlining your relevant experience. Your cover letter should be no more than two sides of A4.

We are committed to being an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented on our board including younger people, people from ethnically diverse groups, and people with disabilities.

Important dates to note

• Deadline for applications: Thursday 13 November, 5:00pm.
• Note that first-round interviews will be held online on Thursday 20 November.
• Second-round interviews will be held in-person (in Hackney) on Monday 24 November.

If you cannot attend an interview on either of these dates, please state this in your application and we will do our best to work around your availability.

Other information to note

Current Chair of Trustees (to become Co-Chair): Melian Mansfield

Current Co-Vice Chairs: Barry Walden and Hal Davidson

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Respect in their search for their next Chair and new Trustees. For further information about the Trustee roles, please visit our opportunities page. 

Respect is the umbrella organisation for the perpetrator sector, working with their members, partners and allies to stop the harms done by those who perpetrate domestic abuse. They provide leadership and guidance to their members, and use their voice, in collaboration with others, to call for a response to domestic abuse that matches the scale of the problem.

Passionate about good practice, Respect works closely with a number of partners across the domestic abuse sector to develop strategic, multi-agency responses to domestic abuse including Women’s Aid Federation England, SafeLives and Social Finance and Safe & Together Institute.

About the Chair role:

As Chair, you will have the opportunity to shape and lead the future of a unique charity, working with other trustees, the CEO and the team, to help reach Respect’s goal of ending domestic abuse.

The Chair will play a pivotal role in guiding the Board and Executive Leadership Team through an evolving internal and external environment, ensuring strong governance, clear strategic direction and effective leadership so that Respect continues to deliver impact while maintaining organisational health and sustainability.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following areas:

• Previous experience at Board level as Chair/Vice Chair
• Exceptional senior, strategic leadership experience
• Strong communication, interpersonal and consensus-building skills
• Ability to provide independent judgement and constructive challenge
• Commitment to Respect’s vision, values and to equity, diversity and inclusion

​​​​How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please supply the following by 11.59pm on 08/12/2025:

• A detailed CV, setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements. 
• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role for which you’re applying and how you meet the person specification. Please note that the cover letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed.
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.

Use your leadership skills to help the Third Sector thrive

About Third Sector Leaders Kirklees

Third Sector Leaders (TSL) Kirklees exists to strengthen, connect, and champion the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across the Kirklees district.

What will you be doing?

• Work closely with TSL’s Chief Executive to ensure an effective link between policy, strategy and delivery.
• Effectively lead the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure that the TSL Board follow governance best practice and meet their legal obligations.
• Effectively address any conflicts which may arise between Trustees, ensuring that the Board function as a collective body.
• Chair the TSL Board meetings, ensuring these are effectively managed and accurately recorded.
• Act as a positive ambassador and leader for the Charity with partners, TSL Trustees and the TSL staff team.

What are we looking for?

Experience and Skills:

• Senior leadership experience in the private, public, or voluntary sectors
• Understanding of boards, governance, and organisational accountability
• Experience in leading organisational change, restructuring, or turnaround situations
• Strong strategic insight, sound judgment, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively, providing guidance and challenge with diplomacy
• Appreciation of the voluntary sector, even if not directly from that sector

 Personal Qualities:

• Integrity, credibility, and a strong sense of civic and ethical responsibility
• Confidence and resilience to guide the Board through sensitive or complex situations
• Commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and community impact
• Ability to inspire, mentor, and build consensus among trustees and staff

We’re committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone we work with. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.

What difference will you make?

As Chair, your presence will bring steadiness and encouragement to a Board that cares deeply about its role, and you will be a supportive partner to our Chief Executive as she leads the next stage of development.

By helping TSL stay collaborative, positive, and focused on what matters, you will play a part in enabling hundreds of organisations to do what they do best - helping people across Kirklees to feel more connected and hopeful about the future.

This is a role where your guidance will truly ripple outwards, strengthening the fabric of local communities through the organisations that support them every day.

Time commitment

Meetings are typically held in person at Brian Jackson House, Huddersfield.

TSL Board meetings currently take place during office hours, but this can be reviewed as necessary.

The estimated time commitment is approximately one day per month. Responsibilities include attending and preparing for five Board meetings annually and a monthly meeting with the Chief Executive.