Chair Of The Trustee Board Volunteer Roles
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As the Chair you should take control of meetings, ensuring that everyone who wishes to has a reasonable chance to speak and take part. The Chair should ensure any reasonable adjustments are made for Trustees with learning disabilities or other disabilities. You should be able to listen to and understand a wide range of views, present information clearly and concisely and get clarification of relevant points, thus enabling the board to make effective decisions. The board must demonstrate its leadership of the organisation. It is the chair's role to enable the board to do that.
Personal skills and qualities
● leadership skills
● experience in chairing meetings and committee work
● facilitation skills
● tact and diplomacy
● excellent communication and interpersonal skills
● impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences
● Knowledge or experience of learning disability, including the issues that impact on the lives of people with learning disabilities
● Good knowledge of the third sector
It is desirable for the chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by Speak Out and a commitment to keeping ahead of the changes in the organisation that take place.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
For the past two years London Citizens Advice has worked as an immensely successful informal coalition. On 27 February 2024 the Boards of the 28 London Citizens Advice charities approved the decision to transfer to a legal entity including registration with regulatory bodies and the draft Articles of the new charity. We are excited about the future and are looking for an experienced and committed individual to join us as our first Chair of trustees.
The new charity will have up to twelve trustees. Five will be member trustees (one local citizens advice trustee for a London region), four independent trustees including the Chair and up to three co-opted trustees. We are currently recruiting the Chair of the Board.
What is London Citizens Advice
London Citizens Advice is a membership consortium of 28 Citizens Advice charities delivering advice services across London. Each of our members is a member of the national Citizens Advice network of around 250 charities. When we become legally constituted, we will be a consortium member of the Citizens Advice network. London Citizens Advice exists to support and develop the work of local Citizens Advice, through adopting the following aims:
- Share, promote and assure best practice to build consistency and quality of the Citizens Advice Service
- Manage specified contracts on behalf of external partners in conjunction with agreed participating members.
- Identify and develop partnerships to pursue new sources of funding in London.
- Highlight the impact of, and influence responses to, social welfare issues by lobbying at a London and regional level
Overview of the role
The role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to London Citizens Advice board of trustees, enabling the board to fulfil its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
The Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) advocates for a fair and effective justice system. Our insight come from our members: over 200 non-profit organisations and academics with expertise across the UK justice system. We investigate key issues in criminal justice, co-produce evidence-led briefings and reports with our members to influence policy change. We connect practitioners, academics, the media, people with lived experience and policy makers from across the justice system to hold the government and other institutions to account and to promote power sharing.
We are looking for a Chair to lead the Board of trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair's role is also to work in partnership with the Director, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Vacancy - Chair of the Board of Trustees Barbara Bus Fund, Stanmore
The Barbara Bus Fund is recruiting for a new Chairperson.
The Barbara Bus Fund is a registered charity, which was set up in 1968 to help people who cannot get out or use public transport or an ordinary car, because they have a disability that necessitates full-time use of a wheelchair.
Today the BBF operates a fleet of 15 specially converted vehicles from Stanmore, Aylesbury and North Wales. The BBF is operated by a combination of paid and volunteer staff with head office at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.
The role of Chair is a voluntary position with the requirement to commit to one to two days per month, attend online meetings every 6-8 weeks and the AGM. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees, chair committee meetings and the AGM.
Previous trustee / charity experience is required and the commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Previous experience within the health / care / transport sectors will be a distinct advantage however, other relevant experience and the right attributes will also be considered.
The BBF holds an annual meal to thank the volunteers and staff, and there are other periodic meetings and events throughout the year.
Please see the full Application Pack for further information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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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.
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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.
Duties
The Chair is pivotal in creating the conditions for overall board and individual trustee effectiveness.
The statutory duties of a trustee board member are to:
· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster complies within its governing document (Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster pursues its objects as defined within its governing document.
· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects.
· contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving form strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
· safeguard the good name and values of Citizens Advice Westminster, and the national Citizens Advice service.
· ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
In addition to the statutory responsibilities for trustees, it is the responsibility of the Chair to:
· lead the Trustees' induction;
· enable effective Board decisions, through transparent communication and information sharing, well-run Board meetings that concentrate on strategic matters and include viewpoints of all Trustees, and dedicating appropriate time to discussion of complex issues and risks;
· encourage active engagement by all the members of the board, ensuring that individual Trustee and Board performance is reviewed regularly, that Trustees are supported to learn and develop;
· develop a supportive relationship with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs;
· conduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the Chief Executive in consultation with other Trustees, identify and support Chief Executive's development needs; and
· act as an ambassador for Citizens Advice Westminster and good independent advice more broadly.
Each trustee should use any specific skills and knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions.
This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise or lived experience.
All trustees are required to complete an induction programme for their role.
What’s in it for you?
A trusteeship will enable you to:
· make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring Citizens Advice Westminster is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
· meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
· build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills
· increase your employability
This is a voluntary role and trustees receive no renumeration. Trustees are entitled to claim expenses for attendance at board and committee meetings, as well as other events necessary for the fulfilment of the trustee’s duties.
What you need to have?
The candidate must have:
· a commitment to the aims and vision of Citizens Advice Westminster, including a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
· a willingness to meeting the minimum time requirement
· integrity
· strategic vision
· good, independent judgement
· an ability to think creatively
· a willingness to speak their mind
· an understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
· an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the organisation
· a strong ability to form open and supportive relationships with members of the Executive team and the Board.
Previous experience in the voluntary or advice sector is desirable.
How much time do you need to give?
We would expect trustees to commit to at least five days each year for Board meetings, with additional time is also required for reading papers and other communication, as well as completion of mandatory Trustees training modules annually and triennially. The Chair meets regularly with the Chief Executive between Board meetings (currently twice a month).
We hold Board meetings at least four times a year (plus the Annual General Meeting) to discuss and make decisions concerning the business of the organisation. The meetings alternate between virtual and in-person meetings in central London, and are usually held between 6-8pm.
All Trustees will receive a thorough in-depth induction upon appointment, followed by regular skills audits and appraisals.
Valuing inclusion
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
If you are interested in becoming a trustee and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
PIP works mainly in the Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster communities to support adults with learning disabilities and autism. Our focus is on teaching and learning life skills so those we work with self-identify as PiP students. Ranging in age from 18 to 92, our average student is around 34 years old.
PiP students have a range of learning disabilities including Down's Syndrome, Fragile X, Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), dual diagnosis with mental health problems and/or physical health conditions such as Diabetes and Epilepsy.
What’s in it for you?
You will be joining a friendly board with a variety of skills and you will gain immense satisfaction from a role in which you will steward our mission to combat social inequalities and their effect on people with learning disabilities. Your involvement will mean we can ensure that every PiP student has a voice and can make their own choices about their own lives.
Role & Person Specification
As Chair your primary responsibilities will include:
- Chair meetings of the PIP Board of Trustees, providing leadership and support to the CEO including meeting regularly to discuss current issues
- Lead the board in the performance of their roles and scrutiny of PiP’s work
- Enable trustees to fully engage with their role, board sessions, and the organisation’s work
- Hold the CEO to account for the performance and financial sustainability of the charity and give appropriate support and challenge
- Oversee the strategic direction, financial management & performance of the organisation
- Provide leadership for the organisation
- Support in the income generation, communications, and community engagement of the organisation
- Lead on the appointment of trustees and CEO as required and ensure that posts receive appropriate induction, advice, training and information
- Ensure that PIP complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
PiP is looking for an individual with the following skills and experience:
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to think strategically and creatively
- Good communication skills with the ability to inform and engage a wide range of audiences
- An understanding of leadership, management and governance and the respective roles of the Chair, the Board and the Chief Executive
- The ability to understand and scrutinise the financial management of the organisatio
- An understanding of the importance of PiP’s work and our person-centred approach to addressing inequalities for adults with learning disabilities
- A willingness to commit time and effort to the development of PIP
- The ability to engage comfortably at all levels
- A commitment to PiP’s values
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting PIP (Pursuing Independent Paths) in the recruitment for this role.
Please submit your CV and a cover letter, which should indicate why you are interested in applying for the Chair role and joining PIP, how you meet the role requirements, as outlined in the Candidate Information Pack and how your skills and experience would add value to the organisation.
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.
The closing date for applications is 9.00 am on Wednesday 5 June and interviews with the recruitment panel at PIP will take place week commencing 10 June.
The successful candidate will be asked to attend the Board meeting on 8 July at 5.00 pm – 7:00 pm to meet the trustees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The Way Youth Zone
The Way Youth Zone is a youth-led, open access, universal state of the art space for young people aged 8-19 (up to 25 with a disability) located centrally in the vibrant and diverse city of Wolverhampton.
We are looking for a new Chair to lead and support us in this exciting next phase of the Way’s development.
What will you be doing?
The role of Chair is a stimulating and challenging role that will call on your strategic and interpersonal skills.
It provides an opportunity to work alongside an experienced and diverse team of Trustees and senior management in a rapidly changing environment to make a real difference to the young people of Wolverhampton.
The Chair provides leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees to enable the Board to fulfil its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, as well as oversight and scrutiny of the charity’s operations.
The role is not remunerated. However, reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be repaid.
Time Commitment
· The Board meet 6 times a year for 2 hours in the evening (5pm -7pm).
· One to one meetings with the CEO every month, ideally twice a month. These can be done remotely.
· Ad hoc communication outside of formal meetings.
· Annual Board Development Day.
· Ideally the Chair will support on at least one sub-committee (3/4 meetings a year)
· Ideally you will be able to represent The Way Youth Zone within the community including at events once or twice a year.
· The Chair is encouraged to get to know our young people by joining them on a session.
What are we looking for?
The new Chair will bring their passion and commitment to the young people of Wolverhampton. Your skills and experience will help us to empower young people and support them to raise their aspirations.
We are interested in an individual who brings the following:
· Ideally the Chair will be local and have networks in Wolverhampton.
· Have commitment to the mission, values and DNA of the Youth Zone.
· Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate a team.
· Show willingness to devote the necessary time and effort for the role.
· Strong inter-personal, networking and relationship building abilities.
· Previous Board experience, either within a charity or in a corporate setting.
· Entrepreneurial/business skills.
We warmly welcome candidates from a range of cultures, backgrounds, contexts, ages and experience. We strongly value the contribution that people with these characteristics will bring to our Board discussions.
What difference will you make?
The role of the Chair is key to ensuring that The Way continues to thrive, meeting the needs and aspirations of thousands of young people. We are a truly positive and diverse organisation that welcomes all young people. Each young person’s background culture and identity is valued. The Way is a place where all young people can flourish. The facilities and opportunities encourage participation, enjoyment, well-being, resilience, and aspiration.
Staff, volunteers, and Trustees are valued and flourish too. You can bring your skills, time, and experience and have a positive impact for the City’s young people.
Before you apply
Reach TrusteeWorks are supporting us with our Chair recruitment. Please send a CV/LinkedIn profile and a cover letter in which you include why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience would add value to The Way. Applications should be returned to the email address provided below
If you have any questions or require any assistance submitting your application please get in touch with the TrusteeWorks team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Cornwall Air Ambulance operates 19 hours a day, 365 days a year, delivering over 1100 critical care missions annually across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. As the first helicopter emergency medical service in the UK, Cornwall Air Ambulance holds a special place in people’s hearts, whether resident or visitor to the county. Thanks to their generosity, our Charity can not only continue to grow, but also embrace innovation and encourage aspiration.
We are now seeking to appoint a new Chair to lead our Trustee Board. With previous experience of high-level board operations, you will be comfortable in a senior, public facing role. You will also have a sound understanding of what good governance looks and feels like. Demonstrating sound judgement and leadership, your ability to control and manage meetings is critical, encouraging scrutiny and respectful challenge, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and that the Board remains focussed and strategic.
For further information about Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, the role and how to apply, please download our information pack. We look forward to hearing from you.
St George’s Hospital Charity is a significant and positive force for change within our hospital and community. Thanks to the incredible support we receive from the wider community, we are able to fund a wide range of projects across our hospitals that make a real difference to staff and patients in southwest London.
Main role and purpose of position
St George’s Hospital Charity is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The Board are the trustees and directors of the charity. The trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, in accordance with the terms of its constitution, legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Collectively oversee the strategic direction of the charity and work towards the achievement of the charity’s vision and mission
- Ensure that the charity complies with legal, regulatory, and fiduciary responsibilities, in accordance with the terms of its constitution
- Identify potential development opportunities for the charity, and leverage relationships to facilitate this
- Protect the property, reputation and resources of the charity through ongoing identification, monitoring and management of risks
- Advocate for the charity’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
- Encourage teamwork among Board members and create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with trustees and the Chief Executive
- Appoint and give support to the Chief Executive of the charity
- Act in the best interests of the charity at all times and to the benefit of present and future beneficiaries of the charity
- Make a positive contribution to the charity’s governance, in accordance with the Trustee Code of Conduct and the Board's Terms of Reference
Qualifications and experience
Fundraising & Trustee
Essential:
- A commitment to the mission, values, and ethos of the charity
- Knowledge of the voluntary sector
- Current or recent professional experience in major donor fundraising and/or strategic partnerships with companies or other organisations
- Passion for the cause and some form of local or regional community connection
- Able to demonstrate evidence of effective delivery working as part of a team
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- Ability to lead through facilitating, enabling, and consensus-building
- Ability to challenge constructively and supportively
- Ability to operate strategically, noticing trends, opportunities, and risks
Communications and change management Trustee
- Current or recent professional experience in change management and/or
- Experience of strategic and digital communications
Clinician/general practitioner
Essential:
- All of the above
- Current or recent professional experience working in a hospital environment or in the community as a GP or nurse
Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair supports the Chair of Trustees in leading the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Vice-Chair helps leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Vice-Chair is also an ambassador for the charity and may deputise for the Chair of Trustees as and when necessary.
Essential
- Experience of being a trustee
- A keen sense of strategic purpose
- An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing
- 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
- Advocate - be able and willing to champion St George’s Hospital Charity’ work through personal networks, social media, and other channels
- Be responsive and flexible, able to advise, support or help decision-making.
- In addition to the above, the Vice-Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees
If you would like to be considered for the Vice-Chair role, please address the criteria above, as well as those for the specific Trustee role you are applying for when you make your application.
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting St George's Hospital Charity in the recruitment for these roles
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.
To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please submit the following:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A supporting statement that addresses all the criteria in the Qualifications and Experience above and outlines your motivation for applying.
Applications must be submitted by Wednesday 22nd May 2024.
Successful candidates will then be invited to interview. Face to face interviews to be held at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, on the 3rd, 4th and 6th June.
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.
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.
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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: 1.5-2 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:
Are you seeking a board opportunity with a high-impact charity that aligns with your values and vision for society? Passionate about refugee welfare, integration, and unlocking talent for the UK? 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.
What’s in it for you?
Holding the high-profile role at the Chair of Trustees have a number of benefits, including the following:
- Contributing to an important cause: Having appropriate support for refugees in the UK to access meaningful employment does not only benefit the refugee community. It also supports businesses to have access to a wider talent pool and helps foster integration in the society.
- Opportunity to make a difference: As the new Chair for Breaking Barriers, you will have the opportunity to drive the growth of a highly impactful Charity with current funding of circa £4 million per year. Breaking Barriers have ambitious plans to extend its impact and you will play a part in spearheading this.
- Expanding your network: Breaking Barriers partners with some of the most high-profile corporates such as Macquarie, Bank of America, LinkedIn, Ikea, and the Big Yellow Group. Being the Chair of Trustee means that you will have exposure to these organisations. You will also have access to other senior stakeholders within Breaking Barriers’ wider network, amongst the trustees, executive, and founding teams.
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 Sunday 2nd June. 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.