Chair Of Trustee Board Volunteer Roles

Chair of Trustees

Role description:

We’re looking for someone with experience of working as a chairperson to join us as our Chair of Trustees, to help provide excellent leadership and ensure that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes.

About YBTC:

Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity began in 2003. It was originally named ‘Andrea’s Gift’, set-up in memory of Andrea Key, who died from a brain tumour aged 42.  Our vision is to cure a devastating disease that affects so many people, of all ages and background. Whilst we’re working to find a cure, we provide the best patient and family support network we can. We fund dedicated research projects across Yorkshire into treating and curing child and adult brain tumours to try to change those statistics for the better. At the same time, we support patients, carers and their loved ones who are impacted by this devastating disease now through our specialist support services.

Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour is currently unincorporated. We are currently undergoing the process of moving the charity structure to a CIO, which will provide limited liability for Trustees to third parties. This process will take approximately 6 months to complete, and our current reserves policy is to cover 6 months of expenditure.

What we’re looking for:

Personal competencies

The YBTC Chair of Trustees is expected to demonstrate all the following personal competencies and the capacity to apply these to the strategic development of a local charity:

Commitment

· Ability to understand and accept the duties and liabilities of being a Chair of Trustees

· Empathy with the vision, mission and strategic development of YBTC

· A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort

Focus

· Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically and give direction to board policy-making.

· Ability to think creatively

· Ability to keep mission-focused

· Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning

· Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and other evidence

· Willingness to listen and learn

Communication and team working

· Chairing and facilitating board meetings

· Representing the charity at functions and meetings

· Bringing impartiality to decision-making

· Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively and to take an active part in discussions

· Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the Charity Director to achieve this

· Ability to influence and engage

· Working with the Charity Director to plan meeting cycles and plan agendas

· Ability to lead a group effectively

· Willing to express their own opinion in a reasoned way, while also listening to the views of others

· Ability to challenge constructively and ask questions appropriately

Accountability

· Liaising with the Charity Director to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate

· Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement

· Checking that decisions are implemented

· Willingness to make and stand by collective decisions, including those which may be unpopular

· Ability to manage difficult and/or challenging situations, sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels as required

· Ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and/or sensitive information

· Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the Charity Director

Skills and Experience

Management and Governance

· A chairperson’s role of a similar organisation

Specialist Expertise

· Charity Finance or Operations

· Fundraising

· Research Funding and the development of YBTC’s current funding strategy

· Patient Support & Service

· Human Resources or Legal

· PR, Marketing & Communications

Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives.

Our work currently involves a range of projects across the UK, including long-standing weekly music sessions at Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals, projects in around 12 prisons a year in England, and our Resonate programmes in Glasgow, Sheffield and Nottingham, which focus on those with disabilities and mental health issues in the community.

The Board of Trustees upholds the best interests of Good Vibrations, ensuring that we achieve our charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations.

Good Vibrations wishes to appoint a new Chair to our Board of Trustees who is experienced in organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  The Chair supports and empowers the Board and CEO to lead the charity so that we achieve our vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.

The Board of Trustees

Good Vibrations is a registered charity in both England & Wales (1126493) and Scotland (SC048860). The charity is governed by the Board of Trustees, which currently numbers five following the standing down of some long-term members.

The Board is vital in Good Vibrations’ governance and is responsible for setting directions in strategy and maintaining oversight over all activity. Trustees also play an ambassadorial role in raising awareness of our work.

The current board includes expertise in arts and culture, legal and charitable affairs, finance and academia, helping to ensure that we extend our knowledge of the issues and challenges we face.

Good Vibrations is regularly in receipt of funding from Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, as well as from the National Lottery and several other Trusts and Foundations. The Board is currently involved in creating the organisation’s next 5-year Business Plan. You can see our most recent Annual Report and Accounts here.

What are we looking for?

The position has become available following the standing down of the current Chair Nick Jolliffe, who has been with the organisation since 2018. The organisation has recently appointed a new CEO, and this is an exciting time of development for the organisation.

As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.

The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders.
• Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society.
• A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success
• Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles
• Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance.
• Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause.
• Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.

How our Board works

Trustees meet quarterly at Board Meetings, either in person in London or online from 5.00pm – 7.30pm.  There is also an annual Strategy day in London.

In addition, a Finance sub-committee meets quarterly, looking in-depth at finance and other matters, before putting recommendations forward to the Board.

Trustees do not receive remuneration or other benefits, but all expenses can be claimed including those required to cover access needs such as sign language, interpretation, captioning or travel expenses. The full legal framework for Trustees is laid out in the Articles of Association, which were recently revised in 2022.

Trustees serve for an initial term of three years and will have the opportunity to be re-appointed for a second and final term (maximum of nine years).

What Responsibilities will you have?

Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators.

ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work.

All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.

All Good Vibrations’ Trustees have responsibility for the:

• governance of the organisation in line with legal and financial requirements of the Charity Commission, OSCR, other regulatory bodies, and funders;
• appointment, including the approval of job descriptions and pay levels of members of staff; agreeing terms & conditions and employment procedures;
• recruitment of new Trustees;
• approval of Good Vibrations’ strategy, its business, and artistic plans, and use of resources;
• approval of budgets, annual accounts and financial strategies;
• approval of all policies ensuring that they are updated in line with law and best practice.

The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has some additional responsibilities including:

• working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity;
• conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO;
• ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction
• ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress;
• leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning;
• support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies;
• working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups;
• planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings;
• chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly;
• acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations

Before you apply

Good Vibrations is committed to becoming an organisation that reflects society and promotes diversity of thought and experience and inclusion of those who are historically underrepresented in leadership roles. We would particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the contexts in which we work, including from people with a previous conviction.

For an informal conversation about the role prior to application, please contact us through details on our website.

Please note this post will require a Disclosure & Barring Service check (DBS) and references.

How to Apply

We welcome all applications but particularly those from individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, disability, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, mental ill health, and autistic and neurodivergent people. We also encourage applications from those protected under the 2010 Equalities Act due to age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

We are interested to hear from those who may not consider a position like this due to social or financial disadvantage. Those with caring responsibilities and on low incomes are encouraged to apply, and we will work to make provision where possible.

To apply for this role, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your interest through Charity Job. We will also accept applications in any preferred format (including audio or video).

The closing date for this position is 14th May 2024 with interviews to be held on the week of 20th May.  Any access requirements will be met.

KidsAid is a charity supporting children affected by trauma. We seek a Vice Chair to assist the Chair in providing leadership to the board, to ensure it operates within its charitable objectives, and with a clear strategic direction.

What will you be doing?

KidsAid is a child-centred charity. We focus on healing and empowerment for children affected by abuse, family breakdown, illness, and bereavement through to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. 

The Vice Chair role includes oversight of a Theory of Change approach by the board, incorporating the responsibilities described below:1) Identify a Theory of Change approach and ensure board understanding, agreement and commitment.2) Assist the board to exercise oversight of the process, are engaged throughout, and support the decisions made.3) Ensure that Theory of Change is embedded within the organisation’s culture and practice from inception, throughout implementation, and informs strategic decisions.4) Ensure engagement with a wide range of perspectives to scrutinise how these can most effectively contribute towards change.5) In collaboration with the CEO, produce a Theory of Change output to reflect the critical thinking which has challenged KidsAid’s values, beliefs, and purpose.6) Assist the Chair in:

• Providing leadership to the charity and the board.
• Ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for effective governance.
• Ensuring board meetings are pre-planned and conducted effectively.
• Working with the Chair and CEO to ensure that sub-committees make effective and timely recommendations to the Board.
•  Leading any sub-committees, teams, or working groups which may be created by the board. 
• Reviewing the performance of the board, assisting with the appraisal of trustee performance, and leading on the appraisal of the Chair’s performance.
• The recruitment of new trustees.
• Representing the charity externally when the chair is unable to do so.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification

• At least three years’ experience at board level on a charity board, board of governors, or similar organisation. (E)
• Initiating and leading strategic change through co-production. (E)
• Engagement with joint partnerships or collaborative working with a variety of organisations.
• Available to engage with the role at least 8 hours weekly and attend face to face board meetings. (E)
• Chairing meetings at senior management team or board level. (E)
• Effective presentations and report writing. (E)
• Participating in, or leading teams. (E)
• Maintaining supportive relationships at a senior level. (E)
• Supportive of the vision and purposes of the charity. (E)

What difference will you make?

If you wish to make a long-term contribution to our community, we are your charity!Our aim is to safeguard children so that early life trauma does not become a lifelong burden, and manifest into more serious issues in the future. Your role as Vice Chair will be vital! You will work in collaboration with the CEO and Chair to lead trustees to shape, drive and monitor the organisations strategy. You will support the work of the Chair by providing leadership to the charity and the board, to ensure it operates within its charitable objectives, and with a clear strategic direction. 

Before you apply

Please do apply to become a KidsAid trustee. Our mission is so worthwhile and your contribution to our board team will be greatly valued.Should you wish to discuss further, the CEO and Chair will be delighted to hear from you.

The Magpie Project are looking for a new Chair of Trustees to support their Board make strategic decisions for the benefit of the families the Magpie Project helps every day.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a charismatic leader to bring their charity experience and leadership skills to support the Board and the leadership team to ensure our organisation can continue meeting the increasing demand for our services.

Who we are

We believe all children have the right to a secure, safe place to play, healthy food, engaged, informed parents, and access to support, no matter what their family circumstances.

We provide a safe and fun place for mums and pre-school children suffering in temporary or insecure accommodation.

What will you do

• Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees that enable the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of The Magpie Project.
• Ensure that The Magpie Project pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, and other relevant legislation/applicable regulations.
• Work with the Board of Trustees to support the staff and volunteers, and mums’ steering committee, to ensure the Magpie Project adheres to its core values of coproduction, compassion, and trauma-informed work.
• Lead by example to enable the Board of Trustees to practice collaborative, informed, carefully considered, strategic decision making.
• Embody our commitment to active anti-racist, trauma-informed, child-centred, relationship-based working with women and children experiencing multiple disadvantages.

Who we are looking for

• Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity (essential).
• Knowledge of UK charity governance (essential).
• Fluent in written and spoken English (essential).
• Previous experience as Chair of a charity Board of Trustees (desirable).

We are keen to hear from those whose background and experience resonates with that of the women we support; applicants from a West African, Middle Eastern, Albanian heritage and those with experience of forced migration or homelessness.

Time commitment

Average 2-3 hours per week, although this will vary depending on the schedule of meetings and other events.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Bournemouth is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a special School (ages 4-19).  The school is looking to find a Chair of Governors who will also sit on the board of their charity.  They are ideally looking for someone who has experience and interest in education.  It would be fab if this extended into SEND but they can be flexible.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Taunton is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Secondary school (11-18). They are looking for someone who has previous governance or board level experience.  Ideally, you would have education experience however please still apply if your skills lie in a different industry. You do need to have a deep commitment to inclusive education, ability to form good relationships with the school and Trust leaders and an understanding of and compassion for children experiencing disadvantage.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Chairwoman - LAWRS

Voluntary, up to 5 hours per week

Salary: unpaid role, expenses paid

Location: Hybrid work (monthly Board meetings are currently being held remotely)

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Aylesbury is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Special School (ages 11-19).  The school is looking to find a Chair of Governors who is a great communicator who will quickly form solid relationships with the Headteacher and other governors.  The current chair is the safeguarding lead so it would be absolutely ideal if the new chair also has some of this experience.  If you have chairing experience in capacity but don’t have a safeguarding background, please do still apply.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Do you have a passion to make a difference to the lives of children and families? Spurgeons Family Charity is seeking three or four new trustees to join our current Board in bringing prayerful wisdom and strategic guidance over the coming years.

Spurgeons is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families for 150 years. Inspired by Christian faith and our founder Charles Spurgeon, we’re here for all families. Together, we create Family Hubs in communities where we’re needed most, with counselling, early years and family support. We partner with local councils and churches to care for every family, putting children and young people first in everything we do. Our services also include helping young carers, providing parenting advice and working with families affected by domestic abuse, and imprisonment.

These services are needed more than ever, particularly as local authorities with tight budgets make difficult choices on where to spend their limited resources. As we prepare for the launch of our new five-year plan in 2025, we are ambitious and hopeful about how we can use our strong financial position and robust level of assets to make a significant impact on many more children’s lives in the future.

To support Board succession planning, we are seeking to appoint new trustees with experience and skills such as:

· Lived experience: we are particularly looking to hear the voice of young people on our Board and especially those with lived experience of children and young people’s support services. We will provide the necessary training, mentoring and support to fulfil the role.

· Fundraising/marketing: this trustee will bring a clear understanding of best practice in fundraising and/or marketing.

· Children’s services: we are looking for someone with senior management or leadership experience in the children’s services sector e.g. within social services/ the care sector, health, education, local authorities or charitable contexts.

· Counselling: this trustee will have understanding and/or experience in counselling, bringing wisdom and insight at a governance level.

· Digital: we seek a leader with experience of digital transformations and entrepreneurship, to provide a strategic view of how Spurgeons can thrive in a digital, audience-focused context.

Given an occupational requirement for these roles to be filled by Christians, we are seeking candidates with a personal and active Christian faith who are comfortable and aligned with the statement of faith outlined on our website.

Spurgeons values diversity, promotes inclusion, and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with lived experience of children’s support services. We recognise the need to increase the diversity of the Board, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, disability, gender and LGBTQ+ representation. Our goal, and a key priority in this recruitment process, is for the Board to become more closely representative of our service user community.

The time commitment required of a trustee is likely to equate to approximately 12 days per year.

This is a hybrid role: at present, Board meetings take place in London and committee meetings take place virtually via Teams.

For further information, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded in the Application Resources section of this advert.

Application is by submission of CV and cover letter to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search by the closing date of Friday 24th May 2024. Please contact Laura if you have any questions about this opportunity (please see appointment details pack for contact details).

Are you passionate about providing outstanding and compassionate support to people with palliative and end of life care needs? Join us as our next Chair and steer our strategic direction as we enter a new and exciting chapter.

Location: Havering-atte-Bower, Romford, London / Essex border

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 3rd May 2024

Who we are.

Saint Francis Hospice, rated outstanding by the CQC, specialises in providing care for people in our community with palliative and end of life care needs. We provide care for any person, from any faith or cultural background, who have been diagnosed with a serious illness who are living in Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Brentwood or parts of West Essex. Saint Francis Hospice offers experienced, compassionate advice and support.

We recently welcomed our new Chief Executive and many exciting priorities are underway, including a renovation and major upgrade of our ward unit, a continued focus on service quality and innovation, a new people strategy and an ambition to achieve even greater financial sustainability.

About the role.

We are now seeking an inspiring and visionary Chair who will ensure the successful delivery of our current ambitions and embrace all future opportunities for growth and development.

Peter Crutchett, the previous long-standing Trustee and Chair of Saint Francis Hospice sadly died in February 2024. He was planning to retire in the autumn of 2025.

Who we are looking for.

Our new Chair must bring a successful senior leadership or board track record from a relevant health/social care, public sector, private sector or charity sector organisation of similar scale and complexity.

You will be an outstanding relationship builder, with experience in leading and galvanising high-performing multi-functional/multi-disciplinary teams including volunteers. You will be an exceptional influencer and negotiator, with a successful track record of relationship development and collaborative partnership working with a wide and varied range of stakeholders. In addition, you will bring experience in representing organisations on a local, regional, and national scale.

Above all else, it is critical that our new Chair embodies the values of Saint Francis Hospice and is intrinsically aligned to our cause.

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

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 3rd May 2024.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Great Yarmouth is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Secondary School (ages 11-16). They are looking for someone with leadership experience in the education sector. If your skills and expertise lie in other areas then please do apply.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Wimborne is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Middle C of E School (ages 9-13). They are ideally looking for someone with experience of strategic- level leadership and/or change management in any industry but please do apply if your skills and experience lie in different areas.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A secondary school academy in Oldham is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for an Academy Secondary School (ages 11-16). They are looking for someone with an education background, ideally someone who has sat on an SLT and has dealt with Ofsted.  You’ll need to be understanding of the school’s diverse culture and it’s ethos of inclusion.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees - Role Description  

ROLE TITLE:

Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees

HOURS:

Approximately 1 day per month

COMMITMENT PERIOD:

A 3-year appointment with a 6-month probation period. The role also requires a notice period of 6 months after the completion of the probation period.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

Chair

CLOSING DATE:

8th May 2024

Trustees play a crucial and key role in the strategic direction and steering of Youth Mix, ensuring we are a fantastic youth-led organisation for young people aged 16 to 26 years old. Trustees will also ensure quality, stability and positive outcomes for both young people and our new charity as we continue our journey.

This is an exciting time for the Charity as we roll out our mentoring programme. Following strategic discussions, we are now looking to reinforce and enrich our Trustee Board to provide support and guidance to our Operational Team to enable them to achieve our ambitious 1 year and 3-year plans, whilst also ensuring robust succession plans in place for the Board.

We are particularly enthusiastic about fostering inclusivity within our Board. We actively encourage applications from ethnic minorities, young individuals seeking their inaugural board appointment (especially those aged between 18 & 26), and individuals of all ages with a commitment to empowering young people, including those aged 55 and above.

As Deputy Chair you will work closely with the Chair to facilitate and lead the board while working closely with the CEO, ensuring an effective and smooth-running charity with an active and fully engaged Board of Trustees.

For more information, please see the attached role description.