34 Chair of trustees volunteer roles

The Royal Air Force Central Fund is seeking an independent Chair of Trustees for its Board. This non-executive position will lead the strategic direction, effectiveness and development of one of the Armed Forces sector's most innovative and ambitious charities as it enters the next phase of its evolution.

About the RAF Central Fund

The RAF Central Fund is a 100-year-old grant-giving charity that supports the 30,000 serving personnel and over 40 stations that make up the RAF. The Fund is the primary funder of the 55 RAF Sports Associations and the sports kit and equipment that allows personnel to participate in their chosen sports from grassroots to Olympic level.

The Fund has recently undergone a period of transformational change and are looking for a Chair to consolidate its progress and unlock sustainable income opportunities for RAF Sport

Sponsorship is one of three sources of income for the Fund, the other two being an endowment and the RAF Sports Lottery. The Fund now enters a new strategic phase focused on strengthening its long-term financial resilience through the growth of commercial income, protection of lottery income, development of its investment portfolio and greater collaboration across the Armed Forces charity sector.

The RAF Central Fund Executive and Board are committed to their vision of supporting all serving personnel to develop their full potential through sport and physical activity and are looking for a like-minded individual to lead the Board through this next stage of development.

The Board

The RAF Central Fund is a company limited by guarantee. The Board is made up of a mix of serving, ex-serving and independent members (including the Chair), all of whom abide by the Nolan Principles.

The Board meets three times each year either virtually or in London or the Buckinghamshire office.

The Role

The Chair can serve up to 3 three-year terms. It is anticipated that the time commitment is approximately two days per month after the induction period. This includes attendance at Board meetings, regular engagement with the Chief Executive Officer, committee activity and stakeholder engagement as required.

Expenses will be paid in accordance with the RAF Central Fund's expenses policy.

The duties of the Chair include:

• To provide leadership and direction to the Board and ensure it operates effectively and cohesively.
• To ensure that the Fund complies with its Articles of Association, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To contribute actively to the role of the Board in setting and overseeing the Fund's long-term strategic direction
• To ensure the effective and efficient governance and administration of the Fund.
• To support the Chief Executive Officer and ensure a strong working relationship between the Board and Executive.
• To encourage effective contribution from all Trustees and foster a culture of challenge, collaboration and accountability.
• To support the Fund's ambitions to diversify and strengthen its income streams through commercial growth, investment returns and partnership working.
• To act as an ambassador for the Fund and support relationships with key RAF, charitable and commercial stakeholders.
• In addition to the above duties, the Chair should use their skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions and successfully guide the Fund through its next phase of strategic development.

Key Competencies

• A high level of objectivity and independent judgement.
• A high level of integrity and probity.
• Ability to think and act strategically.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills.
• An ability to work in partnership.
• Ability to facilitate discussion and build consensus.
• Ability to communicate concisely and effectively.
• Experience of leading organisations through change and transformation.
• A commitment to equity and equal opportunities.
• An enthusiasm for improving the wellbeing and resilience of serving personnel.

Skills and Experience

The RAF Central Fund is seeking a Chair with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Commercial growth, sponsorship or business development.
• Investment management or asset stewardship.
• Corporate leadership at executive or board level.
• Organisational transformation and change.
• Strategic partnerships and collaboration.
• Defence, aerospace or military-related industries.
• Public sector leadership.
• Charity leadership and governance.
• Membership organisations or stakeholder-led bodies.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have helped organisations become more financially resilient, developed sustainable income streams, built strategic partnerships or led organisations through periods of significant change. Previous Chair experience is desirable but not essential.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from experienced leaders who may not previously have chaired a charity board but who have successfully led organisations, businesses or major programmes through growth, change or transformation.

You may currently be, or have previously been:

• A Chief Executive Officer.
• A Managing Director or business owner.
• A senior leader within the defence, aerospace or technology sectors.
• An investment, finance or commercial professional.
• A senior public servant or military leader.
• A Non-Executive Director or experienced Trustee. Most importantly, you will bring strategic vision, sound judgement and a desire to help secure the RAF Central Fund's second century of service.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 30th November 2026, please submit a CV and letter of application.

Alternatively, to arrange an informal chat with the Chair or CEO please contact the Fund.

The RAF Central Fund is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.