Chair Of Trustees Volunteer Roles
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Support U is a Reading based charity set up in 2010 to provide support to LGBTQ people in the Thames Valley. Our small team runs social, emotional and wellbeing support and social groups and provides some counselling services. We are looking to revitalise our Trustee Board and require a new Chair of Trustees.
This role description includes:
1. Your general statutory responsibilities as a Trustee
2. Specific Responsibilities for your role as a Chair of Trustees
1. Your general statutory responsibilities as a trustee:
· Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy
· Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (ie its constitution), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
· Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public
· Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
· Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
· Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
· Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions.
This may involve:-
· scrutinising board papers,
· leading discussions,
· focusing on key issues,
· providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
2. Your specific responsibilities as Chair of Trustees, including person specification
Your responsibilities as Chair of Trustees include:
· Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit
· Chairing and facilitating board meetings
· Giving direction to board policy-making
· Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
· Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
· Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
· Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
· Setting agendas for board and other general meetings
· Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
· Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive (if staff are employed) to achieve this.
Person specification for the Chair
· Leadership skills
· Experience of committee work
· Tact and diplomacy
· Good communication and interpersonal skills
· Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
In most circumstances, it would also be desirable for the chair/vice-chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks.
Your role also includes the following person specifications, which are universal for all trustees:
· A commitment to the organisation
· A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
· Strategic vision
· Good, independent judgement
· An ability to think creatively
· A willingness to speak their mind
· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
· A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Thank you for wanting to find out more about becoming a member of Age UK Lambeth’s Board.
Our Board members are unpaid volunteers called trustees. They fill an essential role in ensuring our charity improves the lives of older and vulnerable people around the borough of Lambeth. We hope that this pack lets you know more about the charity, the role of a trustee and how to apply to become one.
We currently have seven Board members with space for up to five more. We want to find people who have a desire to direct services that enable lives to be changed for the better. We want to increase the diversity of the Board bringing different life experiences which match the Lambeth community, broad and diverse as it is. Ideally we want people that bring new skills and experience or enhance those already in place, but this is not essential. It’s not necessary to have previous Board experience.
Please check the Recruitment Pack attached.
We look forward to hearing from you!
How to apply? Whilst we want the application process to be simple, it is for us, a small local charity, a big decision. We need to make sure we have the right people on our Board, which means the process is not necessarily the quickest, but we hope at every point it helps ensure you are doing the right thing for you and us, by becoming one of our Board members. To get the process started, please send us your CV with a covering letter explaining why you think you would make a good Board member for Age UK Lambeth. Be clear about how you think your skills and/or experience will contribute to the effective governance of the charity. We are running a rolling recruitment programme, but if you can get us your application by 17th May you will be in time for our first tranche of interviews with shortlisted candidates, w/c 27th May. Following a successful interview you will be invited to attend a Board meeting as an observer. This gives you a chance to get a proper feel for whether being on our Board is for you. If both parties are happy after that, then you can be appointed as one of our new Trustees.
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.
Opportunity! We're looking for a new Chair of the Board of Trustees!
You'll be providing leadership and direction to the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for our organisation. With a strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Chairing a Board in the charity sector.
Sound like you? Join our mission to reach, involve, support, and connect people so they can age well in Croydon.
This will be a non-renumerated role (non-paid) and will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Our mission is to reach, involve, support and connect people so they can age well in Croydon.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland (APM) is one of the world's largest representative bodies of medical/healthcare professionals practicing or interested in palliative care, with a growing membership of over 1,400. Most members are doctors, and supporting them is the core focus of the APM. APM members support patients with life threatening illnesses to live and die as well as possible. It is the APM's mission to promote, facilitate, advance and develop excellence for the benefit of every individual patient and those important to them. As part of a wider governance review, the APM is making some exciting changes to it's organisational structures. The current Board will become the APM Council with a focus on professional matters and the creation of a new Board of Trustees will oversee the administration of the APM as a professional membership body and hold elected Officers to account.
About the APM:
The APM is a registered charity, and so it has a Board of Trustees acting as its governing body. The Board of Trustees is responsible for agreeing the APM business plan and monitoring the progress of APM affairs. Trustees also act as the custodians of the APM, ensuring effective management and administration and are registered as APM Directors with Companies House.
About the Lay Chair Role:
As the inaugural Lay Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will have the opportunity to work very closely the APM Officers and Council to help shape the role. You will note that a medical background is not a pre-requisite of the role. In leading the Board of Trustees you will have ultimate oversight of the affairs of the charity, and responsibility for ensuring it is solvent, well-run, and delivering on its charitable objective.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties as guardians of the APM.
- Ensure the APM governance structure effectively supports its activity, size and complexity.
- Chair Board meetings, fostering a culture of inclusiveness, transparency and collaboration.
- Supporting other trustees to fulfil their Board of Trustee responsibilities.
- Fulfil trustee duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
- In collaboration with the APM President, lead on defining of goals in strategic planning to forward the APM's charitable objectives.
Time commitment
The APM Board of Trustees will normally hold four meetings per year (likely to be a mixture of in-person and hybrid meetings). In addition, the Chair of Trustees will be expected to work closely with the APM Officers and Chief Operating Officer. On average, it is estimated that the time commitment will equate to one day per month, spread irregularly over a 12-month period. Trustees will serve a three-year term. Individual tenure may be extended by up to a maximum of a further three-year term to ensure orderly succession planning, subject to the agreement of the membership.
How to Apply:
We warmly welcome applications for this Lay Chair position, so please send your CV to Senior Appontments at Charity People and request for the candidate pack to be sent over
Timeline:
Closing date for applications: Monday 20th May
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 we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities with which we work.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
About We Are Family
We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years.
You can find out more about us here.
The Role
We are looking for new trustees to strengthen and enhance our board. The key responsibilities of the role include, governance, overseeing policy and direction, financial oversight and assisting with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s Vision, Mission, Values and needs.
This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses - such as travel / childcare - covered by We Are Family. Trustees can be based anywhere in the UK.
Commitment
Trustee capacity to devote the time needed for the following is essential:
-
4 Board meetings per year
-
2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)
-
Membership of at least one sub-committee (which also meet 4 times a year)
We estimate 8-10 hours for the charity per month. The duration of membership for a new Board member is for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of appointment for a further three year term.
Skills and Experience
All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:
-
Be able to show high levels of professionalism and an ability to work collaboratively with others, including Trustees, our core team and the wider Volunteer network at We Are Family
-
Be well-organised, with good written and verbal communication skills.
-
Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. A thorough induction, and further trustee training as appropriate, can be provided.
We are particularly interested candidates with the following experience:
-
Working as a professional with or in the adoption sector,
-
Advocacy and/or research work;
-
Finance/charity finance
-
Leadership within a charity
-
Education
-
Legal.
Although many of our current trustees are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.
One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board.
To Apply
If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please get in touch!
Refer to our job ad for the Applications email address and email our team. If you would like an informal conversation about the opportunity, please let us know.
Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chief of the Board of Trustees - We Belong
We Belong is a UK charity established and led by young migrants. It is the first charity of its kind, and its mission is to campaign for equal treatment of young migrants and to put an end to the hostile immigration environment through a shorter and fairer path to settlement. It empowers young people by providing a safe platform for them to collaborate, raise their voice, and receive advice, training, and opportunities in areas like education, leadership, employability and immigration support.
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
Our board of trustees work together to lead Pause, and have the ultimate responsibility for our success. They meet on a regular basis to discuss Pause’s progress, problems and the future. They listen to, support and challenge the Chief Executive and leadership team, to make sure they stay on track and meet all their legal obligations. They also work with the Pause Advisory Group, which is made up of women who have completed the Pause Programme, to ensure that women are consulted on and involved in crucial decision-making.
Pause currently has eight trustees who all have different skills, experience and expertise. What brings them together, is their passion for improving the lives of women who’ve had children removed from their care.
We are looking to recruit two new trustees and a new Chair. If you are interested in both roles, please apply via the Chair link.
Trustees will be engaged in:
-
Strategy – thinking about the bigger picture and the future of Pause, and making sure there is a clear plan for getting there.
-
Support – making sure Pause employees feel well supported, listened to and understood.
-
Stretch – making sure the people in the organisation are ambitious.
-
Scrutiny – making sure the organisation is well run and safe.
-
Stewardship – to take care of the organisation and its people.
Please see the recruitment pack on our website for more information.
We’d like to make this process as easy as possible for all candidates. We are happy to send out the Applied questions separately, for you to submit responses directly to us in writing or on video, or to find another approach that makes sense for you. We look forward to hearing from you.
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to talk about an alternative way of applying, please contact us via our website.
We work to improve the lives of women who have had more than one child removed from their care, and the services and systems that affect them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Alternatives to Violence Project Britain
The Alternatives to Violence Project is a network of skilled volunteers who run workshops for anyone who wants to find ways of resolving conflict without resorting to violence. We work in the community and in prisons.
What difference will you make?
The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) serves people who want to handle conflict well without using or suffering violence, whether physical or psychological. Our trained volunteer facilitators deliver intensive, low-cost, conflict-resolution skills workshops in the community, in prisons and in other settings. We reach diverse communities, attracting people from across a wide spectrum of ages, ethnic backgrounds, and socio-economic backgrounds.
What will you be doing?
The overall role of the chair is to lead the Board as it sets strategic direction and oversees the good governance of the charity. You will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation is following correct governance and meeting its charitable obligations.
This is an active role, where time will need to be invested regularly outside of meetings to support this small charity.
In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Chair include the following:
• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit
• Chairing and facilitating board meetings
• Giving direction to board policy-making
• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
• Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting
• Organise & run board and other general meetings
• Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
• Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive to achieve this
• Working closely with paid stuff to ensure charity stays on track vs it's objectives
What are we looking for?
We are looking for an individual who will be committed to AVPB cause and has the following skills:
• Leadership skills
• Experience of committee work
• Tact and diplomacy
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Impartiality, fairness and ability to resolve differences
It would be a significant advantage if you have experience of chairing a trustee board or comparable body. (e.g Chair of School Governors, Parish or Town Council Chair etc). Also advantageous would be a background in health or social care.
Where you will be working
London, N1 6HT
Mainly at home, or remote opportunity.
All our board meetings are currently held online. We can occasionally gather for an annual event.
Time
Mostly outside office hours
Estimate of time needed:
1-3 hours / week
Term
Our trustees’ roles have initial term of three years, with the possibility of renewal for further 3 years.
Remuneration
The role of the Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.
Before you apply
Please submit your CV along with a short covering letter stating why you wish to join the organisation and how your skills would add value to the board.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
ACEVO is the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations, and we exist to help civil society leaders to make the biggest possible difference. For nearly 40 years we’ve been there to inspire and support our members by fostering connections, refining skills and building influence. ACEVO's network of over 1,700 individuals includes the leaders of every shape and size of civil society organisation and at every stage of the leadership journey.
More than a membership organisation, we are a strong, supportive community, and are often our members’ first port of call for help and advice from their peers.
Civil society is under greater pressure than ever before, from a range of sources, and we are proud that our response has been characterised by imagination and ambition. Our outgoing chair, Rosie Ferguson, has played a crucial role in strengthening and consolidating our position over the past few years, and as her term of office concludes she leaves a very strong legacy for her successor. But we also know that there’s no room for complacency, and we are looking for a new chair to take up the challenge of leading us into the next phase with energy, commitment and rigour.
Candidates will share our passionate commitment to the power of civil society, and our vision for extending and deepening our reach within the sector. A skilled governance practitioner, able to work effectively with an engaged and expert board and a high-performing executive team, you’ll have a nuanced understanding of our business model and of how we can build on the progress of recent years. You must be eligible for membership of ACEVO, and experience of leading within our sector is essential.
With a significant amount of external change likely to take place in the early stages of the next chair’s tenure, we will look for a track record of working with agility and strategic creativity. You’ll need to balance your professional expertise with personal humility and curiosity, and current, practical knowledge of our sector across England and Wales would be a significant asset. An exceptional communicator, and passionate about the benefits of membership, you’ll ensure ACEVO remains the go-to organisation for leaders, aspiring leaders and stakeholders alike.