Chair Of Trustees Volunteer Roles
About Smart Works
Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed. After visiting Smart Works, 69% of clients secure a job within a month, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.
Smart Works Leeds, operating as a licensee of Smart Works Charity, is led by a Board of passionate and dedicated trustees, who are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the Smart Works service across Yorkshire.
More information about who we are can be found on our website.
About the opportunity
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join the Smart Works Leeds Board of Trustees.
The Smart Works Leeds Board of Trustees consists of: Chair, Treasurer, People, Wardrobe & Property, Corporate Fundraising & Partnerships, Events, and Communications & Media Trustees.
The Grants Trustee will lead on fundraising and charitable grants that are key to the ongoing operation and financial health of the Charity. The successful applicant will identify suitable foundations and will own the end-to-end grant application process.
If you have grant writing knowledge and skills to contribute to the Smart Works mission and would like to use your professional experience for good, we would love to hear from you.
General Duties of a Smart Works Trustee
- Work with the Chair of the Board of Trustees to ensure the centre is well-run and governed effectively.
- Provide support to determine the strategic direction of the Centre.
- Advocate for the Centre, raising its profile and the awareness of the Smart Works service in the geographic area.
- Build strong working relationships with the Chair, fellow trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters.
- Work in a small team and tailor strong interpersonal and communication skills to all levels of seniority.
Personal Specification
The successful applicant will have an understanding of grants, opportunities, application processes and be able to lead all aspects of this process and will possess previous experience in this field.
As this is a voluntary, unpaid position it requires a self-starting and proactive approach with the capacity and time to challenge, engage and contribute to the work of the Board in a positive manner.
It is essential that all applicants believe in the mission of Smart Works and align with our core values, share a commitment to fairness and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, acting at all times with honesty and integrity.
If you possess the relevant experience and are seeking to give something back to the community in Yorkshire, then we would love to hear from you. Please note, you do not need to have previous experience of sitting on a board to join us although it would be an advantage.
We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, disabled candidates, and candidates with lived experience of unemployment, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at Smart Works.
How to Apply
Please visit our website or click "Apply Now" to find out more information - we can't wait to hear from you.
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!
We are specifically seeking trustees with experience in the following areas:
- Income Generation
- Governance
- Finance
- Marketing and PR
A LITTLE ABOUT PANS PANDAS UK
PANS and PANDAS are complex neuro-psychiatric conditions which are frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. PANS PANDAS UK are the only charity in the UK working to improve outcomes and ensure brighter futures for people affected by PANS and PANDAS.
We provide support and information to families and work tirelessly to inform medical practice by raising awareness at government levels, engaging with medical Royal Colleges and the NHS. In addition to this we work closely with health, social work and educational professionals as well as our European and International peer organisations.
We are a small group of trustees who are located around the UK. We work from home and have a warm, supportive, and positive culture. If you would like to join our friendly team, please download our Trustee Job Description.
Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role of trustee.
Please focus on the professional skills you can bring to the role, and your motivation for being considered for a trustee position with this unique charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Council of Deans of Health is a dynamic and influential charity and membership organisation representing the interests of university faculties engaged in education and research for nursing, midwifery, and the allied health professions across the UK.
With a presence spanning England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar, we operate as a charity registered across the UK, advocating for the vital role our members play in health and social care. With over 100 member institutions from across the tertiary education system educating approximately 200,000 current and future health professionals and conducting research that directly impacts the health and wellbeing of our population we truly represent those responsible for healthcare education throughout the UK.
Trustee opportunities
We are currently seeking enthusiastic individuals who are willing to learn, collaborate effectively, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and engage fully with the aims and objectives of our organisation to join our Board. We are looking for people who can bring a variety of skills and experience, including the ability to work strategically, expertise in charity governance and compliance, and commercial acumen.
As we embark on shaping a new strategy for the Council to run from 2025 onwards, we are particularly keen to welcome Trustees who will bring diverse perspectives and ensure our Board is inclusive and representative.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in influencing policy, strengthening membership engagement, and shaping the future direction of our organisation. Our values of inclusivity, innovation, and impact underpin everything we do, and our strategic aims reflect our commitment to advancing healthcare education and research.
We are looking for people who share our vision and values. Previous board experience is not required.
How to apply
Eastside People is supporting the Council of Deans of Health in recruiting for these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and cover letter, which should cover the following:
- Why are you interested in a trustee role at the Council of Deans of Health?
- How you can contribute to the Council as a trustee? Please highlight relevant experience and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role set out in the candidate pack.
- Why do you think you would be a good fit for the Council?
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. Please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can make the application process work for you.
The closing date for applications is Friday 24 May with online shortlisting interviews taking place the week after. Face to face interviews with the recruitment panel at the Council will take place early to mid-June.
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!
Harrow Food Bank is part of the Trussell Trust - a network of over 1300 food bank centres in the UK. Between April 2022 and March 2023, food banks provided almost 3 million food supplies to people in crisis.
Harrow Food Bank requires two Trustees to support the Chair and current members who can support the existing Trustees:
Administrator / Secretary: to lead on all the administrative duties of the food bank and Trustee Board, ensure all meetings are conducted within the legal requirements and a record of all meetings maintained. Key roles & responsibilities:
1. Arrange and communicate dates for all Trustee Meetings, circulating papers in advance
2. Follow up on the agreed actions from meetings and keep an accurate ‘action log’
3. Ensure all stakeholders are informed of the AGM and that the AGM report is submitted to all relevant bodies
Treasurer: to lead on the financial affairs of the foodbank and to ensure that they are conducted within the required legal accounting and good practice conventions. Key roles & responsibilities:
1. Ensure that the Food Bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial controls, insurance and reporting
2. Produce and present regular finance reports for the Trustees Board Meetings
3. Maintain accurate financial records as report in a timely manner to all relevant bodies
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The overall role of the chair is help organise and run trustee meetings. They are responsible for ensuring that the organisation is following correct governance and meeting its charitable duties.
Chair of Bath Sound
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 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
Where staff are employed:
· Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
· Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the chief executive
· Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels
· The vice-chair acts for the chair when the chair is not available and undertakes assignments at the request of the chair
Person specification
In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the treasurer should have the following qualities.
· 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.
Princess Alice Hospice is a centre of excellence and an outstanding provider of palliative and end of life care for patients and families. Join us as our new Chair at this exciting time of development for the Hospice.
- Location: Esher, Surrey
- Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 7th May
Who we are.
Princess Alice Hospice cares for patients and families across Surrey, South West London and Middlesex, through illness and bereavement and for as long as they need us. Many people think that hospices are all about dying. We disagree. We believe that end of life care is about helping people live every moment to the full in comfort and dignity. It’s about creating space whether at home or in our Hospice where families can enjoy special moments and create precious memories together.
We are a centre of excellence and maintain the highest professional standards so that our care is the very best it can be. We were delighted to retain our outstanding CQC rating in 2022, and we continue to place people at the heart of everything we do.
In 2022, we launched a new strategy for our future: Evolve, Innovate, Improve, Inspire; which provides us with the ability to adapt and develop in a time of uncertainty and change, whilst ensuring that we remain focused on our long-term vision:
Our communities will have the best care and support before, during and after death.
Having recently appointed our Chief Executive, Nigel Seymour, it is an exciting time of change and development for the Hospice. With our current Chair, Sean Hilton, retiring later this year, we are now seeking a Chair to build on our legacy and achievements to date and bring the values and vision to lead us into the next chapter.
Who we are looking for.
We are seeking an exceptional people leader, skilled in developing collaborative, values-driven boards and cultures. Our new Chair will be respectful of our successful history, whilst bringing constructive challenge, fresh ideas and creative thinking. They will be compassionate, collaborative and visionary, able to galvanise our dedicated Board and provide strategic support to our outstanding Chief Executive and leadership team.
Alongside extensive senior leadership experience, you will be commercially astute, bring a strong understanding of modern board leadership, and have a proven track record of strategic thinking and innovation.
It is crucial that our new Chair is a confident and credible ambassador, able to forge strong relationships across the sector and represent the hospice externally when appropriate. System leadership experience and/or knowledge of the wider healthcare system would be an additional advantage.
You will demonstrate a deep and genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and in reaching underserved and overlooked communities.
Above all, you will be intrinsically values-driven, compassionate, and committed to the vision and mission of the Hospice.
Princess Alice Hospice is a centre of excellence and an outstanding provider of palliative and end of life care for patients and families. Join us as our new Chair at this exciting time of development for the Hospice.
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 for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 7th May.
Be the Chair or Deputy Chair of the outstanding Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted and help their ambition to double the reach of their care supported by establishing new partnerships and funding opportunities.
Applications close at Midnight on Monday 13th May 2024.
About Hospice of St Francis
The Hospice of St Francis was established 45 years ago in 1979 to provide free specialist care for patients, their families, and carers in Hertfordshire and Berkhamsted.
The Hospice is a highly respected and critically important community charity providing exceptional and essential services to its local communities. The importance of this care is reflected in the work of its staff and volunteers, and the support of loyal donors, fundraisers, and customers.
The work of the Hospice is mainly funded by donations, income from retail activities, legacies, grants, and interest on investments. NHS Grants for Hospice Care contribute 19% to total income. At year-end 31st March 2023, total income was £7.45 million. They employ 150 staff and have over 1,000 volunteers supporting their work.
About the roles.
To continue to provide care and support to patients, families, and carers, to meet the increasing complexity of conditions, need for services, and to deliver new and enhanced complementary supporting services, the Hospice of St Francis needs to think differently to consider where funding comes from.
The Hospice seeks a Chair and Deputy Chair who will continue the excellent work of the charity but also help to achieve their ambition to double the reach of their care and to assure the Hospice is funded sustainably now and for the future.
- Chair of the Board
The Chair is an ambassador and public face of the Hospice in partnership with the Chief Executive. Holding the Board and Chief Executive to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, the Chair will provide inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees ensuring effective governance of the Charity.
- Deputy Chair of the Board
The Deputy Chair will provide support to the Chair of the Board in leadership and stewardship of the Charity. They will be a sounding board for the Chair and have a key responsibility to build constructive and collegiate relationships with the Chief Executive and the executive team. The role may include additional responsibilities such as Freedom to Speak Up Ambassador, to provide clear and transparent governance.
This is a supportive role working with Committee Chairs and the Trading Company Board to support the development of the charity strategy and in working with the People Governance Committee on succession planning and Trustee recruitment. It may also include undertaking assignments at the request of the Chair.
The Deputy is expected to support the Chair with performance reviews of Trustees to review their contribution to the Board and Committees. The Deputy with Committee Chairs will agree on the appropriate appraisal of the Chair.
The role also includes chairing meetings in the absence of the Chair of the Board and acting as an ambassador for the Hospice, promoting activities and engaging with Key Stakeholders on behalf of the Chair and Chief Executive if required.
Time Commitment
The time commitment for the Chair is anticipated to be around 2 -3 days per month based on time to review, prepare and chair four full board meetings, two away days and the AGM, regular meetings with the Chief Executive and Trustees, ad hoc projects and discussions with Stakeholders and potential partners and funders, visiting hospice and retail sites and attend events.
The Deputy Chair is likely to give up to 2 days per month based on attending four full board meetings, two away days and the AGM, ad hoc projects, visiting hospice and retail sites, attending events and serving as a member of up to two Committees.
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 for this role close at Midnight on Monday 13th May 2024.
We are looking to recruit new Trustees to the Cleeve School Board. We are the largest secondary school in Gloucestershire and one of the most innovative, forward thinking and dynamic schools in the region. We are specifically looking for people with a sound knowledge and experience of working on a Board, including chairing committees and panels. We are also seeking to strengthen our finance expertise on the Board.
We continually monitor the diversity of our Board to ensure staff and students are represented. We would particularly welcome applications from women and under-represented groups within our community at this time.
Further details are available on our website (current vacancies).
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!
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 Birmingham 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 Primary School (ages 4-11). The school is looking to find a Chair of Governors who has got previous chairing experience (happy to consider in another capacity). They would love to find someone with a finance background with experience of managing teams. It would be great if you have good ICT skills.
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.
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!
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 Lowestoft 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 ideally looking for someone with some experience in the education sector. Previous chairing experience in another capacity would be appreciated as would people management skills along.
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.
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!
- Role: provide financial oversight, analysis and strategic guidance to the CEO and board
- Liaises with: Chair, CEO, trustees, committees, external supporters
- Location: Cambridgeshire area/remote
- Voluntary role: reasonable expenses paid
- Term: negotiable, e.g. interim/three years/extendable by re-election
- Application closing date: 31 May 2024
Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our professional counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time to deliver talking therapies both online and in person.
We deliver around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access therapeutic support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support, and mental health awareness and related training to organisations and businesses large and small.
We are searching for an experienced treasurer/finance specialist who can support our board, committees, and the CEO as we move through our next strategic stage of consolidation, then growth. Although long-established and successful, Evolve is reshaping itself and your financial expertise will be instrumental in positioning our charity to successfully meet the ever-growing demands and opportunities for supporting good mental health in our communities. Please note, a background in counselling is NOT a prerequisite for this role.
Including quarterly board meetings, committee sessions (at present virtual), a face-to-face AGM event, away days, and regular meetings with our CEO and the trustees, we anticipate a flexible time commitment of around 2 - 5 days per month.
For further information or an informal discussion of interest, please contact Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.
Application process: Expressions of interest in the first instance by email to Kevin Bottrell, Chair of Trustees.
Our Chair will review and assess expressions of interest and will then call for applications in the form of a CV and letter setting out the applicant’s motivations, which will be assessed by a panel of trustees under conditions that maximise our commitment to EDI principles. Applicants may be asked to interview, and appointment will be made at a meeting of the board of trustees and ratified by the membership at AGM.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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 client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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.
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.
Please complete the attached equality and diversity form when completing your application, many thanks.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Chair has the overall purpose of leading the Board, ensuring systems are in place to provide trustees with the support they need to carry out their role effectively and enabling trustees to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This will be done in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory guidelines/requirements.
Joining Respond as a Trustee - January 2024
Background Information
Founded in 1991, Respond is a national charity that seeks to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma. We are committed to bringing about positive change for our clients and their families, enabling them to lead richer and more resilient lives.
Respond's services for children, young people and adults are:
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Survivors' psychotherapy
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Family support services
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Advocacy, including ISVA and domestic abuse services.
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Training, consultancy and reflective practice
Respond supports charities that campaign for equality and inclusion with the aim to prevent abuse and equip individuals and their families to come to terms with their experiences and live more positive lives.
Our specialist training, supervision, reflective practice and consultancy equips agencies and health / social care providers to deliver trauma-informed services. This includes responding to and providing consultancy and training for significant events such as institutional abuse.
Our income base is diverse with trust funds and grants continuing to be a vital part of maintaining core services Respond offers, alongside donations from trusts and foundations. We also continue to have larger ongoing or spot contracts for our work for NHS commissioners and local authorities.
It is a good opportunity to join Respond's Board at this time, following our restructure and as we move towards the last year of our current strategy for 2022-25. Following a challenging period due to changing funding landscape and closure of some services, we will be focused on consolidation and improving impact measurement to secure long-term financial sustainability.
The role of the Board of Trustees
The Trustees (or 'Board members') are trustees of the charity and directors of the limited company. They are responsible for the governance, setting the strategic direction and monitoring the implementation of the strategy. The Board ensures that the charity acts in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
The Board has responsibility for:
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ensuring the charity acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and is providing public benefit and meets its legal obligations;
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making decisions in the best interests of the charity;
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developing the multi-year strategy;
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monitoring the management of the finances and resources of the organisation (operations, budget, property, workforce and tenders);
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monitoring performance, quality and impact;
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appointing and appraising the CEO.
Who we’re looking for
Following a recent skills audit within the current Board, the Board is seeking trustees with the following skills or experiences;
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Finance - This person will have a financial qualification and will enable the Board to ensure the sound financial health of the charity. The person will collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure that the organisation has systems that meet sector best practice and ensures financial accountability. This trustee will be the Treasurer and chair the Finance Committee.
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Human Resources (HR) - This person will have experience in working in HR roles, preferably in the voluntary sector. This person will help review and strengthen Respond’s HR policies, set up and lead the people committee and guide the Leadership team in dealing with complex HR issues including change management.
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Fundraising, Marketing and Comms – This person will work closely with our Head of Development and Commissioning on our income strategy and communications strategy.
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Psychotherapy /working in a trauma informed setting – As an organisation providing psychotherapy and arts therapies for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, we are looking for a trustee with experience of working as a therapist with a systems-psychodynamic approach.
The Board wants to ensure that the charity's 'beneficiaries' are represented in its governance. We encourage applications from people who have lived experience of autism, learning disabilities and/or trauma-informed work (either directly or through family members). How the Board carries out meetings will also be reviewed to accommodate adjustments requested by new trustees with learning disabilities or who are autistic. (Please refer to a separate document if you or someone you know with lived experience may be interested)
Person Specification
The following knowledge, experience and skills are essential for the role:
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a commitment to the mission of Respond;
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senior experience, ideally including one or more of the following areas – finance, human resources, fundraising/marketing, legal, compliance, hard-to-reach communities, caring/social care, psychotherapy, commissioning.
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ability to identify creative solutions to problems within limited resources;
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good analytical skills;
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ability to think strategically;
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independence and flexibility in thinking;
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ability to communicate efficiently and connect with a wide range of people, internally and externally;
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a willingness to meet the minimum time requirement (see below);
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an understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship set out in the Charity Commission's 'The Essential Trustee'; and
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an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to make decisions for the good of Respond.
Trustees will be expected to demonstrate the following personal attributes:
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good interpersonal skills including listening;
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commitment to excellence and high expectations of self and others;
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values people and the contribution of all stakeholders;
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sound judgment;
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team-oriented with a supportive approach.
Respond is dedicated to developing opportunities for Trustees to be appointed reflecting greater and varied diversity among our Board of Trustees, so we welcome applications by suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We particularly welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented on the board.
What we offer
New trustees will:
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Receive induction and training;
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Develop new skills and competencies;
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Meet new people and develop professional networks;
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Contribute to ensuring that the charity offers high quality effective services to autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced trauma, who are in need;
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An annual appraisal
Time requirement - What is involved?
Trustees attend eight Board meetings per year approximately every six-eight weeks currently on a Tuesday evening 5:30pm to 8pm. Meetings are in London, and remote access is available for trustees who live/work outside London.
Each Trustee is expected to be an active member of the Respond community, committing 5 to 10 hours per month to the charity which may also involve being on a sub-committee such as; Finance Committee, Clinical Governance and Safeguarding Committee each of which meets four times per year, typically during normal office hours online or in London.
Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Respond prior to their first Board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. Other meetings are away-days over a weekend.
Trustees are invited to the annual general meeting, which takes place typically in November.
Trustees may claim expenses incurred in effectively carrying out their duties, in accordance with Respond’s Trustee Expenses Policy.
Papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings. In addition, Trustees are expected to review documents and communicate with other board members and senior staff between meetings. Every effort will be made to ensure that trustees with learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse have access to documents in formats that they can understand or have the support available for them to fully participate as trustees.
Occasionally, circumstances may require urgent meetings (either face-to-face or virtual) to examine strategic issues or items requiring Board approval
Duration of the role
Board terms are for a five-year term following which the person can be elected to serve another three years.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.