Chair volunteer roles in england

Peterborough Women’s Aid mission is to provide a specialist response to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls; empower victims to be in control of their own future and create everlasting change. We are a growing and aspirational organisation.

As Chair you will play an important role in shaping our future and help to ensure that we continue to deliver our vital, life-saving work supporting survivors of violence against women and girls

What will you be doing?

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

This is a voluntary position, but expenses are reimbursed.

Commitment

You will be required to attend a minimum of 8 meetings per year which are held on weekday evenings. These are currently being held on line however this may change. There are also two away day events in person. Three-year term, with a maximum of two terms.

What are we looking for?

• Experience of being a trustee (at least 3 years). 
• You do not need to have been a Chair before. 
• Knowledge of the Peterborough area. 
• Experience of strategic planning. 
• Strong leadership skills. 
• The ability to listen and engage effectively. 
• You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. 
• Advocate - be able and willing to champion PWA’s work through personal networks and other channels.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

PWA values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination of all forms. We encourage and welcome applications from women of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applicants from minoritised women and younger women. We also welcome applicants with lived experience of VAWG services.

What difference will you make?

As a Chair Person, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation and the lives of those we serve. Your expertise, passion, and fresh perspective will be invaluable assets as we navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continue to make a meaningful difference to families experiencing abuse.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting PWA with their recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance. To apply please submit your CV/LinkedIn Profile, along with a covering letter stating why you wish to join PWA, the skills and experience you will bring to the board and what you would hope to get out of the role. 

Devon Community Foundation inspires people to give and helps Devon’s communities to thrive by changing lives together. We are the largest independent grant funder for charities and community organisations in the county, created by our communities and for our communities. 

We work with donors, community groups and charities across Devon, taking time to understand what each is trying to accomplish and supporting them to do so with impact.

We work with our generous supporters to reach the people most in need and help to create equality and opportunity in the diverse communities across Devon. We are also part of the wider, 47-strong UK Community Foundation network, who, for 30 years, has distributed millions of pounds towards smaller, locally based organisations, and provides vital support to every postcode in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Devon Community Foundation  

Chair  

Across Devon, with UK wide representation 

Unremunerated, with expenses paid.  

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Board of an ambitious organisation, keen to continue to grow the scale, reach and impact of our work. With strategic planning under way, a dedicated team, committed trustees and a strong reputation across Devon, we have a strong platform from which to operate and effect change in the communities we serve.

We are looking to appoint a Chair to lead and inspire, as well as to act as an ambassador for the organisation, who brings: 

• Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices

• Experience of operating at strategic leadership level 

• Experience of acting as ambassador and raising the profile of an organisation, leading to positive outcomes.

We are seeking a Chair who shares our values as well as our passion and commitment to the communities of Devon.

We are actively seeking to bring more diversity of perspectives and experience to our Board and welcome applications from currently underrepresented groups at board level. 

For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply to this role, please visit the Prospectus website.

If you have any queries or wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Anna Gardet or Erica Ritchie via email.

Recruitment Timetable: 

Deadline for applications:  Monday 20th October 2025 

First round Interviews with DCF: 27th October 2025 

Second round Interviews with DCF: w/c 3rd November 2025 

Do you have a legal or financial background with experience in project management?

Are you excited about property and development?

Do you have an innovative approach?

If so, we’d really like to hear from you!

We are working in partnership with ELM Group, a not-for-profit organisation, consisting of RLHA (Retirement Lease Housing Association) and ELM Management (the non-retirement part the business). The group owns over 40 freeholds and manages another 60 estates in the South of England. The head office is in Frimley, Surrey and employs just over 160 staff.

Established in 1971 the Group is very proud of its history and its charitable status and is looking forward to a great future.

They are seeking to recruit a Chair to join the Board for 2 terms of 3 years (6 years) in line with the National Housing Federation Code of Governance 2020.

The successful candidate will have an innovative approach, a passion for property and development, bringing either legal or financial knowledge alongside excellent project management

Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday morning of each month, (except June, August, and December). There are currently 6 members of the Board and 2 Leaseholder Board Members.

If you are someone who can demonstrate these skills and experience alongside the ability to advise and contribute to the Board, then we would like to hear from you.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

£2,781 per annum plus reasonable expenses

Closing date for applications: 2nd November 2025

Join The Difference as our next Chair as we tackle the social injustice of lost learning in England’s schools.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Friday 31st October.

The Difference is a charity working to create a more inclusive education system where every young person can thrive. Founded in 2018, our mission is to ensure that rates of lost learning are falling by 2030. We take a three-pronged approach, delivering evidence-based programmes that equip school leaders to embed a whole-school approach to inclusion, conducting research to inform best practice and using our networks and expertise to influence policy and drive system-wide change.

We are seeking a new Chair to guide us through our next phase of growth and impact. This pivotal role will provide strategic leadership, strengthen governance and ensure the Board is well-equipped to support and challenge our executive team. The Chair will work closely with the CEO, championing high performance, inclusivity and constructive debate while helping shape strategy, oversee board development and support key areas such as fundraising and policy influence.

We are looking for an experienced non-executive with strong governance knowledge and proven skills in leading a growing organisation. Prior Chair experience is not essential, but strategic leadership and a collaborative approach are key. Above all, you will be an empathetic and inclusive leader, committed to our mission to ensure every student can access learning and feel a true sense of belonging.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ 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. Friday 31st October.

About Reprieve

Reprieve is a leading international human rights organisation. Our aim is simple: to consign the death penalty and abuses carried out in the name of “counter-terrorism” or “national security” to history, drawing public and political attention to these past harms with a view to preventing them from occurring again.

In our view, you can best judge a society by how it treats prisoners, criminal defendants, and the far-flung targets of an ever-changing counter-terror policy. To us, the rule of law means little if we selectively apply it to people we agree with. It is for all of us. Liberty is always eroded at the margins.

Reprieve’s staff is made up of courageous and committed human rights defenders. Founded in 1999, we provide free legal and investigative support to people facing the death penalty and those victimised by states’ abusive counter-terror policies – rendition, torture, arbitrary detention and extrajudicial killing.

We fight our clients’ cases in courts around the world; investigate their mistreatment; and advocate on their behalf, encouraging public and political debate of human rights issues.

Reprieve’s main office is in London, UK. Reprieve also supports full-time Fellows, who work as lawyers, investigators and campaigners in the countries in which we work. We work closely with a number of partner organisations in jurisdictions all over the world, who provide access to clients, expertise, knowledge and guidance on specific issues or regions. We work in cooperation with relevant government officials, individual lawyers and human rights defenders, as well as individual, corporate and foundation funders to further the cause of our shared goals.

Reprieve works in close partnership with its independent sibling organisation Reprieve US.  This collaboration is mutually beneficial to both Reprieve and Reprieve US as it enables each organisation to work more effectively and take advantage of the strategic locations to increase the impact of our work.

About the Role

Our work would not be possible without the highest levels of governance provided by our Board of Trustees and its Chair.

The Board meets four times a year (normally January, May, July and October). Two Board meetings are in person, and we ask that the Chair attends other events when they can to meet staff and other key stakeholders, including donors. 

Day-to-day management of Reprieve is provided by the Senior Management Team. 

About You

Our new Chair will be passionate about our vision and mission and will be able to bring inclusive and knowledgeable insight to the Board and the Executive. They will have a keen sense of strategic purpose and an inclusive leadership style that inspires and supports other Trustees, the Executive, staff and key stakeholders to participate. They will be comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative Board environment. They will be able and willing to act as a figurehead and ambassador, and champion Reprieve’s work through personal networks, social media (if appropriate), and other channels.

They will be willing to lead according to Reprieve’s values and have a passion for seeking justice for the victims of extreme human rights abuses. They will support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at Reprieve and share our commitment to fighting against racism and advancing racial justice, both in our work and within Reprieve.

They will have a passion for seeking justice for the victims of extreme human rights abuses. They will support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion at Reprieve and share our commitment to fighting against racism and advancing racial justice, both in our work and within Reprieve.

Responsibilities

Your main duties will include:

• Leading the Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Reprieve
• Chairing and facilitating Board meetings including giving direction to board policy-making and ensuring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
• With the Executive Director:
  • Planning the annual cycle of Board meetings
  • Setting agendas for Board meetings
  • Developing the Board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning
  • Addressing conflict within the Board and within Reprieve, and liaising with the Executive to achieve this
  • Liaising with the Executive Director to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate
• Being an ambassador and figurehead for Reprieve.

Person Specification/ Criteria

• A willingness to speak your mind and challenge both the Executive and the Board
• A keen sense of strategic purpose
• An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support other Trustees, the Executive, staff and key stakeholders to participate 
• Experience constructively challenging and appraising senior leadership
• A willingness to be available to the Executive and staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
• A clear commitment to Reprieve’s vision and mission
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Willingness to commit two days a month to the role
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, as they apply to the Chair of the Board
• Experience of fundraising and its importance to a charity 
• Experience of committee work or being on a charity board.

About the Science Council Registration Authority

The RA is responsible for maintaining robust and high-quality professional standards and ensuring that all registrants meet these standards.  The Chair provides strategic leadership of the RA, working with Licensed Bodies and other partners in supporting the development and growth of the Science Council’s licensing standards and professional registers.

 The current Chair, Dr Hilary Jeffreys CSci, will step down from the role at the end of May 2026. 

Who should apply

Applicants should:

· A track record of being an effective Chair and strong communicator.

· Already hold, or be eligible for, Science Council registration.

· Inspire trust and confidence in our Licensed Bodies.

· A commitment to the part the professional registers play in raising the profile of science and the status of scientists.

Co-Chair Option

In addition to welcoming applications from individuals seeking to serve as sole Chair, the Science Council Board also welcomes a co-Chair arrangement. This may suit individuals who are interested in the role but do not feel they have the time or capacity to take sole leadership. In this instance, at least one of the co-Chairs will need to hold, or be eligible for, Science Council registration. Please indicate on your application whether you are interested in sharing the role as co-Chair.

Term and Commitment

The post-holder(s) 

• will serve for an initial three-year term.

• are expected to chair quarterly RA meetings (held online)
• will attend and present at quarterly Board meetings (two per year are held in person).
• will liaise with Science Council staff between meetings is required for planning, preparation and follow up.

Co-Chairs will be expected to work collaboratively and share responsibilities equally.

How to apply

Vist our application site and submit a statement (maximum one A4 page) outlining your experience, suitability and motivation for the role and a CV of no more than 4 pages in length.

The closing date is 5pm Monday 27th October.  

Interview and appointment schedule

Shortlisted Candidates will be interviewed on Monday 17th and Tuesday 18th November.  

The successful candidate will be appointed by the Board at its meeting on Tuesday 8th December.

Further information

Interested individuals are encouraged to read the role description to understand the key responsibilities and attributes the Board is seeking. Visit our website to find the Registration Authority’s Terms of Reference.

If you know someone who may be suitable, please share this opportunity with them. Interested parties can apply here.

For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Jennifer Larwood, the Science Council’s Membership Registration and Licensing Manager, before the closing date. This will not be considered in the selection process.

Radcliffe Housing Society is a small, registered provider based in Sevenoaks, Kent, with properties across the Southeast. We are more than just a financially strong Housing provider, we are making an impact on the housing crisis, supporting sustainable communities, and providing life-long homes for our customers.

Our Chair is due to stand down in July 2026 and we are therefore seeking a new Chair of the Board to help us shape the future. This is an opportunity to lead an organisation with a clear social purpose, working alongside a committed Board and Executive to make sure the voice of our tenant’s guides everything we do.

In a new Chair, we are seeking someone who understands the current expectations placed upon the sector.   A Chair who can help us deliver on our ambitions and strengthen our role as a trusted partner across South London, Kent and Sussex.

Given the nature of the role, we are keen to attract candidates who have a proven track record in a Non-Executive (NED) role and can drive the delivery of our strategic objectives whilst working collaboratively to ensure our business runs effectively and that our residents continue to receive good quality services.

We welcome applicants from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our Board, and we are keen to hear from those who can bring fresh perspectives to help us reflect the communities we serve.

The position is voluntary (reasonable expenses paid) and there are 4 Board meetings per year (held remotely), plus the AGM and Board Away Day that take place in person.

Closing Date: Friday, 31st October 2025

Interview Date: TBC

Please call us or visit our website for an application pack.

Invitation to apply for the position of Society Chair

A. Description of the Society

The Society is the third oldest local conservation charity in England, founded in 1897 by many of the public figures who  campaigned to procure the passing of the 1871 Hampstead Heath Act, which saved Hampstead Heath as a public open space in perpetuity, and who went on to found the National Trust.

The Society is an unincorporated association, constituted by its contractual constitution, and is a registered charity. Its charitable objects are as follows:

3. (a)  to preserve those parts of Hampstead Heath which are subject to section 16 of The Hampstead Heath Act 1871* in their wild and natural state, and also to preserve the natural and characteristic features of the later additions to the Heath, so far as is consistent with their enjoyment by the public;

(b) to promote and maintain the amenities and characteristics of the environs of the Heath, and of the buildings and streets of Hampstead; and

(c) to promote public interest in the study of natural history, conservation, and the history of the areas referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule 3.

*[Section 16 provides: The [Metropolitan] Board [of Works] shall at all times preserve, as far as may be, the natural aspect and state of the Heath, and to that end shall protect the turf, gorse, heather, timber and other trees, shrubs, and brush-wood thereon.]

The Society’s geographical remit is limited to Hampstead Heath, the fringes of the Heath, and the old borough of Hampstead (now legally subsumed into the London Borough of Camden).

It is governed by a ‘general committee’ of some 15 trustees which is supported by (i) three subcommittees (each of approximately a dozen members) responsible for the distinct areas of Hampstead Town, Hampstead Heath, and local planning applications, and (ii) a Plaque Selection Panel which is responsible for the erection of plaques on buildings in Hampstead Town commemorating famous residents.

The Chair, along with principal Society officers, is elected annually at the annual general meeting.

The Society has approximately 2,000 members and is in sound financial and reputational shape. Further details of the Society may be found on the Society's website. 

B. General role of the Chair

The general role of the Society Chair includes the duties outlined in the English Charity Commission document entitled “The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do”, namely:

· help plan and run general committee meetings and in members’ meetings

· take the lead on ensuring that meetings are properly run and recorded

· take the lead on ensuring that trustees comply with their duties and the charity is well governed

· act as a spokesperson for the charity

· act as a link between trustees and committee members.

Reference should also be made to “A Chair’s Compass - A guide for chairs of charities and non-profit organisations”. 

Given the local remit of the Society, it is desirable that the prospective Society Chair should be resident in Hampstead (including West Hampstead), Belsized, Highgate or Hampstead Garden Suburb. The prospective Society Chair will be invited to join the general committee and ‘shadow’ the current Chair for the appropriate period before taking over.

C. Core and specific tasks of the Society Chair

Convene, set the agenda for, and chair bi-monthly meetings of the general committee, and approve the draft minutes of those meetings

Convene and set the agenda for the Society’s annual general meeting in June of each year, deliver a verbal annual report at that meeting, and approve the draft minutes of that meeting

Write the annual trustees’ report for inclusion in the annual return to the Charity Commission

Settle and approve the Society's annual financial statements as prepared by the Treasurer and the Society's auditors/examiners

Write a column of approximately 2,000 words for the Society's newsletter published in January, May and October

From time to time, as an observer, attend meetings of the Society's three subcommittees (Town, Heath and Planning) and the Society’s Plaque Selection Panel

Support the Society’s vice-chairs in their chairing of the Society’s three subcommittees (see above)

Oversee recruitment to the general committee and, as required, the Society's three subcommittees

As required, be the public or official face of the Society in dealings with the media, and the City of London Corporation (the freehold owner of Hampstead Heath and the sole trustee of the Hampstead Heath registered charity), Camden Council (including Hampstead Ward local councillors) and other local or governmental bodies

As required, lead (even if only in  a titular or nominal sense) campaigns run by the Society

Attend and, as required, host Society events, including the New Members Party, the Xmas Party and Society lectures (usually two to three a year)

Maintain relations with other non-governmental bodies with which the Society has regular dealings in matters of common interest, including the Vale of Health Society, the Highgate Society, the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association, the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum,  Heath Hands, the Kenwood Estate, Keats House, Camden History Society, the London Forum and Civic Voice

Identify, and suggest to its editor, items for inclusion in the Society's newsletter

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 High Wycombe is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement.

As a Chair of Governors, you’ll operate at the head of a governing board and utilise strategic leadership skills, making decisions on a wide range of topics making a difference improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for a Chair of Governors in High Wycombe to strengthen their governing board and enhance outcomes of pupils within your community. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a chair of governors and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; 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. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a Chair of governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos as well as meeting children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Chair of governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help your governing board to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a chair of governors, you’ll need to be over 18 and happy to have a DBS check to apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities to help schools have a bright future. As a chair of governors, you’ll be supported by the Vice Chair and Clerk to help ensure an effective, focused board utilising and building its skills, knowledge and experience.

This vacancy is for a 7-11 junior school looking to find a chair of governor to sit on their board with experience of Leadership and organisation, along with having been a governor or having had board level experience. It would also be beneficial if you had knowledge of safeguarding. The school is excited abouts its future and enthusiastic about building a strong culture and school identity. 

If you’re interested in becoming a chair of governor, fill out the short application form.
We have vacancies available across England and Wales, including the roles listed above in High Wycombe. You can express your preference for location on the form itself.

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of interest.

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 Derby is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement.

As a Chair of Governors, you’ll operate at the head of a governing board and utilise strategic leadership skills, making decisions on a wide range of topics making a difference improving education within your local community.
We’re currently recruiting volunteers for a Chair of Governors in Derby to strengthen their governing board and enhance outcomes of pupils within your community. If you feel, you want to make a difference within your community, read on for more details about the role of a chair of governors and how to apply.

Governors make decisions that affect schools and their pupils for years to come; 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. Becoming a governor gives you ample opportunity for personal and professional development, including exposure to finance and budgeting, safeguarding, HR, strategic planning, and more.
As a Chair of governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos as well as meeting children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand. Chair of governors act as a ‘critical friend’ to their head teacher ensuring accountability and helping to monitor and evaluate the schools progress, budget and staffing. You’ll also help your governing board to shape and implement future plans and guide the schools aims, ethos and values.

You don’t need to be a parent or have any specific skills to become a chair of governors, you’ll need to be over 18 and happy to have a DBS check to apply! Professional skills such as HR, finance, law or project management are useful but governing boards are often needing softer skills such as leadership, communication and problem solving alongside a fresh perspective and lived experience within their communities to help schools have a bright future. As a chair of governors, you’ll be supported by the Vice Chair and Clerk to help ensure an effective, focused board utilising and building its skills, knowledge and experience.

This vacancy is for a 7-11 junior school looking to find a chair of governor to sit on their board with experience of Business and Finance. They would ideally like their chair of governors to have had previous experience of being a governor. The school is proud of the outcomes it offers for its children, including use of a forest school, creating life long learners.

If you’re interested in becoming a chair of governor, fill out the short application form. We have vacancies available across England and Wales, including the roles listed above in Derby. You can express your preference for location on the form itself.

Please note, this role may close early if we receive a high volume of interest.

Chair of Trustees
Step One Charity

Location: Exeter & Hybrid
Time commitment: c. 22–30 hours per month (unremunerated, expenses paid)

Step One is seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Chair of Trustees and help shape the future of our charity.

For over 85 years, Step One has been supporting people across Devon who face challenges with their mental health, learning disabilities, and neurodiversity. Each year we make a real difference to the lives of up to 800 people through a wide range of services – from specialist inpatient rehabilitation and supported living, to community enabling support and wellbeing programmes.

With a strong Senior Leadership Team, committed staff, and a clear 5-year strategy, Step One is well-positioned for the future. We are now looking for a new Chair to guide our Board with vision, energy, and commitment as we continue to grow our impact and champion better mental health and inclusion across the region.

About the role

As Chair, you will:

• Lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategy.
• Work in close partnership with the Chief Executive and SLT, offering support and challenge.
• Represent Step One externally, building partnerships and acting as an ambassador for our mission.
• Ensure Trustees are engaged, informed, and able to fulfil their responsibilities.

About you

We are seeking someone with:

• Extensive leadership experience, ideally with prior Board or Chairing experience.
• Strong governance knowledge, sound judgement, and integrity.
• Excellent people skills, able to foster collaboration and draw out diverse perspectives.
• Strategic insight, commercial acumen, and a commitment to Step One’s vision.

Experience in mental health, NHS commissioning, finance, investment, or commercial sectors would be an advantage.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of mental health challenges, learning disabilities, or neurodiversity.

Chair of North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service

Our Charity

North Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (NSDAS) supports anyone affected by domestic abuse and their children living in the boroughs of Elmbridge, Spelthorne and Epsom and Ewell. We provide free, confidential and independent advice, skilled practical help and ongoing emotional support and information, regardless of sex, race, ability, gender, religion or income level.

Historically the service was provided as part of Citizens Advice Elmbridge (West). We have operated as an independent charity since April 2024 (charity number 1203855) and this is an exciting time to help shape the strategy and direction of the organisation.

The board currently comprises of nine Trustees.The current Chair is looking to step down by Christmas 2025 but will remain as a Trustee to provide continuity and support.

The Role

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following. 

·Providing leadership to the organisation and the board, ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit. 

·Chairing and facilitating board meetings. 

·Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

·Representing the organisation at functions and meetings. Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate. 

·Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making. 

With the chief executive

·Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required.

·Setting agendas for board meetings and other general meetings. 

·Developing the board of trustees. This includes induction, training, appraisal and succession planning. 

·Addressing conflict within the board and the organisation.

·Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and providing support where required. 

·Developing relationships with our partner organisations. 

·Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels and conducting exit interviews when required. 

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families? CCS Adoption is seeking a dynamic and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and help us drive our ambitions forward.

About Us

CCS is a Voluntary Adoption Agency and registered charity. Continuously Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (for 14 years/5 inspections), most recently in February 2024.  We find permanent, loving homes for children who are waiting to be adopted. We also offer a wide range of post-adoption support services for adoptive families in the region. We are committed to maintaining this high level of performance and developing further the innovative services we provide for children and adoptive families.

The Role

As Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of CCS Adoption, ensuring we remain financially stable, legally compliant, and true to our mission. You’ll work closely with the CEO and lead board meetings, monitor performance, and act as a key ambassador for the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Board in setting strategic goals and evaluating performance
• Ensure compliance with charity and company law
• Safeguard the organisation’s values, reputation, and resources
• Support and appraise the CEO
• Facilitate effective governance and decision-making
• Represent CCS Adoption at public functions

Person Specification

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Proven leadership and governance experience
• Strategic vision and independent judgement
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A commitment to fairness, integrity, and teamwork
• Familiarity with Nolan’s seven principles of public life
• Experience in committee work and organisational development

Desirable (but not essential):

• Knowledge of adoption or related fields (children, families, social care, charity sector)
• Willingness to learn and grow into the role with support

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a passionate and skilled Board, influence meaningful change, and contribute to the lives of children and families. You’ll be supported by a dedicated team and receive guidance to deepen your understanding of adoption.

We warmly encourage potential trustees to get in touch for an informal conversation about the role. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions, learn more about our work, and see whether joining our Board might be the right fit for you. We would be delighted to welcome you to meet our team and current trustees, hear about our vision for the future, and experience our culture first-hand. 

Please visit ourwebsite for details.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 23rd October 2025 at our Bristol office.

Chair of Trustees

Citizens Advice Cornwall

Location: Cornwall (with some flexibility for remote participation)
Time commitment: c. 3 – 4.dpm days per month
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Citizens Advice Cornwall is an independent charity providing free, confidential, and impartial advice to thousands of people across the county each year. Our service is a vital lifeline for people navigating challenges such as debt, benefits, housing, employment, and family issues.

We are seeking an outstanding individual to become our next Chair of Trustees, leading the Board at a pivotal time in our development.

The role

As Chair, you will guide and support our dedicated Board of Trustees and work in close partnership with our Chief Executive to ensure that Citizens Advice Cornwall continues to thrive. You will help shape our strategy, safeguard our values, and act as an ambassador for the organisation across Cornwall and beyond.

You will:

• Provide inclusive and effective leadership to the Board, ensuring good governance and decision-making.
• Support, challenge, and appraise the Chief Executive and Trustees.
• Represent Citizens Advice Cornwall externally, building strong relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Encourage innovation and help us seize opportunities to extend our reach and impact.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Board and governance experience (essential).
• Strong strategic leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and influence others.
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and networking.
• Experience in finance, audit, or fundraising would be valuable.
• Knowledge of the voluntary sector and of Citizens Advice Cornwall and its relationship to the wider National Body (desirable but not essential).
• A genuine understanding of Cornwall’s unique communities and challenges.
• The time and commitment to engage fully with the role, including travel across the county and wider as required.

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals who can maintain stability while fostering innovation, partnership working, and further transformation, whilst ensuring it brings value to the people of Cornwall.

Why join us?

As Chair of Citizens Advice Cornwall, you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. You will lead a talented and committed Board and play a central role in ensuring that we continue to be a trusted, accessible, and innovative service for Cornwall.