Cord is seeking to appoint two trustees to strengthen our current capacity and ideally bring some complementary skills to the way we govern.
Being a trustee is a valuable role. Together, the Board of Trustees provides the oversight and accountability necessary to ensure that Cord implements its strategy in line with our values, and complies with the requirements of the Charity Commission.
We do not require trustees to have prior Board experience and are open to seeking trustees with a variety of skills and experiences. At this time, we particularly welcome applications from those with skills/experience in charity fundraising (either public or trusts/major donors or institutional), and legal/charity governance.
We are interested in hearing from individuals who not only share our Christian values but have an active Christian faith. We celebrate difference in all its interpretations, and applications are actively encouraged from individuals from diverse backgrounds, in particular, those who reflect and represent the communities we work in.
Trustees are invited to serve on the Board for a three-year period, at the end of which they are eligible for re-election, up to a maximum of three three-year term limits. Applicants will be based in the UK or be able to commit to in-person UK meetings. Board membership is not a remunerated position, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Applicants will need to be able to commit their time to four Board meetings (two in-person and two online) and attend three 90 minute online meetings per year in the evenings.
To apply, please provide your CV (max two pages) and a Cover Letter (max
two pages) addressing the following areas:
- Your motivation for becoming a trustee of Cord
- Your faith and what it means to you
- What you have to offer. We are particularly seeking candidates with the skills and experiences outlined on page
9, however, we are open to applications from those with other relevant skills and experiences
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
ABOUT US
Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety. Our vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.
In our 30th anniversary year, The Trustees and Executive launched a new 2023-2028 Strategy – From Crisis to Hope in consultation with people with lived experience and key stakeholders. The three key goals are:
- Going missing is understood as a crisis that can be a matter of life or death
- All missing people and their loved ones get the right help at the right time
- Fewer missing people come to harm.
THE IMPACT YOU WILL HAVE
Our Chair of Trustees is integral to the mission and purpose of the charity, holding the Board and Executive Team to account for delivering the mission and achieving our ambitious goals. The Board of Trustees is made up of an experienced team of individuals who bring breadth of background, a range of deep skill sets, lived experience of the issue of missing and demonstrable empathy and passion for the work of Missing People. The Chair of Trustees will be responsible for the effectiveness of the Board of Trustees, planning and guiding meetings to ensure broad dialogue, good decision-making and clear actions.
Our Chair will work closely with the CEO and the Board to develop the charity’s strategy and to oversee its implementation and progress against its business plan. As part of this the Chair will provide support and challenge to the CEO and their senior team.
As the Chair of Trustees at Missing People you will be driven by a powerful mission to be a lifeline when someone disappears. You will work closely alongside the Board, Executive team and Chief Executive in a collaborative way to lead the charity. The role provides a good opportunity to be involved in strategic planning in an organisation grounded in the issue of missing with a diverse group of committed and motivated Trustees.
Trustees meet quarterly at online and in-person meetings (usually in London). The Board has dedicated Committees for Finance, HR, Ethics, and Safeguarding, and Advisory Groups representing people with lived experience of the issue of going missing, policing, fundraising and policy. The Chair will attend and be a member of other committees or working groups and ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity.
ABOUT YOU
The new Chair of Trustees must be passionate about Missing People, its purpose and its values.
We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who brings valuable experience, skills and expertise. This might relate to the issue of missing (including personal experience of going missing), senior financial experience, charity experience, policing, legal experience and safeguarding. We are keen to further broaden thinking and perspectives and welcome applications from all areas of the United Kingdom, from all communities, which is important as missing touches every community. We believe diversity is important, and we aim for our board to have a mix of people, talents and backgrounds..
You will need to be aged over 18 and have:
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your duties as the Chair of Trustees - approximately 2-3 days per month
- Leadership, strategic vision and creative thinking
- Ability to manage a trustee board and take decisions for the good of the charity
- Ability to chair board meetings effectively and manage diverse perspectives
- Strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills
- Independent judgment and be willing to speak your mind
- The ability to read, understand and question reports including financial plans and information
- The ability to follow the rules of governing documents and any professional advice
- The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and encourage team working
- A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices
WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE IN RETURN FOR YOUR COMMITMENT
In return for your commitment you will use your skills and experience to benefit society and to provide better services for missing people and the families left behind. You will receive training in your role as Chair of Trustees and learn new skills and confidence in a range of governance areas.
This is a voluntary role. Please note that Trustee roles are not paid. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY
If you want to be a lifeline when someone goes missing, click apply. You will find attached a detailed role description and person specification, a letter to applicants, an overview of committees and a summary of Missing People's Achievements 2024.
To apply, please ensure you include your CV and a brief covering letter explaining the skills and experience you would bring to this role.. We look forward to receiving your application.
Closing date: 23:59 on 6th June 2025
Interviews: Mid June 2025
Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.