Chair of Trustees Role
Profile Remuneration: This is a voluntary role.
Reasonable expenses for travel may be reimbursed.
Location: Must be available for board meetings in person in London
Time commitment: Quarterly board meetings, annual strategy day, plus additional time for Chair duties as required
Term: 3 years (renewable up to a maximum tenure of 9 years)
The Chair of the Board of Trustees provides leadership to the Board, ensuring it functions effectively to support and guide the charity in achieving its mission. The Chair is responsible for setting the tone for the Board’s work, promoting a strong culture of governance, and facilitating effective, inclusive decision-making. The Chair helps to steward the strategic direction of Dallaglio RugbyWorks, ensuring that the charity remains focused on its purpose, values, and long-term sustainability. The Chair also acts as a key ambassador for the organisation and helps build productive relationships both within the Board and with external stakeholders, including the charity’s founder.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Board in maintaining a clear and strategic focus on the charity’s mission, values and long-term goals.
- Chair quarterly board meetings, facilitating inclusive, well-informed, and effective decision-making.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance among Trustees.
- Provide a supportive and constructive relationship with the CEO, acting as a sounding board and trusted advisor.
- Ensure that the board fulfils its legal and governance responsibilities, including oversight of financial health, compliance and risk.
- Ensure robust financial oversight, including the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation, and the appropriate use of resources.
- Build and maintain a constructive and appropriate relationship with the charity’s founder, supporting their continued connection to the mission while ensuring clarity of roles and governance.
- Represent the charity externally, where appropriate, to build its profile, credibility and influence.
- Support the executive team by facilitating introductions to key contacts, influencers, and potential supporters or partners.
- Lead board development, including Trustee recruitment, succession planning, and reviews of board performance.
- Champion best practice in governance and uphold the charity’s values and reputation.
- The Chair is a member of the Nomination, Remuneration & HR Committee, with twice yearly online meetings to be attended.
General Trustee Responsibilities
- As Chair, you also carry the core responsibilities of a Trustee, including:
- Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document and all relevant legislation and regulation.
- Using your skills, knowledge and experience to support sound decision-making and organisational development.
- Safeguarding the assets and values of the charity, and ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve charitable purposes.
- Acting in the best interests of Dallaglio RugbyWorks at all times, exercising reasonable care and independent judgement.
- Promoting transparency, inclusivity, and integrity across the organisation.
The above list of duties is indicative only and not exhaustive. Trustees will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonable commensurate with the role. The Board of Trustees is jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. All Trustees, should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual Trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.
Person Specification
We are seeking a strategic and inclusive leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
Experience
- Proven experience chairing a Board or senior committee in a charity, public body or corporate setting.
- Previous experience serving as a charity Trustee, with a strong understanding of governance and collective responsibility is highly desirable.
- A respected professional with credibility and connections in relevant sectors, able to influence and support the charity through relationships and networks.
- Strong alignment with the mission and values of Dallaglio RugbyWorks.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with Trustees, senior leaders and stakeholders.
- A track record of strategic thinking, sound judgement and independent decisionmaking.
- Familiarity with governance frameworks and the legal duties of charity trustees.
Skills & Attributes
- A strategic and inclusive leader with strong facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills, able to build consensus and navigate complex discussions.
- Prepared to commit the time required for effective leadership, including attending quarterly Board meetings in person and supporting ad hoc responsibilities between meetings.
- Willing to use personal and professional networks to support the charity’s development, profile, and partnerships
Supporting young people, using the power of rugby.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Governance & Legal Support to lead the governance and legal functions of Youth Advantage UK. The Head of Governance & Legal Support will oversee compliance, risk management, and legal operations to ensure the charity operates within all applicable regulations and ethical standards. Managing the Governance & Legal Support Manager, this role will also involve developing and implementing governance frameworks that support organisational growth and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
● Manage Governance & Legal Support Team: Provide leadership and guidance to the Governance & Legal Support Manager and ensure the team operates effectively.
● Develop Governance Frameworks: Create and implement policies, procedures, and systems to strengthen the charity’s governance structure.
● Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Monitor and ensure adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, including charity law, data protection, and safeguarding.
● Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks, maintaining a comprehensive risk register and working with leadership to address potential challenges.
● Support the Board of Trustees: Act as a key liaison for the Board, preparing meeting agendas, maintaining minutes, and ensuring timely submission of governance reports.
● Legal Oversight: Manage contracts, agreements, and other legal documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
● Training & Development: Provide training and resources to staff and volunteers on governance and compliance matters, ensuring understanding and adherence to policies.
● Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with legal advisors, regulators, and other stakeholders to support organisational compliance.
● Drive Organisational Values: Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice across the organisation.
Ideal Candidate:
● Experience: At least six months in a senior governance, legal, or compliance-focused leadership role within the charity sector or a similar organisation.
● Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and develop teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
● Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory compliance.
● Risk Management Expertise: Experience in identifying and mitigating risks in a complex organisational environment.
● Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
● Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with governance and compliance tools, systems, and processes.
● Commitment to Diversity: Understanding and experience in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion within governance practices.
● Passion for Youth Development: Genuine enthusiasm for supporting young people and advancing the mission of Youth Advantage UK.
Day-to-day Tasks:
● Managing the Governance & Legal Support team, including sharing best practices and ensuring professional standards are met.
● Ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, legal regulations, and internal policies.
● Preparing and distributing materials for Board of Trustee meetings, including agendas and reports.
● Reviewing and negotiating contracts, agreements, and legal documents.
● Monitoring and updating the organisation’s risk register.
● Providing guidance on data protection, safeguarding, and ethical practices.
● Maintaining organisational policies and ensuring they are up-to-date and effectively implemented.
● Building relationships with external legal advisors and regulatory bodies.
Short-term Tasks:
● Conducting a review of current governance policies and frameworks to identify areas for improvement.
● Establishing a schedule for regular governance and legal compliance audits.
● Updating the organisation’s risk register and developing mitigation plans for high-priority risks.
● Developing training materials for staff and volunteers on governance and compliance topics.
● Creating a roadmap for aligning governance practices with the organisation’s strategic goals.
Why Join Youth Advantage UK?
Youth Advantage UK is a research led organization that aims to further the rights of young people between 11 and 25 years old across the UK through policy work and projects. As the Head of Governance & Legal Support, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates with integrity, accountability, and transparency. You will work with a passionate and dedicated team, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and develop frameworks that ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission. Youth Advantage UK is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where volunteers can grow both professionally and personally.
To be considered you must provide a one page cover letter and your cv.