Vice Chair

About It’s Time:

It’s Time is a charity created by and for young adults who have experienced the death of a parent. Founded by people who know this grief first-hand, the charity ensures no one aged 18–35 has to navigate such loss alone. Through peer-led support, events, free group therapy, and tailored resources, It’s Time offers connection and understanding during an often isolating time. The charity also partners with universities, workplaces, and families to promote better bereavement support - recognising that grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and the help offered to young adults shouldn’t either.

The charity was founded in 2021 and we now run local peer support groups throughout England, have a year long waiting list for our group therapy and supports around 500 people in the online community.  We recognise that as we grow our needs and those of our community are changing and are looking for someone skilled in charity growth to steer us into the next phase of our development.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary role with no financial remuneration. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Location: Remote, with one in-person strategy day per year (usually on a Saturday in London).

Time Commitment:

• 4 board meetings annually (Tuesday evenings via Zoom)

• 1 annual in-person strategy day (usually a Saturday in London)

• Participation in any relevant sub-groups

• Ad hoc involvement in events, meetings, or training as needed

Reporting to: Chair and the Board of Trustees

Role Overview

The Vice Chair supports the Chair and Trustee Board in ensuring the effective governance and strategic direction of the charity. This includes providing inclusive leadership, promoting accountability, and upholding the mission and values of the organisation.

The Vice Chair will work closely with the Chair and the senior staff team to help the Board function effectively, and may represent the charity externally when needed.

Principal Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure the charity delivers maximum impact for its beneficiaries

• Uphold the Board’s responsibilities in effective governance

• Support the development and delivery of strategic direction

• Monitor major risks and opportunities, ensuring systems are in place to manage them

• Safeguard the financial health and accountability of the charity

Governance

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure governance arrangements are fit for purpose and effective

• Support trustee development and capability building

• Encourage positive change and help resolve conflicts

• Ensure a diverse and skilled Trustee Board

• Operate within agreed charity policies

External Relations

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings, and events

• Act as an ambassador for the cause

• Support the management of external relationships and stakeholder engagement

Efficiency and Effectiveness

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Ensure meetings are well-structured, objective, and lead to effective decision-making

• Maintain strong engagement and collective ownership among Trustees

• Foster constructive relationships within the Board

• Support the senior staff in preparing meaningful agendas and ensuring implementation of decisions

Relationship with Senior Staff

Working with the Chair and Trustee Board to:

• Build and maintain an open, constructive relationship with senior staff

• Support accountability of senior staff for strategic objectives

• Provide guidance and act as a sounding board while respecting staff autonomy

• Offer support on organisational matters as appropriate

• Contribute to the annual appraisal of senior staff if requested

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Strong commitment to the charity’s mission and strategy

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Tact, diplomacy, and the ability to engage and listen

• Collaborative and team-oriented approach

• Ability to dedicate time to the role, including occasional out-of-hours events

Experience

• Experience in strategic leadership roles

• Track record of achievement in professional or voluntary contexts

• Experience in business/community growth

• Experience representing an organisation externally

• Familiarity with chairing or co-chairing meetings is desirable

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of the Civil Society sector and key current issues

• Leadership and motivational skills

• Understanding of charity finance and governance

Term of Appointment
The Vice Chair will serve a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for one additional term.