The Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) was set up in June 2005 in memory of legendary campaigner, Sheila McKechnie.Campaigning is vital to a healthy society. We help campaigners to thrive. In a free and hopeful society, people need to know they have the power to make a difference: that they are able to envisage change and can push for that change to happen. For nearly two decades, we have helped all sorts of individuals, causes and charities to find their power as changemakers – as campaigners. We support, connect and champion these campaigners, equipping them to go after the social change they seek.
The Chair will hold the Board and staff team to account for SMK’s mission and vision, provide inclusive leadership to the Board and ensure that Board members fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of SMK. The Chair will line manage and support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the Chief Executive and staff team to achieve agreed objectives. They may also be asked to act as an ambassador and a public face of SMK in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Board.
For further information, see our website and the recruitment pack.
Registered Charity 
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Thank you!
Citizens Advice Plymouth employs 180 staff and has 50 volunteers, who work both locally and nationally to support people who have problems with debt, housing, welfare benefits, employment and many other advice areas.
We can all face problems that seem complicated and intimidating. At Citizens Advice Plymouth, we believe that no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.
We have a clear set of strategic aims. These allow us to provide the advice and support people need for the problems they face and work towards changing policies and practices that affect people’s lives. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.
The Board of Trustees has an interesting and challenging task to ensure that the governance and finances of the charity are correct and to advise and support the senior leadership team
The Role
We currently have 9 Trustees and are looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees with 2 new Trustees, who can use their professional and lived experiences, skills and talents to contribute to the on-going success of the Charity. We are specifically seeking individuals who offer experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Chair designate to take over from the current Chair once inducted and has a full understanding of the organisation. We expect that to take approximately 6-12 months depending on time commitments.
- Finance and accounting (not necessarily within a charitable setting, but this would be beneficial) in order to succeed our current Treasurer in 2 years’ time.
- Leadership experience within a charitable organisation
- Previous experience as a Trustee or governor
- Local involvement in the City of Plymouth
We are committed to further diversifying our Board to represent the communities that we serve across Plymouth. We would particularly like to hear from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+ groups. We are also currently seeking to redress our current imbalance so we would particularly appreciate female applicants or people under the age of 30.
