Board chair volunteer roles in Greater london
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We are seeking an inspiring and strategic individual to lead our Board of Trustees as Chair. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation committed to ensure the voices of long term prisoners are heard, and to enable them to realise their potential.
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation. The Chair’s role is also to work in partnership with the CEO, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the Board and staff. (See also the Charity Commission’s Essential Trustee Guidance)
Key responsibilities
Strategy, Governance, and Financial Management
- Lead the Board in providing strategic direction to the Hardman Trust.
- Ensure, with Trustees, that the organisation operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives in compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
- Maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the charity and ensure that the Board regularly monitors that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.
- Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
Board Leadership
- Ensure a high performing and effective Board through review of Board structure, Trustees and Board performance.
- Enhance the overall contribution of the Board, through mentoring of other Board members and encouraging participation in training/coaching/development.
- Review and ensure Trustees have the right skillsets, training and development to support effective governance of the organisation.
- Chair Board meetings inclusively, bringing impartiality and objectivity in the decision making process.
Support to Hardman Trust CEO
- Line manage The Hardman Trust CEO including annual performance reviews and regular check-ins.
- Maintain appropriate distance between the Board and the leadership team, but where necessary, provide support and guidance on operations.
- Work with The Hardman Trust CEO to support them to achieve the aims of the charity.
General Chair responsibilities
- Where appropriate, represent the Hardman Trust at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
- Lead the Board in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.
Person Specification
We want our Board to look like the world we serve and to have different voices within it. We know that diverse groups of people make better decisions. We are keen to hear from people who can bring perspectives or experiences often underrepresented in charity governance and how can help us progress our vision.
Essential
- Commitment to the Hardman Trust’s aims and values.
- Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
- Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
- Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards.
- Robust planning and organisational skills.
- Willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
- Sound independent judgment and strategic vision; ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
- A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
- Honesty, integrity and commitment to act in the best interest of the charity at all times.
Desirable
- Previous experience as a Chair in the charity sector.
- Expertise of lived experience of the justice system.
- Experience of charity fundraising and/or grant making.
- Understanding of the needs of people serving long sentences and of the systemic issues within our justice system .
- Experience of building partnerships and networks.
- Experience of public speaking and willing to represent the Hardman Trust externally.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
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!
White Ribbon Alliance UK are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join as Trustees. In this role, you will be instrumental in governing our charity and ensuring we achieve our mission to promote maternal health and rights. Trustees serve for a term of three years, with the possibility of renewal at the end of the term. We are looking to fill the positions of General Trustees, Board Chair, Treasurer, and Compliance Officer. Your strategic vision, commitment, and ambassadorial efforts will be vital in driving our organisation forward and making a significant impact on the communities we serve. Below is the role description and instructions on how to apply.
Statutory Duties of a Trustee
Trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. This includes:
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Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.
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Ensuring compliance with the governing document (constitution or articles of association), charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations.
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Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects, for the benefit of the public.
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Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
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Safeguarding the good name, reputation, and values of the organisation.
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Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including appropriate policies and procedures.
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Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
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Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of its funds.
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Following proper arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of senior staff.
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Scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, and providing independent, creative judgement on key issues.
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Offering advice and guidance on new initiatives, risks, or opportunities.
Ambassadorial Contributions
In addition to their statutory duties, Trustees are requested to use their specific skills, knowledge, networks, or experience to strengthen the board’s work according to their skills, capabilities, interests and available time. This includes:
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Promoting the charity's mission and values: Trustees should consistently advocate for the charity's goals and principles in various settings, ensuring that the organisation's message is clearly communicated.
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Representing the charity at external events: Trustees should attend and participate in meetings, conferences, and other events on behalf of the charity, acting as its official representatives.
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Engaging with media: Trustees should be prepared to speak to the media about the charity's work, providing insights and information that highlight the organisation's impact and importance.
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Leveraging personal and professional networks: Trustees should use their connections to support the charity's objectives, whether by opening doors to potential supporters, funders, collaborators, or influencers.
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Cultivating strategic partnerships: Trustees should engage with stakeholders across healthcare, academia, government, and civil society to build and maintain relationships that benefit the charity.
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Supporting fundraising efforts: Trustees should actively participate in fundraising activities, helping to secure the resources needed for the charity to achieve its mission.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, trustees play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and impact of the charity, ensuring its continued success and growth.
Skills and Capabilities Requirements
Trustees are expected to bring both governance capability and a willingness to champion the charity externally. Essential qualities include:
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A commitment to the organisation’s mission and values.
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Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
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Strategic vision and the ability to see the “big picture.”
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Good, independent judgement and the confidence to speak one’s mind.
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Ability to think creatively and contribute fresh ideas.
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Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
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Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team.
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Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Desirable (but not essential):
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Strong personal and professional networks, with the willingness to leverage them on behalf of the charity.
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Experience in advocacy, fundraising, or public speaking.
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Understanding of the wider charity, health, or social justice sectors in which White Ribbon Alliance UK operates.
Time Commitment
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Statutory duties for general trustees: 6-8 days per year.
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Statutory duties for Chair, Treasurer, and Compliance Officer: 10-12 days per year (inclusive of general trustee duties).
Equity, diversity and inclusion
Equity and inclusion are central to White Ribbon Alliance UK’s purpose and how we work. We recognise that maternity harm, discrimination, and exclusion are produced by systems, and that governance must reflect the people most affected by those systems.
We strongly encourage applications from people who:
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Have lived experience of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues
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Are Black or from racially minoritised communities
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Are LGBTQ+, disabled, or neurodivergent or otherwise marginalised by society
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Come from communities underrepresented in charity governance
We value lived experience and community knowledge as expertise. You do not need to fit a traditional Board profile to be a strong Trustee.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to apply or to take part as a Trustee, we will work with you to put these in place.
Remuneration
This is a volunteer position. Expenses incurred as part of fulfilling the role will be reimbursed.
Your personal statement should not repeat your CV or restate the job description. Instead, we are interested in hearing about you.
In particular, please tell us:
- Why you want to volunteer with White Ribbon Alliance UK as a Trustee.
- What draws you to human rights and social justice work, and how this shows up in your values or experience.
- What diversity means to you, and how you approach working in inclusive and equitable ways.
- Why this role, at this point, is a good fit for you.
If you are interested in one of the specialist roles (Chair, Treasurer, Com
Registered Charity
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To transform sexual & reproductive healthcare by emphasising wellbeing & human rights, eradicating gender-based violence and promoting gender equity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.