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As a small but fast-growing charity, we have a strong trustee board in place but are looking to bring in new trustees to help in our new phase of growth and ensure a sustainable future. We are therefore looking for trustees who want to get closely involved in setting the strategy, direction and priorities of Write Back as we transition from new ‘start-up’ into a more established charity. We are therefore looking for individuals with:
● A strong commitment to the work of Write Back and empowering young people.
● The passion and enthusiasm to throw themselves into a new and exciting charity for young people to help us in our next phase of growth.
● The ability and experience of working at a strategic level, providing expert oversight, advice and guidance.
● The skills and temperament to collaborate effectively in a small, growing organisation.
● A good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship and an appreciation of the personal implications.
● A demonstrable commitment to equality and diversity.
We anticipate growing our trustee board significantly over the next 6-12 months. Our initial priority will be recruiting someone who is at least one of the following:
●experienced in financial processes and oversight.
● experienced in education, such as a qualified teacher.
● experienced in growing a small company or charity, in particular with legal, HR or other operational or governance matters.
● Under the age of 25 and who have lived experienced of the issues Write Back is trying to solve.
However, we are open to applications from a variety of backgrounds and would encourage you to get in touch if you are interested. We are intending to recruit 2 - 3 trustees in total.
Core requirements:
● This is a voluntary unpaid role, for which any reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
● Your initial term will be for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.
● Attendance at trustee meetings every two months (either online or in person, for roughly 90 minutes), as well as preparation for these meetings and any follow-up tasks. We estimate the time commitment to be no more than one day per month in total.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Registered Charity 
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Thank you!
Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Oaklea Trust in their search for their next Chair of Trustees.
About Oaklea Trust
The Oaklea Trust is a charitable organisation whose purpose is to give vulnerable people the opportunity to live and work as independently as possible within their community. Established in 2002 and based in Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland, we support disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children and adults. Our charitable work supports people of all ages who have Learning Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Mental Health needs, and/or Dementia.
The Oaklea Group is made up of the charity, Oaklea Trust, and its commercial arm, Right2Work. Together, they support people and communities to learn, develop and thrive through person-centred care and support, learning opportunities, and pathways into employment.
This is a unique opportunity to help lead a values-driven organisation that supports people and communities across the North of England to learn, develop and thrive.
About the Chair opportunity
As Chair, you will energise and empower the Board and the Group as a whole. You will foster a culture of openness, collaboration, and constructive debate. You will inspire confidence and ensure the highest standards of governance, integrity and accountability.
You will also help shape the Group’s future impact, supporting our mission to reduce inequality and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive. Through your strategic insight and advocacy, you will help extend our reach, strengthen partnerships and ensure more people can access the care, support and opportunities they need and deserve.
The Chair of the Oaklea Board of Trustees will:
- Ensure the Board functions effectively
- Guide Oaklea Trust’s strategic direction
- Ensure governance oversight
- Represent Oaklea Trust internally and externally
- Evaluate and support the Chief Executive
- Champion the leadership of Committees
We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees who can bring the following experience and capabilities to the role. We recognise that lived experience can offer valuable insights that greatly enhance a role like this, especially when combined with professional expertise.
Experience/Background:
- Experience of strategic leadership and governance within an organisation of equivalent size and complexity to Oaklea Trust, ideally within a Group structure.
- A track record of driving growth and innovation, with the ability to apply insight to support the achievement of Oaklea Trust’s strategic objectives.
- Understanding of the challenges associated with leading and delivering regulated services and the management of the associated risks.
- Ability to constructively challenge and hold space for compassionate and constructive conversations.
- Financial and commercial acumen, including experience in financial planning, oversight, risk management, and the establishment and monitoring of systems of control and accountability.
- Ability to scrutinise and manage financial risk, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and safeguarding against fraud.
- Ability to open doors, build networks and maximise opportunities with a range of stakeholders, funders and partner organisations.
- Previous trustee and/or Chair/Vice Chair experience is desirable.
