Chair of Trustees

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for social justice and positive change?

We are seeking an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our board and guide Amos Trust, an established, well-run charity with a high profile. We are dedicated to:

• Supporting Palestinian rights and self-determination;
• Advancing gender equality; and
• Addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.

The Amos Chair and Board play a vital role in the life of the charity. Together, they work to ensure effective governance, compliance with charity law, and clear strategic direction. They manage operational risks, support the Director and team, and act as ambassadors to engage supporters and influencers. Trustees typically sit on one of the board’s sub-committees (Finance and Risk, Fundraising, or Communications) or short-term working groups.

Job Description
The Chair provides strategic leadership to the charity and the Board of Trustees, ensuring it is well-governed, financially sound, and delivering on its aims. The Chair also line-manages, supports, and holds the Director to account.
 

Key Responsibilities
Governance and Leadership

• Lead the Board of Trustees to fulfil its governance and strategic responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with governing documents, charity law, and Charity Commission guidance.
• Promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and collective responsibility.
• Oversee trustee recruitment, induction, succession planning, and board effectiveness.

Strategic Direction

• Support the Board in setting, approving, and reviewing the strategic plan and annual objectives.
• Encourage creativity and innovation while ensuring risks are properly managed.
• Guide the organisation through periods of growth, change, or complexity.

Relationship with the Director

• Line-manage the Director, providing support, constructive challenge, and appraisal.
• Maintain a clear separation between governance and operational management.
• Serve as a strategic sounding board for the Director.

Board Management and Communications

• Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring robust discussion and timely decision-making.
• Set agendas with the Director and Secretary, ensuring trustees receive clear, timely information.
• Manage potential conflicts of interest.

Financial Oversight and Risk

• Partner with the Treasurer to oversee risk management and long-term financial sustainability.
• Support the development of diversified, resilient income streams.

External Representation

• Represent the charity publicly and advocate for its mission.

Person Specification
Essential
Experience

• Governance experience serving on a non-profit or business board/committee.
• Proven leadership or management experience.
• Experience guiding organisations through change or complexity.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to advise, challenge, and offer constructive feedback collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an inclusive chairing style that builds consensus and utilizes individual trustee talents.
• Comfortable with appropriate risk in a fast-moving, responsive environment.
• Deeply committed to Amos Trust’s mission, values, and diversifying the board and staff.

Desirable

• Knowledge or experience in one of Amos’s three core areas of work.
• Prior experience as a Board Chair.
• Experience managing or overseeing a Chief Executive or Director.
• Ability to interpret financial reports and accounts.

Tenure, Time Commitment and Process
The Chair and trustees are appointed for a four-year term, renewable for a further four years. The Chair contributes an average of 1 to 2 days per month.
The Board meets 4–5 times a year for two hours (typically outside standard working hours), with two meetings held in person. We streamline procedural matters to ensure meetings focus on key strategic issues.
We are committed to building a diverse board and warmly encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Location: Based in the UK.