Chair of Trustees

What is Trafford Centre Foundation:

Trafford Centre Foundation (TCF) is in the process of being set up and will be a registered charity, supporting charitable causes across the Greater Manchester region. The Foundation is independent of  Trafford Centre and governed by a board of trustees who decide which good causes will receive support. Our Trustees act in the Foundation’s best interests, applying donations to advance charitable purposes.

The Foundation will fund a wide range of charitable purposes (subject to the law of England and Wales). We seek to enable transformational change through partnerships with organisations operating in the Greater Manchester area who can demonstrate a clear understanding of the issues facing our local communities and the ability to make a significant impact.

Trafford Centre Foundation’s current funding priorities are for local good causes relating to:

·         Education

·         Young people and those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship, or other disadvantages.

·         The advancement of citizenship or community development.

·         The advancement of environmental protection or improvement.

Background:

·         With an established set of Trustees, TCF is at an exciting stage of the establishment process and seeks an experienced Chair to lead the board of trustees through its first grant giving cycle and beyond.

·         The role is an exciting opportunity to establish robust ways of working (with established support) to deliver significant results and impact in the local community.

Role Purpose:

Chair of Trustees is a high-profile role responsible for the strategic direction and operational management of  Trafford Centre Foundation ensuring effective governance and strong oversight to maximise the Foundation’s impact for its beneficiaries.

You will oversee and provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring it operates effectively, sets clear strategic priorities, and governs in line with the Foundation’s charitable objectives, legal obligations, and values with integrity and transparency. You will provide both strategic vision and practical leadership, ensuring that all operational functionsspanning Trafford Centre Foundation are optimised to benefit all stakeholders and the wider community.

By fostering an inclusive and collaborative Board culture, you will enable trustees to contribute their expertise, uphold the Foundation’s values, and make well-informed decisions that maximise impact for beneficiaries and the wider community. As an ambassador for the Foundation, you will build influential relationships with key stakeholders and champion its vision at every level. 

Key Responsibilities:

The role includes a variety of tasks including the following:

• Act as an ambassador for Trafford Centre Foundation, showcasing exemplary behaviour and actively promoting team recognition within the business. Lead by example, creating a positive and inclusive environment that values diversity, while cultivating a strong team culture. Take ownership of your role, providing ongoing coaching, constructive feedback, and recognition for outstanding contributions. Continuously seek ways to infuse energy, personality, and innovation into your leadership approach to inspire your team.

·         Set a clear vision for the delivery of the Foundation’s charitable objectives, legal obligations, and values, demonstrating a passion for creating exceptional experiences. Leading by example as a role model for high standards of service and inspiring the team to deliver outstanding service to all stakeholders and the wider community. Cultivate a culture of excellence where each team member feels empowered to deliver outstanding service at every touchpoint.

·         Champion operational excellence through a focus on compliance, clear communication, consistency, and collaboration. Ensure the Board operates within its charitable objects and complies with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements

Who are we looking for?

Person Specification:

• Experience of chairing Boards of Trustees, grant giving, CIO leadership or extensive experience as an established trustee.
• Proven leadership experience with exceptional influencing and motivational skills and the ability to inspire, influence, and foster collaboration at Board level. Able to inspire and drive high performance.
• Strategic vision, sound judgement, and resilience, with the ability to analyse complex issues and make balanced decisions. Outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance priorities. Adaptable and calm under pressure.

·         Strong communicator with the ability to interact at all levels, respecting workplace diversity, with the confidence to challenge constructively and facilitate consensus.

·         Effective in briefing, networking, and fostering a team-oriented culture. Polite, approachable, confident, and self-motivated with high personal presentation standards.

• Strong business or financial acumen, integrity, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Strong oral and written communication, report writing, and presentation skills. Analytical mindset for navigating complex situations, maintaining energy, and building credibility quickly.

 What difference will you make?

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the Board in setting and delivering its strategic priorities, ensuring decisions align with the Foundation’s charitable purpose and long-term interests.
• Ensure the Board fulfils its duties for effective governance, sound financial stewardship, and robust risk management, with appropriate policies and controls in place.
• Facilitate effective and inclusive Board meetings, setting agendas, commissioning papers, and ensuring decisions are well-informed and implemented.
• Appraise Board and Trustee performance, oversee succession planning and renewal, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

·         Act as an ambassador for the Foundation, representing it at external meetings, events, and within the wider community in line with agreed policies and strategy.

·         Develop the knowledge, capability, and diversity of the Board, ensuring a balance of skills and experience is maintained.

·         Address and resolve conflicts within the Board constructively, and encourage positive change where needed.

 Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with trustees, the Chief Executive, partners, government bodies, and key influencers to support the Foundation’s goals.
• Act as spokesperson and advocate for the Foundation, promoting its purpose and impact across relevant networks and stakeholder groups.
• Commit to attending and leading approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year, as well as key committees, events, or working groups where required.
• Participate in Board evaluations, training, and appraisals, undertaking any identified development.
• Serve a term of up to three years (renewable once subject to review).