Chair And Trustees Volunteer Roles

We are looking for Trustees who can help us strengthen and deepen our reach with stakeholders, communities, and funders. We have a minimum of 3 positions available focussing on the following areas:

· Finance experience – professional operational experience of working within finance, such as overseeing budgets and forecasting

· Criminal Justice - professional operational experience of working within the criminal justice system

· Regional knowledge and experience of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin.

Ideally you will also have some professional experience within the third sector or a personal connection with what we do. However, wherever you are now, you will recognise how significant our organisation is within our community and will share our desire to further strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to be a sustainable provider of services to people with complex needs.

Key Attributes We Seek in Trustees:

· Commitment to the YSS Mission: A keen belief in YSS's mission of fostering independence and empowerment is vital. We believe our Trustees should be driven by a passion for effecting positive change in people's lives.

· Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability is non-negotiable. Trustees must embody honesty and ethical behaviour in all endeavours.

· Strategic Thinking: Effective trustees possess strategic foresight and the ability to analyse complex issues. They contribute valuable insights to shape YSS's long-term direction and goals.

· Leadership Skills: Demonstrating strong leadership qualities is essential. Trustees should inspire others, foster collaboration, and proactively identify opportunities and challenges.

· Financial Awareness: Understanding financial matters is crucial for fulfilling a Trustee’s financial responsibilities to the organisation. Trustees should actively review financial reports and plans to ensure YSS's financial health.

· Diversity and Inclusion: YSS serves diverse communities, and we value diversity in our Trustees. A commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is paramount.

· Effective Communication and collaborative approach: Trustees should possess strong communication skills, articulating ideas clearly and engaging with stakeholders effectively.

· Commitment and Availability: Serving as a trustee requires dedication of time and energy. Trustees must commit to attending meetings, participating in discussions, and engaging in relevant activities.

Principal responsibilities

· Provide strategic direction and challenge.

· Monitor performance. Ensure compliance.

· Safeguard reputation and values.

· Ensure financial viability.

· Contribute to MD's appointment, support, and performance monitoring.

· Participate in appraisal, recruitment, and disciplinary panels.

· Stakeholder & public engagement & marketing.

Desirable Areas of Skills and Experience:

· Commitment to the charity's vision and values

· Analytical and evaluation skills,

· Financial literacy, effective decision-making and independent judgement

· ICT and digital transformation

· Legal & Safeguarding

· Criminal Justice, Social Care or Social Enterprise

· Organisational Management, Human Resources

· Community Development

· Balancing conflicting views sensitively

· Networking, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement

· Strong leadership with credibility and enthusiasm

Summary of the Role: All trustees have a shared responsibility for setting strategic aims, objectives, and direction. You'll ensure YSS achieves its objectives, represents stakeholders' interests, and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Support and challenge the management team to deliver the strategic plan of YSS.  Always acting in the Charity’s best interest with care and skills to ensure the organisation is accountable.  This would be accountable to its purpose, staff and volunteers, funders, users and the law. 

The trustees have responsibility for helping to ensure the aims and objectives of the charity are aligned with the financial position of the charity and providing guidance on the financial planning and management for the organisation.  Specific duties include liaising with the management team on financial matters and supporting any engagement with the charity’s auditors or other such regulatory requirements.

Structure, Governance, and Management: YSS is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board delegates responsibility for day-to-day management to the Managing Director, aided by the Senior Management and Leadership Team.

Strategy: YSS has a broad 3-year strategy linked to our organisational Theory of Change. Bi-annual strategic reviews are undertaken by the Trustees and Senior Management Team.

Priorities for 2025-2026:

· Review and refresh the current strategy

· Implementation of impact measurement metrics

· Creation of staff and service user forums

· Focus on income sustainability and relationships with local authorities and funders

· Further development around our social value strategy

Terms of Appointment

 Tenure: All Board members will be elected for an initial term of one year, after which they may be eligible for re-appointment for additional three-year terms, for a maximum of 10-year term.

Induction: New Trustees receive a full induction and relevant training.

 Remuneration: Trustees are volunteers; the position is unpaid. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed per the volunteer expenses policy.

 Time Commitment: 1 day per month. The YSS Board currently meets face to face, 6 times a year with up to 2 strategy planning days per year. All board members are encouraged to attend YSS events, including visits from our charity Patron and are welcome to make visits to projects to see first-hand the work of YSS, the people supported, staff and volunteers.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: YSS is committed to equality of opportunity, supports and encourages underrepresented groups and values diversity.

How to apply:

· Deadline for applications is 28th February 2025.

· Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

· Appointment is subject to eligibility in line with The Charity Commission criteria.

· To express your interest, please send your send your CV and covering letter to Stuart McCulloch, Head of Resources.

Chair of the Board of Trustees – Lead the Future of Accessible Education

Are you passionate about education and its power to change lives? The National Extension College (NEC) is seeking an inspiring Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, ensuring we continue to break down barriers to learning and expand opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Why Join Us?

For over 60 years, NEC has been at the forefront of flexible and inclusive distance learning, supporting students from school-age learners to career changers and lifelong learners. As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our future, strengthening governance, and advocating for NEC’s mission to widen access to education.

About the Role

As Chair, you will:
✅ Provide strategic direction, aligning NEC’s vision with our commitment to inclusivity and educational transformation.
✅ Oversee governance, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and safeguarding responsibilities.
✅ Champion NEC’s financial sustainability, working closely with the Board and leadership team.
✅ Act as an ambassador, building relationships with key stakeholders and policymakers.
✅ Lead the Board in fostering an innovative, collaborative, and mission-driven culture.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from experienced leaders with:
✔ Proven strategic leadership at a senior level.
✔ Strong governance and financial oversight skills.
✔ A commitment to diversity, equity, and widening participation in education.
✔ The ability to inspire, challenge, and lead with purpose.

This voluntary role requires a time commitment of quarterly Board meetings, monthly finance meetings, and weekly CEO meetings

Neighbourhood Watch Network (NWN) is the national umbrella organisation of the largest voluntary movement for crime prevention in England and Wales, and we support people to prevent and reduce crime by coming together with their neighbours to create safer, stronger and active communities.

We estimate that our 93,000 Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) schemes engage with over two million people in a spirit of local activism that can address the issues that often give rise to crime and anti-social behaviour and help prevent them from becoming more serious.

In the past year we have partnered with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust to provide training on being an “active bystander” and our “Are You OK?” campaign that showed how to respond in the event of witnessing aggression aimed at women, racial minorities or LGBTQ+ people. During 2022/23 we also launched a Community Safety Charter which has been endorsed more than 2500 times by Police Forces, local authorities and many different public and commercial organisations as well as by individuals and local communities.

With a small central support team of around 9 people who facilitate and co-ordinate the work of our local associations and volunteers, the charity punches above its weight. Our annual income has been consistent at around £400,000 - £500,000 for the past few years, of which a large part is a grant from the Home Office. We have invested in fundraising from trusts and foundations and also commercial partnerships, where we have established relationships with home security and cyber-security businesses. Currently we are expanding our work with young people with funding from City Bridge Trust and the National Lottery and have also been commissioned by BT to support vulnerable consumers through the telephone network switchover from analogue to digital. As a result, turnover will rise to around £900,000 for 2024/25 and we hope to sustain it closer to this level for future years.

Our Treasurer is keen to hand over the reins of this role as soon as possible but would stay on the board for a while so there would be a managed transition. He is a finance professional but is also heavily involved in NHW activities in the West Midlands and, more generally, in developing our work with faith groups which he would like to focus on.

Our Chair has been in post for nearly four years and would look to hand over to a successor over the next two years. We would like to ensure that the next chair has the opportunity to learn about the organisation and build relationships with trustees, staff and other stakeholders before taking on the role formally.

Role Profile

As Chair of the Charity, you will have the responsibilities of a Trustee, lead the Board of Trustee’s, set strategic direction and oversee the organisation. The responsibilities of the role include:

Knowledge & Experience

● Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit

● Chairing and facilitating board meetings

● Giving direction to board policy-making

● Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented

● Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate

● Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making

With the chief executive:

●  Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example, the annual general meeting

●  Setting agendas for board and other general meetings

●  Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning

Skills & Abilities

● Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive to achieve this

● Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate

● Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the chief executive

● Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels

● The vice-chair acts for the chair when the chair is not available and undertakes assignments at the request of the chair

Person Specification

In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the Chair should have the following qualities.

● Leadership skills

● Experience of committee work

● Tact and diplomacy

● Good communication and interpersonal skills

● Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

It would also be desirable for the chair to have a background and experience in social care, education or youth sectors. A wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks is also helpful.

Referrals are always welcome, please ask others whom you feel may be interested.

Terms of Appointment

Time Commitment 

- Attend quarterly board meetings from 5pm – 7pm,.

- Attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) once per year.

- From time to time or as needed, attend one of our sub-committees so that you can gain a good insight into the Charity’s day to day activities and support the team. Sub-committees meet once a quarter, usually 2 weeks before the Trustee Board meeting.

- Get involved in other activities depending on your skills / interests / preferences.

- Attend meetings or visits with the CEO and our staff to ensure we all stay close to the services we are providing.

- Support with matters and or decisions where necessary between meetings.

- Meetings are currently held in person with the option online.

We understand and respect that people who are working full-time and/or have family/other responsibilities may not be able to travel to the meetings in person sometimes.

Chair/ Trustees are appointed for a three-year term at a time which can be extended twice, meaning a maximum of nine years.

Pre-appointment checks

It is important to note that pre-appointment declarations will be requested to ensure that applicants have not been disqualified by law from acting as a trustee.

We will also need to carry out an enhanced DBS check, prior to appointment along with reference checks and other due diligence.

Be Free Young Carers follow Safer recruitment. Please see our Safer Recruitment policy for further information.

Are you passionate about ‘The Creative Arts’? At Bloomin’ Arts, we see and hear the difference made when ensuring disabled adults have opportunities to be artists and leaders within visual art, drama, dance, and theatre. As a Trustee you will share a responsibility to oversee how our charity is managed and run. Ensuring what we do is always in our participant’s best interest.

As a visionary leader with a strong connection to or lived experience of disability? Are you committed to recognising ‘art and culture’s’ place in society. Do you have knowledge of the barrier's society places in the way of disabled artists? If so, we are looking for an inspirational Chair of Trustees to help us achieve our future objectives and impact our ability to empower the lives of disabled adults through the creative arts. As Chair, you will play a vital role in:

• · Supporting the development and growth of our charitable arts organisation.
• · Driving our commitment to disability provision and leadership within the arts.
• · Leading with empathy to tackle challenges and direct change where needed.
• · Leading governance and compliance in line with the charity commission.
• · Advocacy and support fundraising as an ambassador for the charity, leveraging your networks to advance the charity’s reach and influence.
• ·    Ensuring our values and disabled artists (participants) remain at the heart of everything we do.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• · Experience of charitable sector and/or arts and culture management.
• · A strong connection to or lived experience of disability.
• · Ability to lead and inspire other trustees and our staff.
• · Dedication to the role to ensure your contribution and leadership makes a positive difference.
• · Ability to be in person at Trustee Meetings, held at our venue in RH7. 

Why it’s an exciting time to join us:

• · This is a time of growth for us as a charity.
• · The challenges we face, we approach positively and openly.
• · We are constantly working to improve awareness and build our relationships to increase our reach and impact.
• · We love finding people who share our passion and vision and will stretch our viewpoints.
• · We celebrate diversity and make inclusion part of what we do every day.

 Length of term and time requirements:

Chair to join ideally for a 3 year term and opportunity for a further two.

Approximately 4-6 hours per month plus preparation and attendance for trustee meetings.

Renumeration:

Your services are always hugely appreciated, but services are offered on a voluntary basis and receive no renumeration except expenses reasonably incurred.

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is looking for a Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity, working in partnership with our Operations Manager and supported by a committed team of Trustees.

Who we are

Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.  People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment

PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.

Duties of the Chair

In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PRDA achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and PRDA’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for PRDA. 

What PRDA is looking for

Each trustee must have:

• a commitment to the vision and aims of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
• willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 
• integrity 
• strategic vision 
• good, independent judgement 
• an ability to think creatively 
• a willingness to speak their mind 
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of PRDA.

Ideally, trustees should also have one or more of the following: 

• Understanding of the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease on people’s lives either through personal or professional connections, or be willing to learn about this; 
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work; 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by PRDA (helpline, support groups, online support, health professional engagement, awareness-raising) and/or fundraising for a small charity, and
• Leadership skills.

Please see the full job description for more detail. 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact David Jillings, PRDA Treasurer & Vice-chair.

The Chair of Trustees is a vital leadership role, ensuring the board operates effectively and collaboratively while providing strategic oversight to achieve Ella’s mission and goals. The Chair works closely with trustees, directors, and staff to create a culture of excellence, accountability, and service-user focus.

We would particularly love to hear from people who have benefited from a service like Ella’s, so we can learn from your lived experience.

We will provide any required access and support to ensure equality of opportunity to anyone wishing to be a trustee. In line with our values and equal opportunities policy, we therefore welcome applications from all individuals interested in this position regardless of background, race, religion or anything else.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be undertaken. This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement section under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Title: Chair of Trustees 

Salary: Voluntary unpaid position  

Times: 4 Trustee Board meetings annually and 1 AGM (Weekday/Evening) 

Location: The charity is based at Mornington Centre, Stanley Street, SE8 4BL (Where possible meetings can be attended remotely)                             

About us         

South East London Arts Network, operating as Arts Network, is a charity based in Lewisham offering free membership through referrals for adults living with severe mental health support needs. We are reaching and empowering individuals through creative engagement, fostering community and a wider understanding surrounding mental health. 

We support people to achieve their personal goals through creative activities, exhibitions, and events that enable participants to learn new skills, increase self-confidence, and develop relationships.

We constantly seek to battle stigma and discrimination by presenting our work and practice to medical practitioners, key stakeholders, and the general public.

Further information can be found on our website.

Role Description

We are at an exciting time in our development and are seeking to recruit a Chair of the Board of Trustees who will be an ambassador for Arts Network, and who can help to maximise the potential of our charitable aims and to lead the organisation in this next stage of its development – including our growth across Southwark.

As Chair, your commitment to Arts Network (AN) will include chairing Board of Trustee meetings (usually four a year), an annual Trustee strategy session and the Annual General Meeting. AN actively encourage all of our Trustees to visit our programmes and to meet members (our beneficiaries), volunteers and staff in order to build their understanding of their work and to increase their visibility within the organisation.

In addition to your responsibilities as a Trustee, the Chair has a leadership role in ensuring that the Board of Trustees fulfils its responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity.

Principal responsibilities of the Chair

Strategic leadership

• Provide leadership to the charity through its Board of Trustees, ensuring that the charity has maximum impact for its members and other beneficiaries.
• Ensure the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction, and is focused on achieving this.
• Ensure regular contact with the CEO of AN and maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support as and when necessary.

Governance

• Ensure that AN complies with charity law and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator – in particular to ensure that the charity prepares appropriate reports on what it has achieved and Annual Returns and Accounts as required by law.
• Ensure that Arts Network remains true to its charitable purpose and objectives.
• Act with integrity and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets.
• Ensure that AN has a governance structure that is appropriate to a charity of its size/complexity, stage of development and its charitable objects, and keep this under review.
• Ensure that any major risks to which AN is exposed have been reviewed and that systems have been established to mitigate these risks.
• Ensure the Board of Trustees is periodically refreshed through clear procedures of election and inclusive and diverse recruitment, to incorporate the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience, with adequate training and induction.
• Establish any appropriate sub-committee structures if needed.
• Sit on appointment and disciplinary panels if needed. 
• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings and events.

This role description is intended a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake. It summarises the main aspects of the role but does not cover all the duties that you may have to perform. It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances. 

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity and its strategic aims and objectives. Foster and promote a collaborative team environment.
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship-building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role.
• Demonstrate empathy, compassion and sensitivity in regard to working with diverse community groups and people with mental health support needs.
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity.
• Demonstrate a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to duties as Chair and a Trustee. 

Experience

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level in an organisation.
• A proven track record of effective governance, including significant experience of chairing meetings and events.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the Third sector and the issues affecting it.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate Trustees, the management team, staff and volunteers and bring people together.
• Good understanding of charity governance and finance.
• Strategic awareness of marketing, communications and public relations.

This list is by no means exclusive and does not necessarily pre-determine the profile of successful candidates. Those who can bring other skill-sets and new perspectives are also welcome to apply.

Application Process

Please provide the following:

1. Either a covering letter or a short video clearly outlining how you meet the requirements of the post. Letters should be no longer than one page and videos should be no longer than 3 minutes.

2. A CV including details of two referees 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. Selected candidates will then be invited to attend a creative workshop with our members (also known as our beneficiaries).

Arts Network recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and they can contribute to our future.

Arts Network particularly welcome applications from people who identify as disabled, of the Global Majority and/or people from a lower socio-economic background, as these people are currently under-represented throughout the arts and mental health sector and reflect our community.

We can provide support with adjustments to help someone to apply for this role. If necessary, please get in touch with the CEO Kate Price to let us know how we can help you. This will not influence your application. 

Deadline for applications: Midday on Friday 14th February 2025

Start date for successful candidate: March 2025

Successful applicants will be notified of interview in the week beginning 17th February 2025, with interviews taking place in the last two weeks of February 2025. 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Chair of Trustees – Switchback
Transforming Lives, Changing Systems
Switchback is seeking a passionate and experienced Chair of Trustees to lead its Board during an exciting and pivotal time in the charity’s development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of an innovative organisation that supports young Londoners leaving prison to build stable, rewarding lives and champions systemic change in the justice system.

About Switchback:
Since 2008, Switchback has supported hundreds of young men leaving prison, providing intensive one-to-one mentoring and real work training through its dedicated team of Switchback Mentors. Our pioneering approach has led to remarkable outcomes: while nearly half of prison leavers nationally reoffend within a year, only 9% of Switchback Trainees do, with over half moving into long-term work. In 2024, 68% of our Trainees achieved “Real, Lasting Change”-a fundamental shift in mindset and lifestyle. But Switchback is more than a charity; it’s a movement for change. We aim to expand our reach, influence national policy, and build a resettlement landscape that is effective, equitable, and rooted in lived experience.

About the Role:
As Chair, you will lead a dynamic and diverse Board of Trustees to support Switchback’s strategic ambitions. Working closely with our CEO, you will guide the charity’s growth, ensure strong governance, and champion our mission and values. You will be an advocate for justice reform, helping to open doors and build partnerships that enable sustainable, systemic impact.

Key Responsibilities include:
* Governance and Strategy: Ensure adherence to best governance practices, lead the implementation of a new strategic plan, and ensure EDI is embedded in all aspects of governance and delivery.
* Leadership: Build and lead an inclusive, high-performing Board that supports the CEO and staff team in achieving Switchback’s goals.
* Advocacy and Fundraising: Act as an ambassador for Switchback, leveraging your networks to advance the charity’s reach and influence.

Who We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking a compassionate and experienced leader who is ambitious for Switchback and shares its belief in the dignity and potential of its Trainees.

Essential Attributes:
* Experience as a Trustee, ideally with Chair experience or at a larger organisation.
* A collaborative, empowering and coaching approach to leadership.
* Strong alignment with Switchback’s mission, values, and goals.
* An understanding of the justice system or lived experience that connects you to the challenges faced by our Trainees.
* Strategic insight, with a track record of leading organisations through growth and change and an ability to balance managing risk against innovation
* Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire and unite stakeholders.

Time Commitment:
Approximately two days per month, with flexibility for key periods such as strategy development or major events. The initial term is three years, renewable for up to six further years.

Remuneration:
This is a voluntary position. Travel and other reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Timeline:
A Q&A webinar session will be hosted by Switchback, where further insights will be shared as well as answers to any additional questions you may have. Please register your interest in attending this webinar with your consultant and we will send you a link. This will take place on Tuesday 11th February, 6-7pm.

Application deadline: Monday 24th February

First round interviews: Friday 28th March

Informal call with CEO: Wednesday 3rd April

Final interviews: Wednesday 23rd April

How to Apply:
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to Switchback on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV and request a candidate pack. Alternatively, please download a copy of the pack under Application Resources. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities with which we work.

Role Summary:

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership to Hidayah, ensuring the organization remains aligned with its mission to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims. The Chair will guide the Board of Trustees in effective governance and act as an ambassador for the charity within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Governance:
   • Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
   • Oversee the Board of Trustees’ operation, ensuring its members work collaboratively and effectively.
   • Ensure the charity complies with its constitution, governing documents, charity law, and other relevant legislation/regulations.

1. Strategy and Planning:
   • Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s annual strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the needs of LGBTQ+ Muslims.
   • Write the annual report outlining Hidayah’s impact and achievements
   • Work with the Board of Trustees to ensure that strategic objectives are effectively executed and serve the community
   • Write and develop a portfolio of policies to ensure the smooth running of Hidayah

1. Board of Trustees Management:
   • Chair monthly Board meetings effectively, ensuring decisions are taken in a timely manner and that actions are followed up.
   • Facilitate a positive and inclusive Board culture where diverse viewpoints are encouraged and respected.
   • Manage all volunteers taken on by Hidayah

1. Advocacy and Representation:
   • Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and to a wider audience.
   • Represent the charity at key events, meetings, and functions, and develop relationships with key stakeholders and partners.

1. Financial Oversight:
   • Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring it operates within its means and maintains proper financial control and accountability.
   • Work with the Treasurer and the finance team to ensure the Board of Trustees receives accurate and timely financial information.
   • Act as a signatory for Hidayah’s bank account and financial operations.
   • To seek out partnerships, sponsors and endorsements from individuals and organisations.

1. Risk Management:
   • Ensure appropriate risk management policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.
   • Regularly review and address potential risks to the charity’s operations and reputation.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in a leadership role within a charity, non-profit, or similar organization.
• Strong understanding of governance best practices and charity law.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets and financial planning.
• Passion for the charity’s mission and commitment to its values, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Muslims.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a Chair or in a senior non-executive role.
• Experience in fundraising and development activities.
• Established network within the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and among relevant stakeholders.

Terms of Appointment:

• The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, which may be renewed for a further term(s).
• This is a voluntary position; however, expenses incurred in fulfilling the role will be reimbursed as approved by the Board of Trustees in line with Hidayah’s policies.

We are a charity that focuses on education and campaigning to support the needs wider community and of people seeking sanctuary primarily within Swindon but also considering the national situation too.

The Chair should be able to lead the charity over the next 3-5 years and empower the trustees and paid members of staff to work towards achieving all of our charitable objectives.  We are looking for an individual with a passion for the fair treatment of people seeking sanctuary within Swindon and for the education of the town's population as to the value of this group to our wider community.

What are we looking for?

A commitment to the vision and mission of Swindon City of Sanctuary.

Successful experience of operating effectively in leadership roles, ideally leading diverse teams, within a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation.

An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Charity Manager and acceptance of the legal dues, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

Demonstrable ability and experience of building and sustaining relationships with stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.

Knowledge of current global/national/local context relating to migration and seeking sanctuary

An ability to work effectively as a member of a team Preparedness to make difficult  recommendations to the Board, when necessary, with diplomacy.

A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries when required.

Lived experience of migration or seeking sanctuary would be welcomed.

Specific skills, experiences or areas of expertise to complement the existing members of the Board.

Knowledge of the Swindon community

Previous chairing experience and human resources knowledge

The full list of skills, experience and qualities are listed on the attached Job Description.

Generally we are looking for someone with leadership experience/skills, who can plan strategically taking the rest of the team with them.

What difference will you make?

This position will give the successful individual a chance to lead a well respected local charity and develop its influence over the next 5 years.  You will be able to see Swindon further develop as a safe place for people seeking sanctuary and a local population who fully understand their role in being part of the process.

With our links to the national City of Sanctuary organisation you will be able to lead campaigns that will help to shape government policy on all areas of immigration policy.

Before you apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining why you feel you are suitable for the post.   You will then be contacted and an informal meeting will be arranged.

We are working with Canine Partners, a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Their amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks. These life-changing dogs also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction, and self-esteem.

With the planned departure of the current Chair, the Board of Trustees are now seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees. The new Chair will foster an environment of consensus and collaboration, ensure Canine Partners' mission and vision is met and provide inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also work in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team, helping them achieve their vision for the organisation, while serving as a line manager to the CEO.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• A strong and visible passion and commitment to the Charity, its strategic objectives and cause. 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role. 
• Experience operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation, with a knowledge of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. 
• Significant experience in chairing meetings and events. 
• Broad knowledge and understanding of the Disability and/or Assistance Dog sectors.

The Chair is expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, the AGM and 1-2 strategy days per annum. The Chair can also participate in sub-committees. The Chair’s time commitment is likely to be around 2 days a month. Trustees are elected to serve terms of three years with an expectation that they will service no more than 2 terms of three years (6 years in total), with the exception, that service as an Officer might over-ride this.

Canine Partners particularly welcomes applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds who are currently under-represented within the organisation.

For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Should you require any support or adjustments during the application process, please contact Charisma who will be happy to discuss this with you. 

Closing date: Sunday 2nd March 2025

Interviews with Canine Partners: w/c 10th and 24th March 2025

Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by lunchtime on Friday 7th March 2025, prior to shortlisting.

Internal candidates ONLY are requested to make their expressions of interest known by Friday 31st January 2025 for inclusion into the process. 

Please note, this earlier closing date for internal candidates won’t affect the governance of the overall campaign. All candidates will receive an equal opportunity to be considered for this role.

Be a part of Union Chapel Project's adventure as the new CHAIR OF TRUSTEES.

Union Chapel is an architectural treasure that's home to a working church, an award winning venue, a unique organ and The Margins Project for those homeless and in crisis in London

Provide strategic leadership to ensure the fulfilment of the charity's mission as a leading ethical venue where culture, community, heritage, and social justice unite at a pivotal time as the board begins to update and reshape the strategy.

Learn more and apply by Thursday 6 February.

NO AGENCIES

Home-Start South Wiltshire offers support, friendship, and practical help to parents with at least one child under 5 through our network of trained volunteers, who visit families in their homes. We believe children need a happy and secure childhood and that parents play the key role in giving their children a good start in life and helping them achieve their full potential.

We are urgently looking for an experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The main responsibilities include leadership and governance, strategic planning, financial oversight, fundraising and advocacy, board development, program oversight and engaging with our team.

We are looking for the following skills:

· Proven leadership experience, preferably in a non-profit organisation with a strong understanding of governance and strategic planning.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and bring people together.

· Experience of chairing meetings and events.

· Able to demonstrate a strong passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives, and cause.

​This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check. Chair Information Pack and role description

We actively encourage applications from candidates known to be under-represented in the charity sector – including Black, Asian and other Ethnic groups and disabled candidates and from all walks of life. Candidates can request reasonable adjustments for them to complete the recruitment process.