Chair

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: w/c 24th March
Final interviews: w/c 21st 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. 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.