Chair of Trustees

South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services (SLDAS) are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our Board to oversee the charity’s governance, compliance and planning.  As a small independent charity founded in 1998, SLDAS offer free and accessible support to women who experience domestic abuse in South and South-Central Liverpool.  Domestic abuse has a devastating impact upon individuals, families and communities.  Year on year, recorded incidents of domestic abuse have increased in Merseyside, and rose sharply during the pandemic. Women are falling through the net and we want to do more to help them.

We employ a team of nine full and part time staff who support the running of the service, including a director who joined us in April 2023, responsible for managing and developing the staff and service, and developing the strategic direction of the charity alongside the Trustees.

SLDAS is mainly funded by a number of local authority and other national grant providers with an interest in domestic abuse.  Whilst this is a competitive and challenging time for all charities, we have made some steps towards sourcing new multi-year funding to expand our services, making this an exciting time to join us on the board of Trustees.

To lead the board of Trustees as Chair, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from women with strong skills and professional experience in the following areas:

• Previous Trusteeship role(s)

• Charity governance/legal experience

• Strategy and Risk management and safeguarding

• HR and personnel management, and EDI

• Stakeholder engagement and networking

Please note that this opportunity is open to women only, and is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Successful candidate(s) will demonstrate:

• A commitment to support women in South Liverpool to live their lives free from violence, abuse and fear

• A willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role

• An independent judgement and an ability to think creatively

• An enquiring approach, not afraid to ask questions or challenge

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• An ability to lead the board, work effectively as a member of a team

• A strong connection, passion and understanding of the South Liverpool communities and socio-economic and/or political issues

As well as leading the board of Trustees and board meetings, the Chair will also play an integral role in developing the strategy of the charity, working alongside the Director.  Some supervisory/mentoring hours with the Director will also be expected.  

Becoming a Trustee with SLDAS offers a chance to make a real difference to the lives of women at risk of domestic abuse, but it will also offer you opportunities to meet new people,

take on new challenges and volunteer in an interesting and strategic role.  SLDAS recognise that the role of a Trustee is a responsible position and that you may require training and support to conduct your role to the best of your ability.   We therefore offer Trustees an induction, ongoing training and opportunities for mentoring from other Trustees.

The time commitment for Trustees is around 4-6 hours a month. Board meetings are monthly, usually on a Saturday or in the evenings.   Most of the meetings are virtual via zoom meeting, although we do try and meet in person on occasion, either at the office or in the South Liverpool area. Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable travel, subsistence and childcare expenses will be reimbursed.

• Closing date for applications: 13th December 2024

• Shortlisting and interviews: w/c 6th January 2025