Chair of trustees

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

Chair role

·       Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre achieves its mission.

·       Work in partnership with the Chief Executive 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 The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s staff and volunteers.

·       Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

·       Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre.

What we are looking for

Essential

●      Experience of being a trustee.

●      A keen sense of strategic purpose.

●      An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.

●      The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.

●      Advocate - be able and willing to champion The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

●      A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

●      Be responsive

In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

●      Support and provide advice on The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre purpose, vision, goals and activities.

●      Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

●      Oversee The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

●      Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

●      Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

●      Review and approve [charity name]’s financial statements.

●      Provide support and challenge to The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

●      Keep abreast of changes in The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s operating environment.

●       Contribute to regular reviews of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre own governance.

●      Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

●      Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

●      Contribute to the broader promotion of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

●      Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

●      Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

●      Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

●      A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

●      Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

●      Willingness to lead according to our values

●      Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership