Chair of the Board of Trustees

Overview

Position: Chair of the Board of Trustees
(Applications are also open for Co-Chair roles)

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Dementia Trust, enabling the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for governance and strategic development. The Chair will lead the Board and a small team of part-time contractors, ensuring that the charity delivers on its mission and vision.

The Trust is registered in Scotland, the Board meets five times per year, at least three of those meetings are in person in Edinburgh or Stirling.

Co-Chair Role

The Trust is also open to applications for Co-Chair roles. This structure involves two individuals sharing the responsibilities of Chair. Co-Chairs work together to divide duties and provide joint leadership to the charity, ensuring continuity and shared decision-making. The Co-Chair model is ideal for those who would like to contribute their leadership skills in a more collaborative and balanced manner, while also sharing the time commitment.

Key duties such as chairing meetings, strategic planning, and representing the charity externally would be divided between the Co-Chairs, depending on their strengths and preferences. Regular communication and collaboration between the Co-Chairs will be vital to ensure effective governance and leadership of the Dementia Trust.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

• Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction.
• Chair board meetings, ensuring they are well-organised, productive, and collaborative.
• Ensure Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
• Support and challenge the Trust Advisor and associated contractors, ensuring the Board functions as a cohesive unit and achieves agreed objectives.
• Act as an ambassador and the public face of the Dementia Trust, in partnership with the Trustee Board.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring that the Dementia Trust delivers on its mission and strategic plan.
• Regularly review major risks and opportunities, ensuring systems are in place to manage and mitigate risks.
• Support effective strategic planning to secure the charity’s future.

Relationship with Trust Advisor and Contractor Team

• Establish and build a strong, effective relationship with the Advisor, ensuring they are held accountable for achieving agreed strategic objectives.
• Monitor the contractor agreements.
• Maintain regular contact with the Advisor and associated contractors, fostering an open and supportive relationship.

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, maintaining close relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, the charity sector, and partners.
• Represent the Dementia Trust at external functions, meetings, and events.
• Facilitate change and support solutions to potential conflicts with external stakeholders.

Governance

• Ensure effective governance arrangements for the Dementia Trust.
• Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees.
• Encourage transformation and address conflicts within the Board.
• Appraise the performance of the Board annually, ensuring it is regularly refreshed with the right skills, knowledge, and experience.

Efficiency and Effectiveness

• Chair (or Co-Chair) meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, ensuring impartiality and objectivity in decision-making.
• Engage Trustees fully, ensuring decisions are taken in the charity’s long-term best interest.
• Foster constructive relationships within the Board.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive to guide policy-making and ensure well-planned and meaningful meetings.
• Monitor the implementation of decisions made at meetings.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrable experience of strategic leadership and governance, ideally in a charity or non-profit organisation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Dementia Trust.
• Willingness to travel, e.g. The Trust is registered in Scotland, the Board meets five times per year, at least three of those meetings are in person in Edinburgh, or Stirling.

Desirable Criteria

• Strong understanding of dementia and the challenges faced by those affected by it.
• Previous experience as a Chair, Co-Chair, or in a senior leadership role within a charity.
• Experience in fundraising and resource development.
• Knowledge of the healthcare sector and dementia research.
• Knowledge of charity regulations and responsibilities.

Terms of Appointment

Time Commitment

Approximately 3 days per month, including Board meetings, sub-committee meetings, and other relevant activities. For Co-Chairs, this time commitment can be divided depending on how responsibilities are shared.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be reimbursed.

Recruitment Process

Application

To apply for the position of Chair or Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees, please submit the following documents:

• A comprehensive CV.
• A supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification.
• Contact details for two references.

Dynamic Recruitment: the Chair working with Trustee colleagues will review all applications as they are received and make contact for next stage discussions as needed.