Chair of Trustees

Job Purpose

To lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction and ensuring effective governance of Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace Football Club. The Chair will champion the Foundation's vision and values, ensuring resources and support are in place to achieve the Foundation's mission to transform young people’s lives across south London.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

• Lead the Board in setting the Foundation’s strategic direction and ensuring effective governance, working in close partnership with the management team.
• Act as a link between the Board and the management team, particularly at Chief Executive level.
• Act as a conduit between the Foundation and CPFC, maintaining a strong relationship between the two.
• Ensure the Board fulfills its duties to provide sound financial oversight and manage risks.
• Chair Board meetings, ensuring they are productive and efficient.
• Promote a culture of openness, transparency, and constructive challenge within the Board.
• Provide oversight and guidance to the Chief Executive, including facilitating their professional development.
• Engage with staff members across the Foundation periodically to understand their needs, challenges, and contributions, fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration.
• Promote an effective safeguarding culture, supporting the trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding, as well as having an awareness of safeguarding arrangements across the organisation.
• Ensure active participation and engagement from all Board members, and oversee the process for trustees' induction, succession planning, and exit, maintaining a robust and dynamic Board.

Strategic Partnership and Advocacy

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the owners and senior leadership at Crystal Palace F.C. (CPFC), the Premier League and other key stakeholders.
• Advocate for the Foundation’s mission, engaging with the local community, statutory bodies, and voluntary sectors to foster partnerships.
• Ensure the Foundation’s activities align with the needs of the local community, particularly addressing the challenges faced by young people in south London.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the Foundation at external events and functions.
• Engage with local community groups, understanding their challenges and aspirations.
• Promote the Foundation’s work and impact through effective communication and networking.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

• Champion EDI within the Foundation and in its external activities.
• Ensure the Foundation’s programmes and initiatives support all groups, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalised communities.
• Lead by example in promoting inclusive practices and policies within the organisation.

Fundraising and Financial Oversight

• Support fundraising activities and help secure new funding sources.
• Oversee the Foundation’s financial health, ensuring resources are managed effectively and ethically.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including those set by the Charity Commission.

Essential Criteria

• Passion for Crystal Palace F.C.: A strong affinity with CPFC and a passion for its role in the community.
• Community Insight: An understanding of the south London community and the challenges faced by young people, particularly in areas of deprivation.
• Strategic Leadership: Proven experience in a leadership role, with a track record of effective governance.
• Partnership Building: Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including statutory and voluntary organisations.
• EDI: Demonstrable experience in championing and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in a leadership capacity.
• Political Acumen: Understanding of the political landscape and the ability to navigate it to benefit the Foundation’s mission.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of representing the Foundation to various audiences.

Desirable Criteria

• Charity Trustee Experience: Recent experience as a trustee of another charity.
• Fundraising Experience: Experience in securing and managing funds from diverse sources.
• Knowledge of Sports and Youth Programmes: Familiarity with community engagement through sports, particularly football.

Personal Qualities

• Integrity and a commitment to the highest ethical standards.
• Ability to command respect and build consensus.
• Passion for making a difference in the lives of young people.