Chairperson with enthusiasm, strategic vision & faith to lead our community forward

Othona is a thriving Christian community that promotes spiritual growth, peace & care for the environment by running retreats at centres in Essex & Dorset.  We operate through 2 charitable entities - a Trust & Company.

What will you be doing?

The two residential centres offer a place for people to be real together through the lived experience of inclusive community.  By providing retreats, workshops and a range of other events for groups, individuals and families Othona deepens peoples’ spiritual awareness. We pursue a vision of openness and inclusion for people of all faiths and none, affirming mutual respect and understanding.  

The centres seek to live in harmony with creation, growing some of their own food and maintaining the grounds to encourage biodiversity.  Through these experiences, many deepen their love for humanity and the planet and learn that our Christian faith can make a difference to our well being, experience of inclusion and climate change and make a positive contribution to how we live today to ensure a better tomorrow.

We have a talented board of trustees with skills, vision & faith.  We have good governance, robust policies & committed resident staff who run the centres.  Each centre has a local management committee.  We meet a minimum 4 times a year.  Our assets exceed £4 million & the Company made a surplus of £36,600 last year. The Trust's deficit was £20,000.

What are we looking for?

The Chair is a trustee of the Othona Community Trust and a Director of the Othona Community Company and both organisations enjoy working together as a team on behalf of the whole Community to operate the two centres.  As chair you will be leading a board of Trustees (some of whom are Link Trustees for the centres). 

Alongside your understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, and commitment to voluntary public service you must be willing to uphold Othona’s inclusive Christian ethos; to think strategically and creatively; and lead the trustees forward, contributing your skills to our team.  

If you have any of these experiences it would be great: 

• Previous Trustee or board experience or similar e.g. school governor 
• Strategic understanding of management in residential settings and/or the hospitality sector
• Ability to understand basic financial data and read spreadsheets.
• Experience of working within Charity Commission guidelines

What difference will you make?

You will become part of a lively board of committed people with a heart for lived community & spirituality.  We have started strategic planning for the Community's future with exciting projects that include:

• Updating our charitable objects
• Creating a new & unified website 
• Streamlining our management structure into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
• Improving the staff accommodation at both sites 
• Fundraising for better guest facilities
• Maximising the bio-diversity & use of renewable energy at our centres

Before you apply

If you would like to explore this role please message us to arrange an informal phone chat. Application: a CV and names of 2 referees one of which will be from your current employer (or equivalent) via Reach Volunteering.