Chair of Trustees

The Chair of Trustees provides strategic leadership and direction to the Board, ensuring the effective governance of the charity. In this role, you will guide the organisation in its mission to help adults learn to read, ensuring that it operates efficiently and sustainably while delivering a profound impact on individuals’ lives.

You will lead the Board and work closely with the CEO to advance the charity’s vision that every adult who wants to learn to read, can.

Key responsibilities

Leadership and Governance:

• Lead the Board of Trustees in providing strategic oversight and effective governance, ensuring compliance with the charity’s constitution, legal, and regulatory obligations
• Ensure the charity stays true to its mission of helping adults learn to read and that all activities align with its vision, values, and strategic objectives
• Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and accountability within the Board

Board Management:

• Chair Trustee meetings, setting agendas in partnership with the CEO or senior staff to ensure discussions focus on the charity’s priorities
• Encourage open, respectful debate and collective decision-making among Trustees, ensuring clarity of outcomes and actions
• Oversee the recruitment, induction, and development of Trustees, ensuring the Board is diverse, skilled, and effective in fulfilling its responsibilities
• Monitor and assess the performance of the Board, supporting Trustees to carry out their duties

Support to Senior Staff:

• Function as the primary link between the Board and the CEO, offering guidance,support, and constructive challenge
• Conduct regular appraisals and set objectives for the CEO, ensuring they have the resources and backing to succeed
• Serve as a sounding board for major decisions and initiatives, especially those that advance the charity’s literacy goals

Advocacy and Representation:

• Function as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work to external stakeholders, including funders, partners and the public
• Represent the charity at public events, campaigns, and meetings to raise awareness about adult literacy challenges and successes

Risk and Compliance:

• Ensure the charity has effective policies and systems for financial management, safeguarding and risk mitigation
• Oversee the preparation of statutory reports, ensuring compliance with the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies
• Safeguard the charity’s reputation and ensure its activities comply with all relevant laws and its governing documents

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with Trustees and staff to monitor progress against strategic goals,adapting plans as necessary to meet evolving challenges and opportunities