British Psychological Society - Chair of Board of Trustees

The Organisation

We are the British Psychological Society.
For more than 120 years, we have championed psychology, psychologists and the wider psychological professions, supporting our members through every stage of their careers.
Psychology affects all aspects of our everyday lives, from government policy to the advertising you see on TV. And with the demand for psychology services growing, so is our community.
We have more than 65,000 members - all of whom share a passion for psychology, and its impact on individuals and society.

More information about the British Psychological Society can be found on their website.

The Role

This is an exciting time to be joining the BPS. The successful candidate will possess the personal credibility, independence of thought, and experience to lead the Board of a major, high profile, national charity. They will have a proven ability around governance, risk and leadership preferably in the charitable sector. A commitment and belief to our values and to working in collaboration and partnership with the Board and the senior leadership team will be imperative.
The Chair of the Board of Trustees leads and oversees the Society’s Board, ensuring compliance with the Society's charitable objectives, protecting assets, managing risk, and ensuring sustainable health of the organisation. 

Person Specification

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following qualities alongside demonstrable interest in and commitment to the mission, values and vision of the BPS:

•    Strong independent judgment, integrity, and diplomacy skills.
•    Boardroom experience as an executive, non-executive director, President, or Chair of an organisation of at least similar size to the Society, or comparable experience.
•    Experience and understanding of membership organisations and the charity sector.
•    Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
•    Strong people management experience, including skills in performance management.
•    Experience of engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
•    Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
•    Strong financial and business acumen in commercial, academic, or civil society settings.
•    Sound knowledge of good governance and a clear understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities, and responsibilities     of trustees.
•    Proven leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
•    A broad understanding of psychology.
•    Ability to think and act strategically.
•    Inspires trust and confidence in people, including BPS members, management, employees, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

Please download the Candidate Information Pack for further information.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

•    An up to date CV with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior consent)
•    A supporting statement which details how you meet the main criteria in the person specification, demonstrates your interest in and commitment to the mission, values and vision of the BPS, and explains your motivation for applying.

All applications should be uploaded via the Trustees Unlimited website.

If you have any difficulty uploading your application or if you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion about the role, alternatively please contact Melissa Baxter.

Closing date for applications: Monday 29th July 2024  
Interviews with BPS: Week commencing 19th August 2024