Chair of Trustees

What you will be doing

As the charity’s Chair you will occupy a key role in shaping what the charity does and how it does it. You will work closely with the CEO, Finance Director and other trustees in setting our priorities, building our brand and ensuring compliance with our legal, regulatory and broader governance obligations. You will act as the titular head of an organisation that employs 60 staff, works with over 400 individuals annually and has contractual relationships with a number of funding agencies.

Who you are

You will be someone who understands or can align with the challenges and opportunities that those we work with experience in their daily lives. You will be committed to an operational philosophy that puts those we support at the centre of decision making about the shape and direction of their lives. You will be able to translate a knowledge of the social care sector and the wider crisis affecting those subject to it into action that transforms how we deliver our services and the lives of those we support.

You are a strategic leader, with a commitment to the third sector and a robust grasp of the financial, legal and operational responsibilities key to a charity our size.

What we expect from you

You will be expected to lead at least 4 board meetings a year, with an additional requirement (circa 6 times a year) to meet and support the CEO in delivering the boards priorities.

You may also from time to time be expected to represent the charity at key community events and meetings with our funders.

What you can expect from us

A charity that takes its role as and advocate for the needs and rights of learning disabled people and people with enduring mental health needs very seriously. With trustees, executive leadership and operational teams committed to recognising and mobilising the skills, knowledge and abilities of those it supports to participate as widely as possible in their communities, neighbourhoods and workplaces.

Diversity and inclusion

We are working hard to ensure that balance is fully representative of the communities it works in throughout out its operations and leadership. As part of our mission to be a diverse and inclusive organisation we would positively welcome applications from candidates able to experientially articulate and lead this commitment.

What are we looking for?

Required Skills

• To lead strategic evaluation and discussion on the charity business development priorities
• To facilitate and manage discussion from board members and invited attendees
• To support the CEO and others within the leadership team in ensuring the charity's sustainable development
• To speak for and promote the charity and its objectives across a range of statutory and community arenas
• To identify and manage risks the charity's financial wellbeing and operational security

Required Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of the third sector and in particular the delivery of social care based services in a community setting
• Experience and knowledge of charity governance and our obligations in meeting nationally agreed standards in the development and delivery of our services
• Experience of business development within a complex operating environment
• Experience of the statutory commissioning environment and its impact on how the charity manages and delivers its resources in a sustainable way

Required Qualities

• A commitment to building lives of vulnerable people that are fulfilled, independent and financially secure
• An ability to translate and/or communicate ideas into actions that will  ensure the organisation survives and thrives
• A lived experience of the positive impact that a community voluntary sector organisation can have on the lives of people that use, deliver or benefit from its services
• A good strategic brain with an ability to use it in focusing on solutions to our long term development rather than the barriers

What difference will you make?

The Chair of the Board of Trustees is a critical role in the leadership and development of the organisations governance and business direction.

You will:

• Provide leadership and direction to the board of Trustees and enable the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.
   
• Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations.
   
• Work in partnership with the Chief Executive and other senior staff supporting as necessary the employees to achieve the aims of the organisation and to optimise the relationship between the board of Trustees and the staff.
   
• Facilitate the board of trustees in stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making.

This will be a significant role at a critical juncture in our development. The registration of the organisation as a charity in late 2020 has resulted in considerable cultural and operational change in how it delivers its services, diversifies it offer and develops new operating relationships. The charity must establish a place within the boroughs it operates as well as those it is seeking development in as a recognised brand with a defined set of ethics about what it does and how it does it.

If you can fulfill the criteria above and drive the charity's future as a vibrant and sustainable organisation we want to hear from you.

Before you apply

Step one
Candidates should provide an up to date copy of the CV plus a covering letter stating their interest in the role.

Step Two
Candidate applications will be reviewed by the CEO and invited to attend an informal discussion about the charity and their interest in it.

Step 3
Candidates applications will be circulated to members of the board and the candidate will be invited to observe a board meeting.

Step 4
Following step 3 the candidate will be asked to meet with a selection panel of existing board members who will make the final decision.