Chair of the Board of Trustees: The Dementia Trust

The Dementia Trust is a leading charity registered in Scotland with UK reach and dedicated to supporting individuals living with dementia, their families, and carers.

What will you be doing?

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Dementia Trust, enabling the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for governance and strategic development. The Chair will lead the Board and a small team of part-time contractors, ensuring that the charity delivers on its mission and vision.

The Trust is registered in Scotland, the Board meets five times per year, at least three of those meetings are in person in Edinburgh or Stirling.

Co-Chair Role(Applications are also open for Co-Chair roles)

The Trust is also open to applications for Co-Chair roles. This structure involves two individuals sharing the responsibilities of Chair. Co-Chairs work together to divide duties and provide joint leadership to the charity, ensuring continuity and shared decision-making. The Co-Chair model is ideal for those who would like to contribute their leadership skills in a more collaborative and balanced manner, while also sharing the time commitment.

Key duties such as chairing meetings, strategic planning, and representing the charity externally would be divided between the Co-Chairs, depending on their strengths and preferences. Regular communication and collaboration between the Co-Chairs will be vital to ensure effective governance and leadership of the Dementia Trust.

What are we looking for?

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

• Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction.
• Chair board meetings, ensuring they are well-organised, productive, and collaborative.
• Ensure Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
• Support and challenge the Trust Advisor and associated contractors, ensuring the Board functions as a cohesive unit and achieves agreed objectives.
• Act as an ambassador and the public face of the Dementia Trust, in partnership with the Trustee Board.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership, ensuring that the Dementia Trust delivers on its mission and strategic plan.
• Regularly review major risks and opportunities, ensuring systems are in place to manage and mitigate risks.
• Support effective strategic planning to secure the charity’s future.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrable experience of strategic leadership and governance, ideally in a charity or non-profit organisation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Dementia Trust.
• Willingness to travel, e.g. The Trust is registered in Scotland, the Board meets five times per year, at least three of those meetings are in person in Edinburgh, or Stirling.

Desirable Criteria

• Strong understanding of dementia and the challenges faced by those affected by it.
• Previous experience as a Chair, Co-Chair, or in a senior leadership role within a charity.
• Experience in fundraising and resource development.
• Knowledge of the healthcare sector and dementia research.
• Knowledge of charity regulations and responsibilities.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Dementia Trust, enabling the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for governance and strategic development. The Chair will lead the Board and a small team of part-time contractors, ensuring that the charity delivers on its mission and vision.

Before you apply

To apply for the position of Chair or Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees, please submit the following documents via the Reach Volunteering platform:

• A comprehensive CV.
• A supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification.
• Contact details for two references.

Dynamic Recruitment: the Chair working with Trustee colleagues will review all applications as they are received and make contact for next stage discussions as needed.