We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees.
Self Help UK is entering a dynamic new phase in our 42-year history. With the culmination of our current strategy, the organisation is poised to develop a fresh charitable focus that builds upon our rich heritage, extensive experience, and robust partnerships. Central to this evolution is the appointment of a new Chair of Trustees, a pivotal role that will steer the charity towards achieving our renewed mission and vision whilst building on our long-term sustainability.
This period of transformation is marked by the introduction of a refreshed Board, bringing together a diverse array of skills and perspectives. The new Chair will have the unique opportunity to lead Self Help UK during this exciting time, guiding the implementation of innovative initiatives that address contemporary challenges. The incoming Chair will play a crucial role in advancing Self Help UK’s mission to empower communities through self-help and peer support.
~ Ian Boyd – CEO, Self Help UK
Chair of Trustees – role description [PDF]
Application
To apply for this role, please send the following information to [email protected]:
1. C.V.
2. Covering letter – not more than 1 page. Please outline how you meet the criteria in the above role description.
The closing date for applications is 9am, 7th April 2025.
You will be sent an equal opportunity form to complete upon receipt of your application.
For an informal conversation about this role, please feel free to contact our outgoing Chairperson, Nina Ennis [email protected] or our CEO Ian Boyd [email protected].
Chair of Trustees – Role Description
Position: Chair
The Board of Trustees is the ultimate governance body for the organisation, serving as stewards of the organisation’s resources, and is ultimately responsible for Self Help UK’s strategy, operations, adherence to law and regulation, and financial management. The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis and currently meet virtually every 6 weeks.
Chair Responsibilities
The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:
Strategy and Governance
- Ensuring that the Board operates effectively in the consideration, iteration, and approval of the organisational strategy in support of the charity’s mission and values.
- With Trustees, ensuring that the charity operates efficiently and effectively to fulfil its objectives
- Safeguarding the interests of the charity’s beneficiaries and providing oversight of stakeholder interests
- Maintaining high standards of governance and risk management.
- Ensuring that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to deliver the charity’s aims.
- Ensuring the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities.
- Maintaining compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
- Oversight of the Sub Committees of the board.
- Ensuring a high-performing and effective board by committing to regular appraisal and review of Trustees and board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Trustees).
Guidance and support to the Chief Executive
- Appointment of the Chief Executive and approval of Chief Executive’s salary with the Trustees.
- Line management of and work in partnership with the Chief Executive to support them in achieving the aims of the charity.
- Support and guidance on operations, including personnel management.
Financial
- Ensuring, with the Board, sound financial oversight, including review and approval of the annual budget.
- Oversight of high standards of financial management.
Advocacy and fundraising
- Using personal and professional networks to help the executive with access to potential donors and supporters, including governments, international bodies, corporations, trusts and foundations, NGOs, and individuals.
- Advise and assist in raising and maintaining the charity’s profile in the UK and internationally.
Lead Board Meetings
- Lead all aspects of meeting management.
- Encouraging discussion at Board meetings, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made and implemented.
Remuneration: Unremunerated, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
Time Commitment: Estimated at 2 days per month, but some flexibility and the ability to offer more time on occasion are required. Standard commitments include:
- Attending Board meetings every 6 weeks. Currently, meetings are held via Zoom
- Attendance at subcommittee meetings as necessary
- Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
- Attending, as a minimum, an annual half-day strategy session and other face-to-face events as required
Qualities of a Chair
Essential
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
- Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims, and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
- Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
- Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.
- Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.
Desirable
- Prior experience of committee/trustee work.
- Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.
- A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.
- Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.
- Leadership skills exercised through a period change.
