Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Trustees to support a charity transforming lives with assistance dogs.
- Company: Canine Partners is a charity enhancing independence for people with physical disabilities through trained assistance dogs.
- Benefits: Flexible commitment of around 2 days a month, with opportunities for impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real difference in people's lives and fostering community.
- Qualifications: Experience in charity governance and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Encouraging applications from under-represented backgrounds to promote diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with Canine Partners, a registered charity that transforms the lives of people with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. Their amazing dogs bring a greater independence and quality of life to their partners, offering security, companionship, and practical help with everyday household tasks. These life-changing dogs also provide psychological and social benefits including increased independence, confidence, social interaction, and self-esteem.
With the planned departure of the Chair, the Board of Trustees are now seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees. The new Chair will foster an environment of consensus and collaboration, ensure Canine Partners' mission and vision is met and provide inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also work in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team, helping them achieve their vision for the organisation, while serving as a line manager to the CEO.
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:
- Experience of charity governance and of serving on a Board of Trustees, as a trustee, vice-chair or chair.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role.
- Experience operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation.
- Significant experience of indirect leadership, chairing cross-functional meetings and events.
The Chair is expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, the Annual Retirement Meeting and 1-2 strategy days per annum. The Chair can also participate in sub-committees. The Chair’s time commitment is likely to be around 2 days a month (4 days a month initially for induction). Trustees are elected to serve terms of three years with an expectation that they will serve no more than 2 terms of three years (6 years in total), with the exception that service as an Officer might override this.
Canine Partners particularly welcomes applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds who are currently under-represented within the organisation.
For more information, please contact Katherine Anderson-Scott, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment, info@charismarecruitment.co.uk or 01962 813300. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and a supporting statement.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. Should you require any support or adjustments during the application process, please contact Charisma who will be happy to discuss this with you.
Closing date: Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Interviews with Canine Partners: TBC
Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by lunchtime on Wednesday 9th July, prior to shortlist submission by end of day.
Chair of Trustees employer: Canine Partners
Contact Detail:
Canine Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former trustees of Canine Partners or similar charities. Engaging in conversations with them can provide valuable insights into the role and expectations, as well as help you understand the culture of the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the charity's mission and recent initiatives. Being well-versed in their work will not only demonstrate your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals during any informal discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Attend events or webinars related to charity governance and leadership. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also expand your network, potentially connecting you with individuals who can advocate for your candidacy.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to the Associate Director, Katherine Anderson-Scott, for an informal chat about the role. This shows initiative and gives you a chance to ask questions that could strengthen your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chair of Trustees position. Familiarise yourself with Canine Partners' mission and values to align your application accordingly.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in charity governance and leadership roles. Emphasise any previous positions on a Board of Trustees and your skills in relationship-building and strategic leadership.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly articulate why you are passionate about the role and how your background aligns with Canine Partners' goals. Use specific examples to demonstrate your leadership experience and interpersonal skills.
Review and Submit: Before submitting your application, review all documents for clarity and accuracy. Ensure that your CV and supporting statement are well-structured and free from errors. Submit your application through the Charisma website as instructed.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canine Partners
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Canine Partners' mission and vision. Familiarise yourself with how their assistance dogs transform lives and be prepared to discuss how your values align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Governance Experience
Highlight your experience in charity governance and your previous roles on Boards of Trustees. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've contributed to effective governance and decision-making in past positions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As the Chair of Trustees, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your experience in leading teams, chairing meetings, and fostering collaboration among diverse groups. Share examples that illustrate your indirect leadership style.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful inquiries about the organisation's future plans, challenges they face, and how the Board can support the Senior Leadership Team in achieving their vision.
