Trustee Board Chair in London

AAT is seeking an outstanding Board Chair who will be a Trustee and a non-executive director. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to AAT’s long-term sustainability, support effective decision-making, and help us deliver even greater value for our members, students and the wider profession.

We are AAT - the Association of Accounting Technicians. Formed in 1980, we are the world's leading professional body for accounting technicians – bringing together more than 137,000 members and students. AAT is a professional body, an awarding organisation conferring qualifications, and is also a registered charity in England and Wales. We are a UK company limited by guarantee, with two subsidiaries: AAT Botswana and Accounting Technicians (Services) Limited.

The Chair will provide independent leadership to the Board of Trustees, setting high standards of governance, decision-making and accountability. Candidates should have significant experience chairing boards and committees, a strong understanding of charity governance, and the ability to build constructive challenge and consensus. They will bring sound judgement, integrity and discretion, and be confident operating in complex governance and stakeholder environments, engaging effectively with members, partners and external stakeholders. They will understand the responsibilities of a Trustee and the duties of a non-executive director and will act as an ambassador for AAT’s mission and values.

The Chair will work closely with Board members, the President, the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to set strategic direction, oversee performance and risk, and support effective organisational leadership. They will ensure Board priorities advance AAT’s strategy and charitable objectives, and that governance and culture enable delivery and impact for members, learners and the wider public.

• Work with the Trustee Board and the Executive Leadership Team to provide strategic leadership and oversight of delivery of AAT's 2030 strategy and vision, in accordance with our charitable objectives.
• Ensure exemplary governance of the charity, including shaping and sustaining an effective Board and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in the Board's approach and decision-making.
• Ensure that the Board delivers its key strategic role in securing the charity's long-term viability and sustainability, in accordance with AAT's Articles of Association and scheme of delegation, and in compliance with relevant regulation and legislation.

• Senior strategic leadership experience and a clear understanding of the Chair role.
• Strong corporate governance expertise, gained as a Chair or trustee/Board member and/or through significant Board-level exposure.
• Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, and credibility to help shape and sustain organisational culture.
• Proven ability to motivate senior teams to deliver strategic objectives and outcomes.
• Knowledge of AAT and the context in which it operates, or the enthusiasm and ability to rapidly build this understanding.
• Experience building and sustaining external relationships with key stakeholders; experience with a membership organisation and/or charity board is desirable.

• Ability to lead inclusive Board meetings with clarity and authority, drawing out all trustees' contributions.
• Ability to listen, challenge constructively, build consensus and manage conflict appropriately.
• Leads by example, setting the tone for effective governance, accountability and decision-making.
• Exercises sound, evidence-based judgement, including when handling sensitive or urgent matters.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ambassadorial approach.

Term of office: the term of office will be three years with the option to be re-appointed for a second three-year term.

Remuneration: the role of Trustee is voluntary and unpaid. However, Trustees can claim expenses for travel to meetings and other reasonable costs incurred, in line with the Expenses Policy.

Time commitment: the time commitment for the Chair is expected to be around 30 days a year.

Applications can also be submitted by emailing governance@aat.org.uk (reference: AAT Board Chair 2026). Please ensure to include your CV and cover letter in a single document before uploading. The closing date for applications is noon on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

As a Disability Confident employer, we will guarantee an interview for people with disabilities who meet all the essential criteria. If you would like to be considered under this scheme, please let us know.