At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Trustees to make a positive impact on older people's lives in York.
- Company: Age UK York, a local charity dedicated to supporting older individuals.
- Benefits: Gain valuable leadership experience and contribute to meaningful community work.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your skills in governance and charity leadership.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and strong chairing skills are essential.
Your knowledge, skills and experience could make a positive difference as a Chair of Trustees for Age UK York – an independent, local charity supporting older people in the city. This is a volunteer role, offering the opportunity to contribute actively to the lives of older people in our communities, and gain leadership and Board experience with a collaborative team of committed Trustees.
What are we looking for?
- Senior leadership experience (board, executive, or NED level).
- Previous trustee, board, or committee leadership experience.
- Strong chairing skills and the ability to lead diverse groups to effective decisions.
- Experience of managing and appraising senior executives.
- Financial literacy sufficient to scrutinise accounts and understand mixed income models.
- A strong understanding of trustee duties, charity governance, and regulatory compliance.
- Insight into the issues affecting older people today.
- Excellent communication, listening, and facilitation skills.
- Integrity, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative leadership style.
- Commitment to Age UK York’s mission and values and a passion to support older people and those around them.
Desirable
- Experience in health, social care, community, or mission‑led organisations.
- Experience of leading organisational change or transformation.
- Experience of leading an organisation dependent on generating income from diverse sources and/or implementing successful fundraising strategies.
- Understanding of York’s voluntary, statutory, or health landscape.
- Lived experience relating to the challenges facing older people.
What will you be doing?
Your knowledge, skills and experience could make a positive difference to Age UK York – an independent charity with the mission “We make a positive difference to the lives of the older people of York.” In challenging times for all charities, Age UK York has continued to adapt and evolve to offer a range of relevant services and support for older people and extend our reach to try to meet need as effectively as possible, whilst increasing our active involvement with partners towards the collective effort here in York.
To build and grow the charity to meet increasing need, we have, over recent years, expanded our Trustee Board, complementing the skills of existing Trustees and broadening our Board’s diversity. With the full term coming up later this year for a number of our existing trustees, we are recruiting Trustees and a Chair of Trustees. Acting collectively as a Board, the Trustees set the vision, mission and strategic direction of the organisation, based on the Charity’s stated objects as defined in its governing document (Memorandum and Articles of Association). Trustees have statutory responsibilities for the financial stability and good governance of the Charity. Applicants should reside in York or the surrounding area to have sufficient knowledge of the local environment and communities.
Chair of Trustees for York Charity - Volunteer employer: Age UK York
Age UK York is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the community. As a volunteer Chair of Trustees, you will join a dedicated team committed to enhancing the lives of older people in York, while gaining invaluable leadership experience and contributing to the strategic direction of the charity. With a collaborative work culture and a focus on diversity, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage with local issues and drive positive change in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees for York Charity - Volunteer
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees for York Charity - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Age UK York, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Age UK York.
How to prepare for a job interview at Age UK York
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Age UK York and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
