Chair Designate in Oxford

As a Trustee your role will be to ensure adherence to the Charity's historical purposes: to help St Michael's Church continue to be an active church community in the heart of Oxford by supporting the upkeep of the church buildings, allowing the church to be open every day for personal quiet reflection and for the enjoyment of its historical heritage.

To support local charities focusing on community benefits in Oxford and the surrounding county by ensuring 10% of net income, after management and property expenses, is allocated to residents in Oxford for the relief of need, hardship or distress. Over the last two years, considerable work has been undertaken by the Trustees to review and implement property and investment strategies, with some major goals achieved in 2025. We are therefore looking for Trustees who can continue to review plans and support the charity to maximise its positive contribution to the community it serves.

The incoming Chair Designate would support the charity to increase the range of diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise on the Board to enhance decision‑making and governance. The Chair would also provide line management to the Clerk, the Charity's only employee, who has responsibility for the day‑to‑day management of the charity.

We are looking for candidates who are willing to develop a sympathetic understanding of the work of the Charity and have experience working in an environment governed by a legislative or regulatory framework, whether charitable, non‑profit or private sector. The Charity invites expressions of interest for the Chair Designate of the Board of Trustees; the current Chair plans to step down from the role in 2027. Our priority is to increase our understanding and awareness of the charitable sector and needs within Oxford and the wider county. We would also welcome expertise on our board in legal and property matters. Preference will be given to applicants who can evidence experience in at least one of these areas. The Charity wishes to increase the range of diverse backgrounds, experiences and expertise on the Board to enhance decision‑making and therefore encourages applications from all communities and backgrounds.

Trustees with commercial property management and/or legal backgrounds will provide the board with the required experience to continue developing and implementing its property strategy with even greater confidence. This year, following the recent merger of two charities to become The St Michael's and All Saints' Charity, the charity will redevelop its website to support greater reach and engagement with the local community. As a trustee with digital skills you can work closely with the clerk and oversee this project.

For additional information on the charity and current trustees, please visit https://stmichaelscharities.org.uk/.