Chair of the Board of Trustees in Newcastle upon Tyne

This is a place‑based charity operating across the North East of England, with a core mission to improve quality of life in communities experiencing the greatest need through the power of physical activity, movement and sport. The organisation provides systems leadership and operational support to a wide network of partners, enabling them to use movement, sport and physical activity to improve:

• Physical and mental wellbeing
• Educational outcomes
• Community cohesion
• Long‑term social, economic and health inequalities

The charity works collaboratively with local, regional and national stakeholders including local authorities, health systems, education providers, funding bodies, criminal justice partners, businesses and the voluntary and community sector. The organisation has experienced significant growth in recent years, with:

• Annual turnover of approximately £1.8m
• A staff team of around 45 people
• Core funding currently provided primarily through a national public body

The charity is now entering its next phase of development, focused on deepening impact, strengthening sustainability, and diversifying income.

The organisation seeks to appoint a strategic, influential and values‑led Chair to lead the Board and support the charity’s continued growth, impact and long‑term sustainability. The Chair will provide strategic leadership, strong governance and external advocacy, working in close partnership with the Chief Executive and fellow Board members. They will act as an ambassador and champion for the organisation, helping to open doors, build relationships and influence across the region and beyond. This role is suited to an individual with calm ambition, someone who can combine strategic challenge with collaboration, humility and trust‑building.

Key Responsibilities

• Board Leadership & Governance
  • Lead the Board to ensure effective governance, accountability and strategic oversight
  • Create the conditions for a high‑performing, compliant and values‑led Board
  • Ensure the Board fulfils its fiduciary and legal duties
  • Support the development and effectiveness of Board members
  • Lead Board and Chair‑level performance reviews
• Strategic Leadership
  • Shape, challenge and support the organisation’s long‑term, mission‑led strategy
  • Enable strategic adaptation in response to changing external conditions
  • Support horizon scanning for opportunities, risks and emerging trends
• Chief Executive Partnership
  • Build and maintain a strong, trusting and constructive relationship with the Chief Executive
  • Act as a sounding board, mentor and strategic partner
  • Ensure a healthy and effective Board–Executive interface
• Influence, Advocacy & Systems Leadership
  • Act as an influential advocate for the organisation’s mission and impact
  • Represent the organisation externally at regional and, where appropriate, national level
  • Use personal networks to support partnership development, income generation and profile‑raising
  • Support systems leadership in complex, place‑based environments
• Financial & Risk Oversight
  • Provide oversight of financial planning, controls and long‑term sustainability
  • Support income diversification strategies in a shifting funding landscape
  • Ensure effective identification and mitigation of strategic, reputational and system risks

Person Specification

Essential

• Senior‑level experience providing strategic leadership and governance
• Proven understanding of Board responsibilities, governance best practice and fiduciary duties
• Experience navigating ambiguity, complexity and organisational change
• Strong financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational sustainability
• Ability to lead Boards through growth, transition and evolving external environments

Desirable

• Experience within or alongside charities, public bodies or values‑led organisations
• Experience of supporting income diversification and partnership‑led funding models

Influence & Networks

• Strong, high‑level professional network, particularly regionally
• Ability to build relationships across sectors such as health, education, local government, business and the voluntary sector
• Credibility to influence senior stakeholders and decision‑makers

Leadership Style & Values

• Deep belief in the power of physical activity, movement and sport to improve lives and communities
• Ego‑less, collaborative leadership style
• High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills
• Commitment to inclusive, ethical and values‑driven leadership
• Curious, resilient and willing to constructively challenge

Time Commitment

Approximate commitments include: 4 Board meetings per year (in person), 2 strategic planning sessions per year, monthly meetings with the Chief Executive, attendance at the AGM, stakeholder engagement and external representation as required, occasional sub‑committee meetings and ad hoc strategic support, preparation time for all meetings and activity.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The organisation is committed to equality of opportunity and to building a Board that reflects the communities and places it exists to serve. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, and from both within and beyond the sectors in which the organisation works.