Chair of Trustees - Charity Mentors Kent and Medway - Volunteer

Charity Mentors Kent and Medway (CMKM) provides free strategic mentoring to charity and not-for-profit leaders across Kent and Medway helping strengthen leadership, governance and sustainability. We are seeking an experienced Chair of Trustees to lead our next phase of growth and development.

The charity sector is operating in an increasingly challenging environment, facing growing demand for services alongside financial pressures, workforce challenges and changing expectations of governance and leadership. CMKM provides a unique and highly valued service by offering experienced, independent mentors to support charity leaders as they navigate these challenges and strengthen their organisations. As Chair, you will play a vital role in helping more charities access that support. Your leadership will enable CMKM to extend its reach, increase its impact and help voluntary organisations across Kent and Medway become more resilient, effective and sustainable. This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced leader who is passionate about strengthening the charity sector and making a lasting difference to communities across Kent and Medway.

What are we looking for?

• We are seeking an individual with the leadership skills, experience and commitment to guide CMKM through its next stage of growth.
• Senior leadership experience gained in the voluntary, public or private sector.
• Previous experience as a charity trustee, together with a sound understanding of trustee responsibilities, governance and the regulatory environment.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to support long-term organisational development.
• Experience of working constructively with senior staff and volunteers.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• An understanding of, or commitment to, the voluntary and community sector.

In addition, you will:

• Be committed to the mission, values and objectives of Charity Mentors Kent and Medway.
• Demonstrate integrity, impartiality and sound judgement.
• Promote an open, inclusive and respectful culture.
• Be willing to devote the time required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role, including occasional travel within Kent and Medway.
• Live in, or have strong connections with, Kent and Medway.

What will you be doing?

This is an exciting opportunity to succeed our founding Chair and build on the strong foundations established since the charity's inception. As Chair, you will lead the Board of Trustees in delivering CMKM's three-year strategic plan, helping us expand the reach and impact of our mentoring services across Kent and Medway. Working closely with the Charity Manager and fellow trustees, you will support the development of the organisation by increasing our mentor capacity, strengthening operational systems and ensuring that CMKM remains responsive to the evolving needs of the voluntary sector. You will provide effective leadership to the Board, ensuring high standards of governance, strategic oversight and financial stewardship. You will help create a collaborative and inclusive culture in which trustees, volunteers and staff can contribute fully to the charity's success. As the public face of CMKM, you will also act as an ambassador for the organisation, building relationships with funders, donors, local authorities, voluntary sector partners and other stakeholders. Through these relationships, you will help raise the charity's profile, strengthen its reputation and secure support for its future development.