At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity through pivotal change, shaping its future direction and impact.
- Company: Established infrastructure charity with a strong local reputation.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses covered, meaningful community impact.
- Other info: Flexible time commitment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in community life and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Confident leadership skills and strategic thinking; experience in voluntary sector is a plus.
What does it look like to Chair a charity at a pivotal moment of change? Charity People is partnering with an established infrastructure charity that is supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond. With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, this charity plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact. Now, at an important point in its development, the organisation is focused on building on its strengths, refining how it works, and positioning itself to be futureproof. We're looking for a new Chair to lead the charity into its next phase.
Location: Based in North Somerset working across the South West and beyond.
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered.
Time commitment: Currently in period of transition, to be considered and agreed with the successful candidate. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum, 3-4 Governance group meetings per annum, regular meetings with the CEO, as well as ad-hoc meetings, preparation and urgent, unplanned matters. Governance commitment supported by a Vice-Chair.
About the opportunity
This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. You'll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership, focus on achieving growth, and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve. Following a period of growth and change, there is clear ambition to move further towards a more strategic and robust operating model, strengthening internal structures to deliver and support greater external impact.
As Chair, you'll play a key role in:
- Keeping the Board focused, effective and forward‑looking
- Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive
- Ensuring clear governance, decision-making, and delivery
This may require someone comfortable and willing to move between strategy and hands-on support, particularly in the early stages. It will suit someone able to work in a changing environment, who is willing to invest time and leadership where it's needed most. The exciting opportunity here is to leave a legacy of sustainability and impact.
About you
We're open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair, or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident, thoughtful and effective leadership. We're particularly interested in people who can:
- Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture
- Build strong, effective relationships across a Board and executive team
- Balance support and challenge in a constructive way
- Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability
Experience of the voluntary sector, health or place‑based working would be valuable, but it's not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.
Why this role matters
This organisation has laid solid foundations under the previous Chair's tenure, with a strong local reputation, passionate people and now gathering momentum. The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:
- Strategically-focussed, well governed and meets its goals
- Investing in building VANS and financially resilient
- Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond
This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.
How to apply
A CV or short profile is a great first step. We'd also welcome an informal conversation if you'd prefer to ask some questions first. Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search. Deadline: 9am on Wednesday 17th June. Interview dates to be confirmed and included in the pack.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
Chair of the Board in North Newton employer: Charity People
As a Chair of the Board for this established infrastructure charity in North Somerset, you will be part of a dynamic and inclusive organisation dedicated to strengthening communities and amplifying collective voices. The charity offers a unique opportunity to lead during a pivotal moment of change, with a strong focus on strategic growth and sustainability, while fostering a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences. This role not only allows for meaningful contributions to community life but also provides a platform for personal and professional growth within a supportive governance framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of the Board in North Newton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Chair role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get familiar with the charity's mission and values. When you land that interview, showing genuine passion for their work will set you apart. Do your homework and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you can balance support and challenge as a Chair. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership style and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any tips or advice.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Board in North Newton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh:Before diving into the application, make sure your CV is up to date. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Chair role. We want to see how you can bring value to our charity!
Read the Job Specs Thoroughly:Take your time to read through the job description carefully. Understanding what we’re looking for in a Chair will help you tailor your application and show us you’re the right fit for this pivotal moment of change.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, don’t just list your experiences; share your leadership philosophy. We’re keen to know how you balance support and challenge, and how you envision guiding our charity towards its goals.
Apply Through Our Website:When you're ready, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know the Charity Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the charity's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their current challenges and successes will help you articulate how your leadership can guide them through this pivotal moment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Craft questions that show your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the charity's future. Ask about their vision for growth and how they plan to strengthen community connections. This demonstrates your commitment to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your approach to leadership, especially in a changing environment. Share examples of how you've balanced support and challenge in previous roles, highlighting your ability to foster strong relationships with both the Board and executive team.
✨Emphasise Your Commercial Awareness
Discuss your understanding of sustainability and how it applies to the charity sector. Highlight any relevant experience that showcases your ability to think strategically about financial resilience and impact, which is crucial for the role of Chair.
