At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic leadership and support for a community-focused children's café.
- Company: The Owl Tree Children’s Cafe, a welcoming space for families in Newcastle upon Tyne.
- Benefits: Make a meaningful social impact while working with a passionate team.
- Other info: Join a dedicated board with opportunities for community engagement.
- Why this job: Help shape a safe, inclusive environment for families and children.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, governance, or working with charities and families.
The Owl Tree is a friendly, welcoming family-focused community space in Newcastle upon Tyne. Parents, carers, children and community members connect over great coffee, nutritious food and conversation. Our café is at the heart of the nest and is designed for families, with a safe, child‑friendly environment and affordable menu, making it a much‑loved meeting place.
Working as part of the team of board members, this voluntary role provides high level strategic leadership, ensuring the Owl Tree delivers meaningful social impact, remains financially sustainable, and continues to be a warm, inclusive and safe space for families. This is a non-operational role focused on vision, governance, financial oversight, and promotion of the Owl Tree. You will be supporting the operational team to deliver high quality experiences for children, parents, and carers.
Qualifications:
- HR and governance including statutory and regulatory obligations
- Work within charities, CICs, or experience with fundraising and commissioning
- Work with families including safeguarding, early years, family support and/or mental health and wellbeing
- Strategic vision and direction including business planning
Responsibilities:
- High level strategic leadership on the CIC board of directors
- Attendance at a minimum of 4 board meetings per year plus additional meetings as needed
- Ensuring financial sustainability and promotion of the Owl Tree
- Supporting operational team to deliver high quality experiences for children, parents, and carers
Directors employer: Connected Voice
The Owl Tree Children’s Cafe CIC is an exceptional employer that fosters a warm and inclusive work culture, making it a beloved community hub in Newcastle upon Tyne. As a board member, you will have the opportunity to provide strategic leadership while contributing to meaningful social impact, ensuring families have access to a safe and nurturing environment. With a focus on professional growth and collaboration, this voluntary role allows you to make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families, all within a supportive and community-oriented setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Directors
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend community events or gatherings related to family support and charities. This way, you can meet people who share your passion and might even know about opportunities at The Owl Tree.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local initiatives! Volunteering at similar organisations can give you valuable insights and connections. Plus, it shows your commitment to the community, which is a big plus for us at The Owl Tree.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow The Owl Tree on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Engage with our posts and share your thoughts; it’s a great way to get noticed by the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you can showcase your passion for creating a warm, inclusive space for families right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Directors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community work shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating a welcoming space for families and how your values align with ours at The Owl Tree.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have in governance, charity work, or working with families. We’re looking for directors who can bring valuable insights and skills to the table, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your thoughts are well-organised and easy to follow. This will help us understand your vision and how you can contribute to our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our board!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Voice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the mission and values of The Owl Tree. Familiarise yourself with their community impact, financial sustainability strategies, and how they support families. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight your background in HR, governance, or working with charities. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've made a difference, especially in strategic leadership or financial oversight. This will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the board.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the future direction of The Owl Tree and how the board can support the operational team. This not only shows your engagement but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your vision.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since this role involves collaboration with the operational team, share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your ability to support others while maintaining a strategic focus, which is crucial for this position.
