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- Tasks: Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure impactful support for people with learning disabilities.
- Company: Join a respected national charity dedicated to empowering individuals to live fulfilling lives.
- Benefits: Be part of a transformative journey and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Shape strategy and amplify voices while leading a passionate team towards meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience and a commitment to inclusion and social impact.
- Other info: This is a unique chance to influence a national charity during a period of growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hamilton Barber Recruitment are delighted to be supporting Real Life Options to recruit their next Chair of Trustees. Real Life Options is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and older people to live fulfilling, independent lives. With over 30 years’ experience, 2,000 colleagues, and services across the UK, we are proud to deliver truly person-centred support that enables people to live the life they choose.
As the current Chair prepares to retire after many years of dedicated service, we are seeking an inspiring and values-driven Chair of the Board to lead the Trustees through the next chapter of their journey.
The Role
As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring Real Life Options continues to fulfil its charitable objectives, maintains the highest standards of governance, and delivers high-quality, person-centred services. Working in close partnership with the Group Chief Executive Officer, you will help steer the organisation through opportunity and change, ensuring we remain financially sustainable, forward-thinking, and firmly rooted in our values.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Board in setting clear strategic direction and providing robust governance and oversight
- Ensure the organisation meets its legal, regulatory, and ethical responsibilities
- Foster a strong, inclusive Board culture with effective challenge, collaboration, and accountability
- Support, mentor, and appraise the Group Chief Executive Officer
- Act as an ambassador for Real Life Options with regulators, funders, partners, and the wider sector
- Champion co-production and the inclusion of lived experience in decision-making
- Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, quality, and person-centred practice
About You
You will be an experienced leader with strong governance credentials and the credibility to chair a complex, national organisation. You do not need to have been a Chair before, but you will bring:
- Significant senior leadership and/or board-level experience
- A strong understanding of governance, risk, and organisational oversight
- The ability to build trusted relationships and lead with integrity
- Strategic insight combined with empathy and sound judgement
- A genuine commitment to inclusion, lived experience, and social impact
Experience within the charity, social care, health, or public sector is welcome but not essential. What matters most is alignment with our values and purpose.
Why Join Real Life Options?
This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in a respected national charity at a time of growth and transformation. As Chair, you will help shape strategy, amplify the voices of people RLO support, and ensure Real Life Options continues to make a meaningful difference to thousands of lives.
Chair of Trustees employer: Hamilton Barber Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Hamilton Barber Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with others who share your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in leading Real Life Options.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role and how your experience aligns with the needs of the Board. Confidence is key, so rehearse with friends or mentors to get feedback.
✨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 love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting people with learning disabilities and the values of Real Life Options shine through. We want to see how your personal commitment aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experience and how it relates to the role of Chair. We appreciate brevity but also want to understand your journey.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any leadership or governance experience you have, even if it’s not directly in the charity sector. We’re looking for transferable skills that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 make a difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hamilton Barber Recruitment
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research Real Life Options. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in supporting people with learning disabilities and older individuals. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a potential Chair of Trustees, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to lead diverse teams, manage governance issues, and drive strategic initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered collaboration and accountability in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Real Life Options values inclusion and lived experience. During the interview, share your thoughts on how you can champion these principles as Chair. Discuss any relevant experiences where you've successfully integrated diverse perspectives into decision-making processes.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions for the panel. Ask about the current strategic priorities, the Board's culture, and how they envision the future of the organisation. This shows your engagement and helps you assess if the role aligns with your values.
