At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Trustees to drive impactful change for young people.
- Company: Join I Can & I Am, a leading mental health charity empowering youth.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed and flexible commitment.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional in-person meetings in Bath.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic charity and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and communication skills; experience in governance preferred.
We are in the final couple of weeks of inviting potential applicants to the role of Chair of the board at I Can & I Am to submit their expression of interest. We are interviewing in early October. If you, or someone that you know, might be interested in finding out more, then we'd love to hear from you!
I Can & I Am is seeking an experienced and values-driven Chair of Trustees to lead our Board through the next stage of the charity’s development. The Chair will provide strategic leadership and ensure the charity is well governed, financially sustainable and delivering meaningful impact for young people. Working closely with the CEO and fellow trustees, the Chair will help foster a positive and ambitious culture that reflects the charity’s mission and values.
To apply: please send your CV and a short supporting statement to the charity CEO Rebecca Burton.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Management
- Lead board meetings effectively and efficiently
- Support Trustee development and recruitment
- Work closely with the CEO to shape board agendas and ensure trustees receive timely and relevant information
- Support, appraise and provide constructive challenge to the CEO
- Inspire and motivate those involved in the charity leading with passion and purpose
- Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect the Charity’s interests
- Strategy
- Ensure that The Charity’s purpose and strategy is clear, and that it is reviewed at appropriate milestones
- Operations
- Provide strategic oversight of organisational plans, policies and performance
- Ensure that safeguarding and EDI remain a priority
- Governance & Finance
- Oversee The Charity’s financial plans, budgets and risk monitoring
- Promote high standards of governance and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory bodies
- Ensure the Board remains informed about developments affecting the charity sector
- Ensure the Board operates effectively and in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance
- Promote a positive, inclusive and accountable board culture
- External Relations & Advocacy
- Contribute to the broader promotion of The Charity’s objects, aims and reputation
- Act as an ambassador for the charity
- Support partnerships and fundraising where possible
- Attend events and meetings on behalf of the Charity
Skills and Experience Criteria:
- Essential
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and facilitation skills
- Understanding of the charity sector and associated laws and regulations
- Previous experience chairing a board, committee or senior leadership group
- Clear understanding of good governance and how to execute it
- The ability to think creatively and strategically
- Capable of exercising good, independent judgement
- A passion for empowering young people to develop confidence, self-belief and resilience
- Ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with others
- Desirable
- Understanding of the mental health challenges facing young people
- Strong understanding of the education sector and the wider eco-system
- Extensive experience of working in commercial organisations
- Experience of guiding organisations through growth
Supporting Information
- Location: The charity’s team is based remotely in and around Bath (with some in-person and virtual meetings) but offers its services nationwide.
- Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
- Time Commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month, including board meetings, preparation and occasional events. 4 board meetings each year in person in Bath.
- Term of Appointment: Initial term of 3 years, renewable
- Timings: Applications close on Friday 25th September with in person interviews to take place on October 2nd with an appointment to be made by late October.
- EDI: We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
About I Can & I Am
At I Can & I Am, we believe every young person deserves the confidence to recognise their strengths, overcome challenges and fulfil their potential. We work with schools and communities to equip young people with the confidence, resilience and self-belief they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Chair, Board of Trustees in Bath employer: I Can & I Am
I Can & I Am is an exceptional employer that fosters a positive and inclusive work culture, dedicated to empowering young people. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the charity offers meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth. Located in Bath, the role of Chair of Trustees provides a unique chance to lead a dynamic organisation poised for significant impact across the South West.
