Chair, Board of Trustees in Frome, Somerset

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 on rebecca@icanandiam.com.

Key Responsibilities

• 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
• Ensure that the charity operates in line with its stated purpose and strategy

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, safeguarding, education and wellbeing
• Ensure the Board operates effectively and in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance and the charity’s governing document
• 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 preferably having served as trustee
• 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, including the Charity’s staff and donors

Desirable (in priority order):

• 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. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please get in touch—we are here to support you.

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. Over the past few years, the charity has grown significantly in both reach and reputation. More than 40,000 young people participated in workshops on board our double decker buses, and with the launch of our third bus planned for 2026, we are poised to extend our impact even further. We are also expanding our offer into the SEND sector, ensuring that more young people can access tailored support that meets their individual needs. Alongside programme growth, we are strengthening our long-term sustainability through new partnerships and initiatives, including a programme designed to increase local corporate engagement and support. As a result, I Can & I Am is increasingly recognised as a leading mental health charity across the South West, with a growing profile among schools, businesses, funders and community partners. We are now at a pivotal stage in our journey. With ambitious plans to deepen our impact, broaden our reach and build a sustainable platform for future growth, we are seeking a Chair who can provide strategic leadership, strong governance and thoughtful challenge. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a dynamic and growing charity and ensure that even more young people can benefit from our work in the years ahead.