At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Trustees and ensure effective governance for Leeds Mind.
- Company: Leeds Mind, a local mental health charity with over 50 years of community support.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mental health services and support your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership roles and a passion for mental health advocacy.
- Other info: Join a diverse Board committed to inclusion and community representation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
About Leeds Mind
Leeds Mind is an independent local mental health charity supporting adults and young people across Leeds and West Yorkshire. Rooted in over 50 years of community-based work, Leeds Mind provides early intervention, prevention and recovery-focused support, shaped by lived experience and grounded in equity, inclusion and compassion.
At a time of growing demand and complexity across mental health services, strong, values-led governance is critical. We are now seeking an experienced and committed Chair of Trustees to provide leadership, stability and strategic direction to our Board.
The role
As Chair, you will lead the Board of Trustees, working in close partnership with the CEO to ensure Leeds Mind is well-governed, financially sustainable and true to its mission and values.
- Provide clear, inclusive and confident leadership to the Board
- Set the tone for a culture of openness, accountability and constructive challenge
- Create a supportive partnership with the CEO, acting as a trusted sounding board to enable the delivery of organisational strategy and development
- Ensure effective governance, decision-making and committee structures
- Represent Leeds Mind externally and act as an ambassador for the charity
- Help steer the organisation through its next phase improving visibility and demonstrating impact
This is a pivotal role for someone who cares deeply about mental health, people and community, and who brings the credibility and confidence to lead a team at Board level.
About you
You are likely to bring:
- Previous experience as a Chair, Vice Chair or senior Trustee (or equivalent leadership experience)
- Strong strategic judgement and the ability to balance support with challenge
- An understanding of good governance and the responsibilities of trusteeship
- Emotional intelligence, warmth and the ability to build trust and consensus
- A values-led, trauma-informed approach to leadership
- Experience from the charity, public or private sector is welcome. Commercial and/or strategic organisational development experience would be an advantage; alignment with Leeds Mindβs values is essential.
Time commitment
Approximately 1β2 days per month, including:
- Board meetings
- Committee involvement and ad hoc support to the CEO
The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The appointment is for an initial three-year term.
How to apply
Leeds Mind welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
Pratap Executive is supporting Leeds Mind with this appointment. All applications and initial enquiries will be managed by Emma Panariello, who is leading the search on behalf of the charity. To apply, please submit your CV to: Emma Panariello, Pratap Executive emma@pratapexecutive.com Informal and confidential conversations about the role are warmly welcomed.
Chair of the Board of Trustees in Leeds employer: Leeds Mind
Contact Detail:
Leeds Mind Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chair of the Board of Trustees in Leeds
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health sector or related fields. Attend events, join forums, and engage with people who share your passion for mental health. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect opportunity!
β¨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Donβt just wait for job postings to appear. Research organisations like Leeds Mind and reach out directly. Express your interest in their mission and values, and let them know how you can contribute. We love seeing passionate candidates take the initiative!
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the organisation's culture and values. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and challenges. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals, making you a standout candidate!
β¨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, itβs a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Board of Trustees in Leeds
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Chair of Trustees role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant governance knowledge to show us youβre the right fit.
Show Your Passion: In your application, let us see your passion for mental health and community support. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to want to lead at Leeds Mind.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leeds Mind
β¨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on Leeds Mind's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around mental health and community support. This will show that youβre not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisationβs culture.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Chair of the Board, itβs crucial to articulate your leadership style. Prepare examples from your past experiences where youβve successfully led a team or board, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight how you balance support with constructive challenge, as this is key for effective governance.
β¨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic judgement and decision-making. Brush up on current trends in mental health services and think about how you would steer Leeds Mind through its next phase. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
β¨Engage in Open Dialogue
During the interview, foster an atmosphere of openness. Ask insightful questions about the Boardβs dynamics and the relationship with the CEO. This not only shows your interest but also your commitment to creating a culture of accountability and collaboration within the Board.