At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board to ensure effective governance and strategic direction for mental health support.
- Company: Mary Frances Trust, a leading charity focused on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses reimbursed; make a real difference in your community.
- Other info: Flexible role with a supportive and collaborative Board environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of mental health services and empower individuals across Surrey.
- Qualifications: Strong governance experience and a passion for mental health advocacy.
Location: Surrey / Hybrid
Time Commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Term: Three-year term, with potential for reappointment for up to two further terms.
We are open to reasonable adjustments and flexible approaches to the role.
Make a Lasting Impact on Mental Health in Surrey
Mary Frances Trust (MFT) is a leading mental health and emotional wellbeing charity supporting people across Surrey to live fulfilling, empowered lives. We work alongside individuals experiencing any kind of mental or emotional health challenge, offering long term, community based support co-produced with people with lived experience.
As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, we are seeking a Chair of Trustees to guide our Board and help shape the future of our organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who is passionate about mental health, strong governance, and community impact.
About Us
For over 30 years, MFT has delivered high quality, person centred services in partnership with the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary sector. Our values Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile and Respectful underpin everything we do.
Our Board is friendly, collaborative, and committed, providing strong governance and strategic oversight while supporting our dedicated staff and volunteers.
The Role
As Chair, you will:
- Lead the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction.
- Support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive, including annual performance review.
- Foster strong relationships between Trustees, staff, volunteers, Members, the Advisory Group and external partners.
- Act as an ambassador for MFT where appropriate.
- Plan and chair Board meetings and the AGM, ensuring balanced discussion and clear decisions.
- Oversee Board effectiveness, succession planning and compliance with legal and regulatory duties.
- Champion MFT's values and our commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing across Surrey.
Person Specification
You will bring:
- Strong governance and leadership experience.
- The ability to chair meetings confidently and inclusively.
- Sound judgement and the ability to support and challenge constructively.
- Excellent interpersonal, diplomatic and communication skills.
- Understanding of the mental health, wellbeing or wider voluntary sector.
- Capacity to commit 1–2 days per month.
- Commitment to MFT's mission, values and community impact.
Desirable (not essential):
- HR / people governance experience.
- Experience handling escalated complaints or appeals at Board level.
- Experience of co-production or lived experience led approaches.
- Lived experience of mental health issues or caring responsibilities, we value lived experience alongside governance and leadership skills.
How to Apply
Please send:
- Your CV
- A covering letter outlining your interest and how you meet the person specification
To: kerry@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
We welcome applications from people under-represented in charity governance (including disabled people, people from minoritised ethnic communities, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges).
Deadline: 3rd June 2026
Interviews: Second week of June 2026
Anticipated appointment: July 2026 (with handover period)
For an informal, confidential conversation, contact: Sam Greenhouse, Chair of Trustees (sam@maryfrancestrust.org.uk)
Chair of Trustees in Woking employer: LinkedIn
Mary Frances Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on mental health in Surrey. With a collaborative and inclusive work culture, the organisation offers unique opportunities for personal growth and community engagement, allowing individuals to contribute to vital mental health initiatives while being supported by a passionate Board and staff. The flexible approach to the Chair of Trustees role ensures that your leadership can thrive in a supportive environment, making it an ideal position for those committed to enhancing emotional wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees in Woking
✨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 community impact. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for roles to be advertised. Research organisations like Mary Frances Trust and reach out directly. Express your interest in potential opportunities and showcase how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the organisation's values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals, especially in governance and community engagement. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re excited about the role and how you can make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for mental health and how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your governance and leadership experience that’s relevant to the Chair of Trustees role. We’re looking for specific examples that showcase your skills and commitment to community impact.
Showcase Your Values:Make sure to reflect our values—Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile, and Respectful—in your application. We want to see how you embody these principles in your work and interactions, so give us some real-life examples!
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. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Mary Frances Trust's mission and values. Understand their approach to mental health and community support. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Chair of Trustees, it's crucial to demonstrate your governance experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've led teams or boards in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and inclusivity.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the organisation's future plans, challenges they face, or how they measure success. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their long-term vision.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Mental Health
Share any personal experiences or insights related to mental health, whether through lived experience or professional involvement. This will resonate with the board and demonstrate your passion for making a difference in the community.
