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 commitment of 1-2 days per month; inclusive environment welcoming diverse applicants.
- 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
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.
Chair of Trustees in Guildford employer: Mary Frances Trust
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. As a Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our charity, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model and the chance to make a lasting difference in people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees in Guildford
✨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 contributing to their mission and see if there are any upcoming opportunities that might not be publicly listed yet.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the organisation’s values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but genuinely passionate about making a difference in mental health.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and committed to our mission of improving mental health across Surrey.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees in Guildford
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 MFT's mission. Keep it personal and engaging, showing us why you’re the perfect fit for the Chair of Trustees role.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to highlight your governance and leadership experience relevant to the role. We want to see how your skills can help guide our Board and make a real impact in the community.
Showcase Your Values:MFT’s values are key to our work. In your application, reflect on how you embody these values—Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile, and Respectful. This will help us see how you can champion our mission and lead effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mary Frances Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Mary Frances Trust's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their approach to mental health and community support will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your governance and leadership experience. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams or boards in the past, especially in challenging situations, as this role requires strong decision-making and support for the Chief Executive.
✨Engage with the Team
Demonstrate your interpersonal skills by engaging with the interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the Board's dynamics and how they collaborate with staff and volunteers. This shows you're not just a leader but also a team player.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Mental Health
Share your passion for mental health and any relevant experiences, whether personal or professional. Highlighting your understanding of the sector and commitment to improving wellbeing will resonate well with the values of Mary Frances Trust.
