At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board to improve mental health and wellbeing in Surrey.
- Company: Mary Frances Trust, a leading mental health charity with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses reimbursed and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Join a friendly, collaborative Board committed to community impact.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on mental health while guiding a passionate team.
- 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 Surrey employer: Mary Frances Trust
Mary Frances Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on mental health in Surrey. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, the organisation fosters a collaborative work culture where trustees can contribute to strategic governance while supporting a passionate team. The role of Chair of Trustees offers a unique opportunity to lead a respected charity, with flexible time commitments and the chance to shape the future of mental health services in the region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees in Surrey
✨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, even if there isn’t a position currently available. It shows initiative and could lead to future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding the organisation’s values and mission. For MFT, that means being ready to discuss how you can champion mental health and wellbeing. Tailor your examples to show how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can make a lasting impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Make sure to highlight your governance experience and passion for mental health in your CV and cover letter.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your governance and leadership experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Chair of Trustees, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about mental health and how you can contribute to MFT’s mission. Keep it personal and engaging – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:As Chair, you'll need to foster strong relationships. In your application, highlight examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others or led teams. We’re looking for someone who can bring people together!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
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. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or navigated challenges, especially in a charity or voluntary sector context. This will demonstrate your capability to chair the Board effectively.
✨Engage with the Team
Be ready to discuss how you would foster relationships among Trustees, staff, and volunteers. Highlight your interpersonal skills and provide examples of how you've built collaborative environments in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the organisation's future direction and challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your values and vision for mental health advocacy.
