At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for Milestones Trust.
- Company: Milestones Trust, a respected charity supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed; make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a committed team and drive innovation in a complex environment.
- Why this job: Join a values-driven organisation and shape the future of social care in your region.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector and strong understanding of charity governance.
Milestones Trust is a respected and long‑established charity supporting over 540 people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health needs across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. With a proud 40‑year history, the Trust is known for its person‑centred approach, high‑quality services, and strong values: we start with the individual, we bring people close, we take our creativity to work, and we are courageous in our approach.
Operating at significant scale, Milestones Trust employs over 1,300 staff, delivers services with an annual income of approximately £48m, and manages a diverse portfolio of services and assets in a complex and highly regulated social care environment.
They are now seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to provide strategic leadership, uphold strong governance, and work closely with the Chief Executive and Executive Team as the organisation enters an exciting new strategic cycle (2026–2030). The Chair will guide a committed and experienced Board, ensuring the Trust remains focused on its mission, delivers measurable outcomes, and continues to innovate within a challenging social care landscape.
As Chair, you will have formal governance responsibilities, including oversight of Board and Committee effectiveness, ensuring appropriate delegation and assurance across core committees (including Finance & Resources, Governance & Risk, and Support & Development), and supporting robust decision‑making, accountability, and compliance with charity governance standards. You will also play a key role in supporting, appraising and constructively challenging the Chief Executive.
Who we are looking for: we are keen to hear from individuals with senior leadership experience in the not‑for‑profit sector, whether through executive roles, non‑executive positions, or significant voluntary involvement. You will bring strategic insight, sound judgement, and a collaborative leadership style.
You will also demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of charity governance and board effectiveness, including experience of leading or chairing boards or committees
- The ability to oversee organisational performance, risk, and assurance through effective committee structures
- Financial acumen, with the confidence to interpret complex financial information and support long‑term financial sustainability
- Experience operating within complex organisations, ideally within regulated or stakeholder‑rich environments
- A commitment to fostering an inclusive, high‑performing board culture that enables constructive challenge and collective accountability
- Experience of change management, risk oversight, and working with complex stakeholder environments will be particularly valuable.
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a values‑driven organisation with a strong reputation, solid financial footing, and clear ambition for the future. The Chair will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Board operates effectively, adding value at both strategic and organisational levels while supporting sustainable growth and innovation.
For further details and to apply, please send your CV and Expression of Interest to Sandy Hinks and Leighann Beck, quoting reference MC2735.
Disclaimer: Milestones Trust has retained Moon Executive Search to manage this campaign and is therefore unable to accept CVs from third‑party agencies. All CVs and Expressions of Interest received will be forwarded directly to Moon Executive Search for consideration.
Chairperson - Milestones Trust in Bristol employer: Moon Executive Search
Milestones Trust is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs across the Bristol region. With a strong emphasis on person-centred care, the Trust fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering opportunities for professional growth and development within a well-respected charity. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a crucial role in guiding a dedicated team, ensuring effective governance, and driving innovation in a meaningful and impactful environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chairperson - Milestones Trust in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those involved with governance or board roles. A personal introduction can make all the difference when applying for positions like Chairperson.
✨Tip Number 2
Do your homework on Milestones Trust! Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership style! Think about examples from your past experiences that highlight your strategic insight and collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss how you can support the Chief Executive and Board effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our values at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Chairperson - Milestones Trust in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Chairperson role. Highlight your leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector and any relevant governance roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Expression of Interest:In your Expression of Interest, share your passion for supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Be sure to connect your personal values with those of Milestones Trust to show you’re a great fit.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Since financial sustainability is key for this role, don’t shy away from discussing your experience with complex financial information. Give examples of how you've contributed to financial oversight in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Moon Executive Search
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on charity governance and board effectiveness. Familiarise yourself with Milestones Trust's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your collaborative leadership style and how you've successfully led or chaired boards in the past. Think of specific examples where you've fostered an inclusive culture and encouraged constructive challenge.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since financial acumen is crucial for this role, be prepared to interpret complex financial information. Bring examples of how you've supported long-term financial sustainability in previous roles, especially in regulated environments.
✨Emphasise Change Management Experience
Highlight your experience with change management and working within complex stakeholder environments. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated challenges and driven innovation in past positions, particularly in the not-for-profit sector.
