At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Trustees and shape mental health support in North Kent.
- Company: North Kent Mind, a local charity dedicated to mental health services.
- Benefits: Access to development opportunities, reimbursement of expenses, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on mental health services and support your community.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience and a passion for mental health advocacy.
Help Shape the Future of Mental Health Support in North Kent. North Kent Mind is seeking an inspirational and strategic leader to become our next Chair of the Board of Trustees. As a local independent mental health charity affiliated with Mind, we support people across North Kent and Medway through a wide range of services including counselling, crisis support, housing support, employment services, and children and young people's mental health programmes. This is a unique opportunity to use your leadership skills to make a lasting difference to the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges in our communities.
About the Role
As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work closely with our Chief Executive to ensure North Kent Mind continues to deliver on its vision, mission, and strategic objectives. You will provide governance leadership, support effective decision-making, and help ensure the organisation remains sustainable, impactful, and focused on the needs of local people.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and chairing the Board of Trustees
- Providing strategic leadership and direction for the organisation
- Provide line management and support to the Chief Executive on behalf of the board
- Ensuring effective governance and compliance with charity and company law
- Promoting strong collaboration between Trustees and the Executive Team
- Overseeing organisational performance against strategic goals
- Supporting succession planning, trustee development, and board effectiveness
- Acting as an ambassador for North Kent Mind where appropriate
Who We're Looking For
We are seeking a committed and collaborative leader with:
Essential Experience and Skills
- Senior-level strategic leadership experience
- Strong leadership and relationship-building skills
- Experience developing and driving organisational strategy
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to build inclusive and productive partnerships
- Sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex or challenging issues
- A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality
- A genuine interest in mental health and wellbeing
- Time and commitment to fulfil the responsibilities of the role
Desirable
- Previous Board or Trustee experience
- Experience within the charity, voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) sector
- Understanding of charity governance and Charity Commission requirements
- Knowledge of mental health, health, or social care systems
- Strong local connections across Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, or Medway
Time Commitment
The Chair role typically includes:
- Bi-monthly Board meetings
- Monthly one-to-one meetings with the Chief Executive
- One Annual General Meeting per year
- One Board Away Day per year
- Attendance at relevant committee meetings
- Occasional representation of North Kent Mind at events and stakeholder meetings
- Engagement with trustees, staff, and wider Mind network activities
Meetings are a combination of face-to-face and virtual attendance.
Why Join North Kent Mind?
By becoming Chair, you will:
- Help shape the future of mental health services across North Kent and Medway
- Lead a committed and experienced Board of Trustees
- Support a respected local charity with a strong reputation for impact
- Access trustee induction and ongoing development opportunities
- Join the wider Mind Federation network
- Receive reimbursement of reasonable expenses
- Access trustee wellbeing support and Blue Light Card benefits
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.
Chair of the Board of Trustees in Chatham employer: North Kent Mind
North Kent Mind is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people in Medway. Our collaborative culture encourages innovation and teamwork, ensuring that you feel valued and empowered in your role as a Children & Young People’s Practitioner.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of the Board of Trustees in Chatham
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by North Kent Mind.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like North Kent Mind.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at North Kent Mind.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at North Kent Mind. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Board of Trustees in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of North Kent Mind. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Chair of the Board of Trustees, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Kent Mind
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of North Kent Mind. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
