At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the organisation, support expansion, and make a difference for local LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Essex.
- Benefits: Gain leadership experience, network with professionals, and contribute to meaningful social change.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of LGBTQ+ services and advocacy.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, experience in committee work, and knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community.
As our Chair of Trustees, you will lead the organisation, consolidate current operations and support future expansion. You will work alongside our committed Trustee Board, Chief Executive and passionate staff, making a significant difference to the lives of local LGBTQ+ individuals.
A lot has happened for the LGBTQ+ community in UK law and rights which has slowly led to a greater social acceptance and legal protection. However, with the recent rise in culture wars and anti‑LGBTQ+ rhetoric in the media and UK politics, discrimination is on the rise. Throughout Colchester and Essex there is significant change. NHS Integrated Care Boards are being restructured, the local authorities are undergoing Local Government Reform, and a new Mayor will be appointed in 2028 with increased devolved decision‑making from Westminster. This is likely to have an impact on funding, resources and service delivery across adult and social care, education and youth services. Whilst the next few years will be challenging, there are a wide range of new opportunities and partnerships to be secured. The OutHouse is committed to ensuring its services remain accessible and relevant. As an organisation we will remain agile, responding first and foremost to the needs of the community within this changing landscape.
We have recently agreed new Goals to focus our work over the next few years:
- GOAL 1: Lean & efficient organisation ensuring The OutHouse is led, governed, managed and resourced in the most efficient and lean way possible, allowing us to meet the needs of our community whilst continually improving.
- GOAL 2: County‑wide expansion to support the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ community members: young people, LGBTQ+ adults (including where there is intersectionality), trans+, and aging LGBTQ+ population, families of LGBTQ+ people.
- GOAL 3: Embed co‑production & evaluation for efficient community led social impact involve those who use our services, professionals, and communities in equal partnership to achieve a collective outcome, striving for excellence, quality, and sustainability of our services, whilst maintaining safety.
- GOAL 4: Brand, voice & awareness establish consistency in brand, visual identity, tone of voice; increasing awareness and developing our external voice and profile.
- GOAL 5: County‑wide influencer of social change positioning The OutHouse as the leading authority on LGBTQ+ matters across Greater Essex and create a Greater Essex Queer Coalition with local LGBTQ+ organisational leaders.
- GOAL 6: Archive our local queer history ensuring it is preserved and accessible for future generations, capturing important local histories and undertaking research into local LGBTQIA+ life and disseminating our findings.
- GOAL 7: Centre of Excellence achieve ‘Gold standard’ for each area of our operations.
- GOAL 8: Sustainability and self‑sufficiency build capacity and capability to enable the organisation to be self‑sufficient.
What are we looking for? In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the Chair should have the following qualities:
- Leadership skills
- Experience of committee work
- Tact and diplomacy
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
- Knowledge and experience of the LGBTQ+ community and wider involvement within the charity and voluntary sector, and associated networks.
Hybrid
What will you be doing? In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following:
- Providing leadership to the organisation and the board.
- Ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit.
- Chairing and facilitating board meetings
- Raising an agenda for board meetings.
- Directing board policymaking.
- Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
- Representing the organisation at functions and meetings.
- Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.
- Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision‑making.
With the Chief Executive:
- Planning the annual cycle of board meetings where required
- Setting the agendas for board meetings and other general meetings.
- Developing the board of trustees. This includes induction, training, appraisal and succession planning.
- Addressing conflict within the board and the organisation.
With Staff:
- Liaising with the Chief Executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs.
- Providing support as appropriate.
- Leading the Chief Executive appraisal process and providing support where needed.
- Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels.
The Vice‑Chair acts for the Chair when the Chair is not available and takes assignments as the request of the Chair.
Chair of Trustees - Volunteer in Colchester employer: The OutHouse
The OutHouse is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of local LGBTQ+ individuals. With a strong commitment to community engagement, employee growth opportunities, and a supportive work culture, we empower our team to lead initiatives that drive social change. Located in Colchester, we offer a unique chance to be at the forefront of advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community during a pivotal time of transformation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees - Volunteer in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the LGBTQ+ community and charity sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm for supporting the LGBTQ+ community shine through. Share your ideas on how you can help The OutHouse achieve its goals and make a real difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching current issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Be ready to discuss how these challenges impact The OutHouse and suggest ways to navigate them. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in the mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re committed to being part of our community and understand the importance of direct engagement with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees - Volunteer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting the LGBTQ+ community shine through. We want to see how your experiences and values align with our mission at The OutHouse.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for the Chair of Trustees role. Highlight your leadership skills and experience in committee work, as these are key qualities we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the requirements outlined in the job description. Avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this important role in our organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at The OutHouse
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with the current issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, especially in Colchester and Essex. Understand the local landscape, including recent changes in NHS and local government structures, as this will show your commitment and awareness during the interview.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how they relate to the responsibilities of a Chair of Trustees. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led a team or organisation, particularly in challenging situations, to demonstrate your capability.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a diverse board and staff, be ready to share experiences that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively. Discuss how you’ve facilitated discussions, resolved conflicts, or built partnerships in past roles.
✨Articulate Your Vision
Think about how you can contribute to the goals of The OutHouse. Be prepared to articulate your vision for the organisation and how you plan to lead it through upcoming challenges and opportunities, ensuring alignment with their mission and values.
