At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the organisation, support expansion, and make a difference for local LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to LGBTQ+ advocacy and community support.
- Benefits: Gain leadership experience and make a real impact in your community.
- 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 and knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community required.
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: 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.
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, including 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 and 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 Essex employer: The OutHouse
The OutHouse is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the LGBTQ+ community. As Chair of Trustees, you will lead a dedicated team in a supportive and collaborative environment, with opportunities for personal growth and development while navigating the evolving landscape of local governance. Located in Colchester, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of services that are vital to the community, all while fostering partnerships and advocating for social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees - Volunteer in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the LGBTQ+ community and charity sector. Attend events, join forums, and engage on social media. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Chair of Trustees role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential board members or stakeholders, let your enthusiasm for the cause shine through. Share your vision for the organisation and how you can help it grow and adapt in these changing times.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation inside out. Understand their goals, challenges, and recent developments. This will not only impress the board but also help you articulate how your skills and experience align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees - Volunteer in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for 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.
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 impactful role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The OutHouse
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the organisation's mission and goals. Familiarise yourself with their current projects and challenges, especially around LGBTQ+ issues. This will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how your leadership can make a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the organisation's values. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or navigated complex situations, particularly in committee work or community engagement.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As the Chair of Trustees, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you would facilitate board meetings and ensure everyone’s voice is heard, demonstrating your tact and diplomacy.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight your knowledge of the local LGBTQ+ community and any networks you’re involved with. Discuss how you plan to leverage these connections to enhance the organisation's influence and outreach, showing that you’re not just a leader but also a community advocate.
