At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a board to empower women and protect families from abuse.
- Company: What Happens Next, a non-profit focused on safety and support.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with expenses reimbursed and impactful community work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of women and children.
- Qualifications: Trustee experience, strong leadership, and commitment to equity.
- Other info: Flexible time commitment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
What Happens Next is an organisation dedicated to empowering women to navigate post-separation abuse and protect mothers and children from ongoing harm. We are seeking an inclusive, strategic and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our board, strengthen our governance, and support our mission. You do not need previous Chair experience — just trustee experience, strong leadership qualities and a deep commitment to safety, equity and trauma-informed practice.
Key qualities we’re looking for:
- Experience as a trustee (Chair experience not required)
- Strategic thinking and a clear sense of purpose
- Inclusive leadership and the ability to foster collaboration
- Strong communication and active listening skills
- Confidence in supporting and constructively challenging leadership
- Advocacy: willingness to champion What Happens Next publicly
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
Time commitment:
- 3 board meetings per year (currently remote)
- Monthly scheduled meeting with the founders
- Occasional ad hoc issues requiring timely response
- Annual half-day strategy session
Term: 3 years, renewable once (maximum 6 years)
This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
How to Apply
Please send the following by 31 January 2025 at 22:00:
- A brief cover letter explaining your interest in the Chair role and how you meet the key skills and qualities (no more than 2 sides of A4).
- Your CV or a summary of relevant experience.
Send your application to: [contact information]. If you would like to discuss the role before applying, please contact Charlotte at [contact information]. Applications close: 13 February 2026.
What Happens Next is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Chair of trustees - Domestic Abuse non-profit organisation in Portsmouth employer: What Happens Next
Contact Detail:
What Happens Next Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of trustees - Domestic Abuse non-profit organisation in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the non-profit sector, especially those involved with domestic abuse organisations. A personal introduction can make all the difference when applying for roles like Chair of Trustees.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with the board or founders, share your commitment to safety, equity, and trauma-informed practices. Let them see your genuine interest in empowering women and children.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those meetings! Brush up on your strategic thinking skills and be ready to discuss how you can foster collaboration within the board. They’ll want to know how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at What Happens Next.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of trustees - Domestic Abuse non-profit organisation in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Keep it concise and focus on why you're passionate about the Chair role. Highlight how your experience aligns with our mission and the key qualities we're looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your relevant experience as a trustee. Emphasise your leadership skills and any advocacy work you've done. We want to see how you can contribute to our board!
Show Your Commitment to Inclusion: We value equity, diversity, and inclusion, so don’t shy away from sharing your thoughts on these topics in your application. Let us know how you’ve championed these values in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us smoothly, please apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your documents by the deadline. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at What Happens Next
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to really understand What Happens Next. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Trustee Experience
Even though previous Chair experience isn't required, make sure to highlight your trustee experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to governance and decision-making in past roles, focusing on your strategic thinking and collaborative skills.
✨Demonstrate Inclusive Leadership
As a potential Chair, it's crucial to exhibit your inclusive leadership style. Prepare to share instances where you've fostered collaboration and supported diverse voices in decision-making processes. This will resonate well with their commitment to equity and inclusion.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions. Ask about the current challenges the board faces or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your strategic mindset and genuine interest in contributing to the organisation's future.