Chairperson

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following.
• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit.

Chairing and facilitating board meetings

Chair committee meetings ensuring:
o A balance is struck between timekeeping and space for discussions.
o Business is dealt with and decisions made.
o Decisions, actions, and deliberations are adequately minuted.
o The implementation of decisions is clearly assigned and monitored.

Giving direction to board re policymaking.

Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate

Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making

Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting.

Setting agendas for board, general meetings, and the AGM in conjunction with others as appropriate.

Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal, and succession planning

Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation

In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the chair should have the following qualities:

A willingness to lead the organisation in order to fulfil its purpose.
Experience of committee work and relevant knowledge
Tact and diplomacy and powers of persuasion
Good communication and interpersonal skills
Impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences.
In most circumstances, it would also be desirable for the chair/vice-chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks.
A basic knowledge of IT is required or a willingness to learn. There is a need for the ability to compose and send emails, to create basic documents, to download and open documents, and attach documents to email. Occasionally video technology is used for meetings and support can be given if this is unfamiliar to you.

Bus Office, Methodist Church Hall, Main Street, Shildon, DL4 1AH

We would prefer a local person, but the payment of travel expenses will be considered on an individual basis.
DBS not required for this role. Training will be sourced and provided as identified according to the needs of the individual and the volunteer will be mentored to help them settle in.

Gain new skills, make new friends, better mental and physical health, improve your confidence, give something to the community. You will be part of a small and friendly team of volunteers and will have social opportunities by working in our office.

You will develop your skills as a Chairperson for a charity which will be transferable into paid employment.

This is an opportunity to lead our charity during a period of change and share your skills.

Some work can be done from home if desired. The office is open 5 half days a week and covered by volunteer admin staff between 9.30am and 12.00 noon. You may be asked to take your turn to cover the office during which time secretarial duties can be performed.