Lead Governance and Strategic Direction at Adoption Matters
About us
Adoption Matters is a children’s charity and one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the UK. We recruit, train and support individuals, couples and families looking to adopt and offer ongoing support and training. We also offer a support service for adopted adults and birth families, and a specialised therapy service.
In 2024, we launched our not‑for‑profit fostering agency, Foster Care Matters. As a non‑profit provider, the service is committed to reinvesting resources to deliver high‑quality support and ongoing training for foster parents. More recently in 2026, we acquired 1st Affinity Fostering Service in Wrexham, securing a not-for-profit future for the agency in Wales.
What we’re looking for
The role of a Chair of Trustees
The Chair of Trustees provides strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that Adoption Matters is well-governed, financially sustainable, and delivering meaningful impact for children and families.
The Chair works in close partnership with the Chief Executive to:
- Set and maintain a clear strategic direction
- Ensure strong governance and accountability
- Foster a high-performing, cohesive Board
- Represent the organisation externally
The role requires a balance of support and challenge, with the ability to hold the organisation to account while enabling innovation and progress.
Please refer to our full job description and person specification for the role. We are especially keen to hear from individuals who bring lived experience of adoption, fostering or care.
Time & Term Commitment
- Chairing approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year
- Attendance at sub-committees as required
- Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
- Occasional representation at external events and stakeholder meetings
- Time commitment may increase during periods of organisational change
The term of appointment will be three years initially with a review of performance for renewal for a further three years and again after this period for a maximum of nine years. In exceptional circumstances the term may go beyond this period.
Governance & Safeguarding
The Chair will be expected to:
- Uphold the responsibilities of trusteeship under UK charity law
- Ensure awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
- Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
Remuneration and Expenses
This position is unremunerated; however, reasonable expenses will be covered.
Why become our Chair of Trustees?
Make a difference and play a pivotal role in ensuring the charity delivers meaningful outcomes. The Chair of Trustees role focuses on improving services and outcomes for children and families, placing their voices and lived experiences at the heart of decision-making. If you are passionate about what we do and believe you can add value through Leadership and governance to the current Board of Trustees, we would be very interested to hear from you.
What we offer in return
- Introduce you to how the organisation works and your role in it and to provide appropriate training and support for your agreed role
- Provide regular feedback meetings with the Chief Executive, members of Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees
- Respect your skills and experience.
- Our values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect, and Together — which we hope to align with your own.
- The opportunity to make a difference, feel valued, and achieve the role satisfaction you’ve always wanted.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At Adoption Matters, we are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered. Our ambition is to create a culture that embraces diversity, promotes equality, and ensures inclusion for all.
Our commitments:
Equality
We strive to provide equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of background, identity, or personal circumstances. We are dedicated to eliminating discrimination and bias in all forms.
Diversity
We celebrate the diverse perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our organisation. We believe diversity drives innovation and strengthens our community.
Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. We actively work to remove barriers and ensure all voices are heard and valued.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals with lived experience of adoption and from underrepresented communities.
We are open to discussions about any adjustments or flexible arrangements you may need at any stage of the process. If you join us, we will support you to reach your full potential. The only aspect we assess in your application is how you have demonstrated your ability to meet the essential requirements of the role.
Together, we can build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future.
Why consider this role?
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a purpose-driven organisation, ensuring that children who need permanent, loving homes are given the best possible chance to thrive.
What’s next? It’s easy!
Follow the instructions below to apply — we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to apply
Please download the below Trustee Recruitment Pack, Role Description and Person Specification and complete the application form.
- Trustee Chair Recruitment Pack 2026
- Charity Chair of Trustees Role Description and Person Specification 2026
- Charity Chair of Trustees Application Form 2026
Apply with:
- A detailed CV outlining your career history, responsibilities, and achievements
- A supporting statement (maximum two A4 pages) explaining your suitability for the role and how you meet the Person Specification
Please return your application and CV by email to:
Email: [email protected]
Applications are reviewed throughout the advertising period, and we reserve the right to close this advert early depending on recruitment needs.
Post:
FAO HR Department
Adoption Matters
14 Liverpool Road
Chester, CH2 1AE
If you require further information, please contact the HR team on 01244 390 938.
Adoption Matters is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Our recruitment process includes DBS checks and other relevant pre‑employment checks, including the right to work in the UK. Anyone joining the Adoption Matters team is subject to safer recruitment checks.
Please refer to our Safeguarding Policy available here
Please note that we can only contact candidates selected for interview and we are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.
