The Role
To provide independent oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic guidance to the Board, helping to ensure the organisation delivers sustainable success, operates effectively, and meets its legal and governance responsibilities.
Key responsibilities
1. Strategic leadership
- Contribute to the development and review of the organisation’s strategy.
- Challenge and support the Chief Officers in setting objectives and delivering long-term value.
- Ensure alignment between strategy, risk appetite, and organisational capabilities.
2. Governance and oversight
- Uphold high standards of corporate governance and ethical conduct.
- Monitor organisational performance against the agreed business plan deliverables and key performance indicators.
- Ensure robust financial controls and risk management systems are in place and effective.
- Safeguard the interests of shareholders, stakeholders, and wider communities.
- Conduct regular visits across Care Dorset’s services to engage with individuals we support, colleagues, and key stakeholders.
3. Independent judgement and challenge
- Provide objective, constructive challenge to executive decision-making.
- Scrutinise performance of senior management in meeting agreed goals.
- Bring external perspective, insight, and sector/functional expertise to Board discussions.
4. Risk management
- Review and assess key risks facing the organisation.
- Ensure appropriate mitigation strategies and controls are implemented.
- Support the Board in maintaining an effective risk management framework.
5. Board effectiveness
- Contribute to a high-performing, balanced, and cohesive Board culture.
- Participate actively in Board and committee meetings.
- Support evaluation of Board performance and continuous improvement.
6. Stakeholder engagement
- Act as an ambassador for the organisation where appropriate.
- Maintain awareness of stakeholder perspectives and market developments.
- Promote transparency, accountability, and responsible decision-making.
Please refer to the adjacent Personal Specification to view the knowledge, experience, skills and personal attributes desired for the role.
We are a trusted, local care and support provider, committed to delivering the highest standards at affordable prices. Our focus is on what matters most: compassionate, reliable support that meets the needs of the people we support and strengthens our communities.
Our vision is a world in which people thrive and at the heart of everything we do is a commitment to understanding individual needs and providing care and support that is truly person-centred. We offer warmth, compassion, and a personal touch in all our services.
We are trusted partners of the local authority, which reflects the high standards we uphold.
