Location - Board meetings are held online/in person once a quarter, meetings with Charity Manager as and when needed.
Remuneration - This is a voluntary role.
Time Commitment:Approximately 2 hours a week, including:
● Regular meetings with the Charity Manager
● Preparation for meetings
● Attendance at key charity events, partnership meetings and occasional fundraising activities.
Reporting to: Board of Trustees
Purpose of the Role:
The Chair provides leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that Linking Routes is effectively governed, financially sustainable and focused on delivering its charitable objectives. The Chair works closely with the Chief Executive (or Charity Manager) to support the organisation's strategic direction while maintaining appropriate governance oversight.
The Chair creates an inclusive and positive Board culture, enabling trustees to contribute effectively and ensuring that the charity complies with its legal and regulatory responsibilities.
The Chair also acts as an ambassador for Linking Routes, promoting its work and values within the local community and with partners, funders and stakeholders.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership
● Lead the Board in setting the charity's vision, strategy and long-term objectives.
● Ensure the charity remains focused on its charitable purposes and delivers positive outcomes for beneficiaries.
● Support the development and implementation of the charity's strategic plan.
● Encourage innovation and continuous improvement while safeguarding the charity's values.
Governance
● Ensure the Board fulfils its legal duties and responsibilities as charity trustees.
● Promote high standards of governance, transparency and accountability.
● Ensure compliance with charity law, the Charity Commission requirements and the charity's governing document.
● Oversee the regular review of governance policies and Board effectiveness.
● Lead succession planning and support the recruitment, induction and development of trustees.
● Ensure the Board has the appropriate mix of skills, experience and diversity to govern effectively.
Financial Oversight
● Ensure the Board maintains effective oversight of the charity's financial health.
● Work with fellow trustees to ensure appropriate financial controls, budgeting and risk management are in place.
● Support long-term financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of charitable resources.
Board Leadership
● Chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring discussions are inclusive, constructive and focused on strategic issues.
● The Chair supports new trustees inductions and will build a rapport with trustees.
● Encourage all trustees to contribute fully and make informed decisions.
● Ensure Board decisions are implemented and appropriately monitored.
● Promote a culture of openness, collaboration and collective responsibility.
Relationship with the Manager
● Develop a strong, open and constructive relationship with the Chief Executive.
● Provide guidance, support and appropriate challenges.
● Conduct the Chief Executive's annual appraisal in partnership with designated trustees.
● Support the Chief Executive's professional development and wellbeing.
● Maintain clear boundaries between governance and operational management.
External Representation
● Act as an ambassador for Linking Routes.
● Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, funders, local authorities and community organisations.
● Represent the charity at meetings, events and public engagements where appropriate.
● Promote the work, achievements and impact of Linking Routes.
Risk and Compliance
● Ensure the Board regularly reviews strategic risks and opportunities.
● Promote a culture of effective safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
● Ensure appropriate systems are in place for compliance, health and safety, and organisational resilience.
General Responsibilities
● Uphold the values and reputation of Linking Routes.
● Maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
● Declare and manage conflicts of interest.
● Act in the best interests of the charity at all times.
● Undertake any additional duties reasonably required by the Board that are consistent with the role.
Person SpecificationEssential Qualities
The successful Chair will demonstrate:
(We don’t expect any one person to have all these skills, but we have identified them as providing useful knowledge and experience to the trustee board)
Personal Attributes
● A genuine commitment to the mission, vision and values of Linking Routes.
● Integrity, sound judgement and the ability to inspire confidence.
● Strong leadership skills with a collaborative and inclusive approach.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
● Diplomacy, empathy and the ability to build consensus.
● Confidence to provide both support and constructive challenge.
● Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
● Sufficient time to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.
Experience
● Experience in a senior leadership or strategic management role.
● Experience of chairing meetings or leading committees or boards.
● Experience of working collaboratively with senior staff or volunteers.
● Experience of strategic planning and organisational development.
● Experience of working with multiple stakeholders and building partnerships.
Knowledge and Skills
● Good understanding of governance and the responsibilities of charity trustees.
● Sound understanding of financial oversight and organisational sustainability.
● Ability to think strategically and make balanced decisions.
● Ability to lead effective discussions and facilitate constructive debate.
● Understanding of risk management and good governance principles.
● Awareness of issues affecting charities and community organisations.
Desirable
● Previous experience as a trustee or charity chair.
● Knowledge of the local community and voluntary sector.
● Experience of fundraising, income generation or partnership development.
● Experience of working with statutory organisations, local authorities or health and social care partners.
● Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within the voluntary sector.
Terms of Appointment
● The Chair will normally serve an initial term of three years and may be eligible for reappointment for one further term, subject to the charity's governing document.
● The Chair is expected to attend Board meetings regularly and participate in committee meetings where appropriate.
● The Chair will meet regularly with the Chief Executive between Board meetings.
● The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed in line with the charity's expenses policy.
Our Commitment
Linking Routes is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives and particularly encourage applications from individuals who are currently under-represented in charity governance.
This version is written to current Charity Commission governance expectations and is suitable for a medium-sized local charity. It avoids references to "national organisation" and Government lobbying, while placing greater emphasis on community leadership, partnership working, safeguarding, financial sustainability and inclusive governance.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Redcar TS10 3AE
