Chair

Job Description

What does it look like to lead a charity where community voice sits at the heart of every decision

Downs Syndrome Manchester (DSM) is a vibrant memberled charity supporting individuals with Downs syndrome and the families carers and professionals who walk alongside them. From the earliest days after diagnosis to the milestones of adulthood DSM creates connection belonging and the conditions for people to thrive.

With DSM at a pivotal point of growth and change were seeking a Chair who can bring the skills and experience needed to confidently lead the charity through this exciting period of consolidation and development.

Location: Greater Manchester

Renumeration: Voluntary with reasonable expenses covered

Time commitment: Estimated at approximately 1-2 days per month

About Downs Syndrome Manchester

Youll be warmly welcomed into a friendly memberled community that has gone through significant recent growth under the leadership of a talented CEO. From energetic earlyyears support to social groups that spark friendships DSM is now looking to build on its support and advocacy across Greater Manchester.

DSM responds directly to what families need and empowers them to shape the charitys future. Growing fast and full of potential were now looking to further strengthen foundations and step confidently into the next chapter guided always by member voice and experience.

About the opportunity

Were looking for a committed Chair with a pioneering spirit able to bring steady compassionate and strategic leadership to a recently developed Board and a dedicated CEO.

Youll ensure the Board is effective and focused offer constructive support and challenge to the CEO and help embed strong governance and decisionmaking structures. Holding a strategic view while keeping DSMs memberled ethos always front and centre youll create the space for big picture thinking and clarity as the organisation evolves.

Who are we looking for

While previous Chair experience would certainly be an advantage we also warmly encourage applications from experienced charity trustees or commercial board members ready to step into a bigger leadership challenge.

Wed particularly welcome people who bring:

• Experience in governance organisational leadership or strategic oversight
• A calm focused and relational leadership style
• A commitment to inclusion equity and livedexperienceled decision making
• The ability to bring structure and accountability to a growing charity

Why this role matters

With big bold and brave ambitions a rapidly growing membership and an exceptional team ready to deliver the right Chair will help ensure the charity is fighting fit for the future. Youll futureproof the organisation to make sure it is:

• Well governed and resilient
• Values led
• Member driven
• Future ready
• Equipped for the opportunities ahead

How to apply

A short CV or profile is a great first step but please also feel free to get in touch to receive a copy of the recruitment pack or to arrange an informal conversation. Our Regional DirectorAmelia Lee is leading on this opportunity.

Download the job pack here

Deadline:9am on Wednesday 25^th March but please do get in touch ASAP if interested as wed love to start conversations as soon as possible (but we promise to never ever close early).

Charity People is a forward thinking inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age disability (including hidden disabilities) gender gender identity or gender reassignment marriage and civil partnership pregnancy and maternity race religion or belief or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.