Chair of Trustees

What does it look like to Chair a charity at a pivotal moment of change

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond.

With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together amplifying collective voice and enabling others to deliver impact.

Now at an important point in its development the organisation is focused on building on its strengths refining how it works and positioning itself to be futureproof. Were looking for a new Chair to lead the charity into its next phase.

Location: Based in North Somerset working across the South West and beyond
Remuneration: Voluntary with expenses covered
Time commitment: Governance commitment supported by a Vice-Chair. Currently 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum 3-4 Governance group meetings regular meetings with the CEO as well as ad-hoc meetings preparation and urgent matters arising.

About the opportunity

This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. Youll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership focus on achieving growth and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve.

As Chair youll play a key role in:

• Keeping the Board focused effective and forwardlooking
• Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive
• Ensuring clear governance decision-making and delivery

About you

Were open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident thoughtful and effective leadership.

Were particularly interested in people who can:

• Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture
• Build strong effective relationships across a Board and executive team
• Balance support and challenge in a constructive way
• Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability

Experience of the voluntary sector health or placebased working would be valuable but its not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.

Why this role matters

VANS has laid solid foundations under the previous Chairs tenure with a strong local reputation passionate people and now gathering momentum.

The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:

• Strategically-focussed well governed and meets its goals
• Investing in building VANS and financially resilient
• Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond

This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.

Download the pack here

How to apply

A CV or short profile is a great first step. Wed also welcome an informal conversation if youd prefer to ask some questions first.

Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.

Deadline: As this role has been advertised previously we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way at all please get in touch with Amelia who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.

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.