Volunteer Chair of the Board of Trustees - Criminal Justice Arts Charity

What will you be doing?

Good Vibrations is an award-winning, national arts organisation that changes lives through music. We work with some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in the UK, including in prisons, secure hospitals, and in the community. We are best known for using the Indonesian gamelan, a magnificent set of bronze gongs, xylophones and drums. We use communal music-making to support vulnerable people in challenging circumstances to develop transferable life and work skills and to forge fulfilling, constructive lives. As our new Chair, you will help shape the next exciting phase of our future development as we commence our new strategic plan, and embed our newest Trustees within our established Board. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries. The role of the Chair is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two hours a week, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise. We are looking for someone who has:

Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders. Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society. A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance. Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause. Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who has:

Strong leadership skills that engage, inspire and motivate the Board, staff, freelance team and other external stakeholders. Genuine interest and commitment to social justice issues and improving outcomes and opportunities for marginalised people in our society. A proven track record in developing strategic initiatives and steering an organisation toward success Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity, or operating at a senior strategic leadership level in previous roles Knowledge about UK charity governance and commitment to maintaining high standards of governance and risk management in all areas including finance. Excellent communication skills and networking capabilities, and able to act as an ambassador for the charity and cause. Ability to commit time, interest and effort to conduct the role well.

What difference will you make?

What Responsibilities will you have? Trustees ensure the good governance and smooth running of the charity, supporting the Chief Executive Director, the wider staff team, and our team of freelance facilitators. ow there are lots of ways that someone can gain experience and insight, not just through professional experience. Having trustees with lived experience of the settings in which we work is essential to our work. All Board members can have access to training and charity networks to benefit not only the charity, but individual’s personal development.   The Chair, as the leader of the Board of Trustees, has these responsibilities;

working with and line managing the CEO to develop the direction and strategy of the charity; conducting annual performance reviews for each trustee and the CEO; ensuring high standards of governance, risk management and strategic direction ensuring that all Trustees have the information available to carry out this task and monitor progress; leading and developing the Board of Trustees and CEO including induction, training and succession planning; support of the CEO in their role, including developing external relations with key agencies; working with other members of the Board to organise and populate sub-committees and short-term working groups; planning the cycle of Board Meetings and working with the CEO to set agendas and plan meetings; chairing and facilitating Board meetings effectively, encouraging discussion, summarising key points and ensuring decisions are made fairly; acting as a principal ambassador for the organisation at Board level and developing external relationships for the benefit of Good Vibrations