Chair of the board

We’re looking for the next Chair of the Pregnant Then Screwed Board of Trustees.

The current Board is a group of dedicated individuals with a wide range of skills and experiences from the creative, cultural, marketing, charity and business sectors, who volunteer their time to guide the organisation strategically.

Overview

This role is a critical one for Pregnant Then Screwed. We are looking for a passionate, energetic leader who shares our values and has expertise and experience in UK Charity Governance. The key priority is to lead our diverse, skilled and committed Board of Trustees, as they support the Chief Executive and staff to fight for the women we exist to serve.

📃Download our job pack for more information

Main responsibilities:

Lead Governance and Accountability

• Ensure the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability. 
• Ensure the Trustees and PTS comply with its governing documents and relevant legislation, policies and charity commission regulations

Board Management

• Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees and encourage positive change where appropriate
• Appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis 
• Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively and which also reflects the wider population
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership.
• Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
• Chair the board meetings 
• Agree the annual cycle of board meetings and set the agenda
• Monitor Board decisions to ensure they are implemented
• Be the main point of contact between the CEO and the board of trustees 

Support the CEO

• To be available when the CEO requires support with difficult and challenging issues. This could include: legal action against the organisation, legal action the organisation chooses to take against another person or organisation, support for the CEO should she experience harassment and abuse from outside the organisation, sackings or redundancies within the team, complaints against the CEO
• To manage the CEO, setting KPIs and scrutinising delivery
• Support the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles

Strategic Direction

• To work with Trustees and the CEO to give strategic guidance to PTS
• Facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision-making
• Make connections and influence at senior levels within: trusts and foundations, partner organisations, commercial organisations, and amongst politicians.

Required skills, knowledge and qualifications:

• Leadership and management skills
• Previous experience of being a Trustee and a good understanding of governance
• Previous experience of at least one of the organisation’s main activities, including: Political lobbying and influencing policy; grass-roots campaigning; employment law; developing and delivering volunteer-led advice services; running a charity. 
• Well-connected with those in politics, the third sector, trusts and foundations, company leaders, and other connections that may be useful to PTS
• A passion for gender equality and a strong desire to end the motherhood penalty

Desirable:

• Previous experience of successfully leading a growing charity 
• A good understanding of employment law 
• A good working knowledge of political process and previous successful experience of lobbying    

Time Commitment

The role of Chair can be up to 3 days a month. This includes: 

• Quarterly Board meetings 
• Preparation for Board meetings 
• Fortnightly meetings with the CEO and other strategic support to the CEO 
• Other relevant activities as required 

Person Specification

• Strategic vision, integrity, and good, independent judgement
• Ability to think creatively
• Understanding the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Experience of committee work
• Tact and diplomacy
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort (approx 3 days a month)
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
• Knowledge of charity law and governance 
• Good financial management 
• Monitoring and evaluating performance in the charity sector