Volunteer Chair of Board of Trustees

What will you be doing?

We are currently looking to recruit a new female Chair to lead our Board of Trustees. The role of the Chair is to chair meetings of the Trustee Board and act as a spokesperson for the charity where needed. The Chair also provides support to the Centre Manager and acts as a channel of support and communication between the Board and members of staff. The Chair will lead on the development of the Board and ensure any decisions taken are implemented effectively. The Chair may also be expected to take action or make decisions between Board meetings when it is not possible to hold a meeting. This is a real opportunity to work with a lively Board of Trustees and an exciting organisation. Role description

Prepare and lead Board meetings, including the preparation of Board agendas with Treasurer and Manager Make sure that best practice, policies and regulations are followed by the organisation Ensure strong governance of the charity and compliance with the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship Lead robust discussion at Board meetings and make sure any decisions are put into practice Make sure the Board as a whole stays objective, balanced and effective Always act in RCLC’s best interest Attend relevant external meetings as an RCLC representative Review funding applications, with the support of other staff and Board members Speak with and offer support to the Centre Manager regularly and challenge where necessary. Generally, to pick up on issues that require discussion with staff or the Board and make sure that these are discussed quickly and effectively, and that decisions are reached and acted upon. Make sure that the skills of staff and those on the Board are used effectively; set up sub-committees or working groups where necessary Keep an overview on our organisation’s affairs and ensure annual strategy review involving Board and senior staff takes place Assist in recruiting new trustees to ensure inclusive Board with appropriate skills. Work alongside the Manager to strengthen partnerships with voluntary and statutory sector organisation

What are we looking for?

Person specification Essential

Passionate about refugee and migrant women’s empowerment and advocating for equal rights and treatment Leadership ability including motivational skills and working effectively as a member of a team Integrity, strategic vision, and good independent judgement, forming decisions for the good of the charity Willing and able to devote the necessary time and effort to Chair duties Effective communication skills, be tactful and diplomatic; able to speak your mind whilst open to the views of others A good listener with an interest, passion, and empathy for migrant and refugee women and their issues Demonstrate a commitment to prioritising equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work Understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee Ideally, some prior experience of Committee/Trustee/Chairing work Fundraising experience

Time Commitment:

Board Meetings: Minimum of 6 Board of Trustee meetings per year (usually held on weekday evenings, after close of business), plus preparation and reading of documentation; some meetings are held online Board matters: Meetings with Treasurer, Company Secretary and Committee Chairs on planning and governance matters, and to contribute to and ensure progress on key initiatives.

People Management: Regular planning and update meetings with Manager (and other senior management) to support their activities and advise on ongoing business and management challenges. Stakeholder Engagement: Attendance at, and contribution to, major events (one or two a year), contribution to key stakeholder and funder meetings (typically between 6 and 8 a year), and support to media relations, as a spokesperson for the organisation.

Due to these commitments, the candidate will live within an hour’s travelling distance of central Reading or from the neighbouring counties and be prepared to travel Reading at least once a month. The time commitment required will be at least 4 hours per week, although timings will usually be flexible unless attending meetings at specified times. The current Chair is willing to support you for at least the first year.

What difference will you make?

The Chair of Trustees is a key role in our organisation. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries. You strategic direction will ensure that the charity achieves its aims by;

Breaking down barriers to learning, integration, well-being, and employment. Providing tailored one-on-one holistic support and advocacy. Fostering mutual respect, support, and community cooperation