Volunteer Chair of Trustees

What will you be doing?

Role Summary

Provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees that enable the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of The Magpie Project. Ensure that The Magpie Project pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, and other relevant legislation/applicable regulations. Work with the Board of Trustees to support the staff and volunteers, and mums’ steering committee, to ensure the Magpie Project adheres to its core values of coproduction, compassion, and trauma-informed work. Lead by example to enable the Board of Trustees to practice collaborative, informed, carefully considered, strategic decision making. Embody our commitment to active anti-racist, trauma-informed, child-centred, relationship-based working with women and children experiencing multiple disadvantages.

A full list of responsibilities can be found in the candidate pack attached.

What are we looking for?

Previous Chair experience is not essential, we can mentor and support if needed. Knowledge of UK charity governance (essential). Fluent in written and spoken English (essential). Previous experience on the Board of a UK charity (essential). Previous experience as Chair of a charity Board of Trustees (desirable).

We are keen to hear from those whose background and experience resonates with that of the women we support; applicants from a West African, Middle Eastern, Albanian heritage and those with experience of forced migration or homelessness. If you have not held a Chair role before but are interested in doing so, we are open to you joining as a Trustee in the first instance and the current Chair will support you to step up into the Chair role over an agreed period of time. We would like someone to be able to visit the project and be in person approximately 3 times a year but otherwise can be based outside of East London.

What difference will you make?

This is a wonderful opportunity to support the Board and the leadership team to ensure our organisation can continue meeting the increasing demand for our services. You will also get the opportunity to develop your existing skills whilst supporting a cause you care about.