Volunteer Board of Trustees - Chair

What will you be doing?

Since our charity was incorporated in 2019, we have been 100% volunteer-run. We are now active in London, Scotland and Wales and distribute gifts & essentials to more than 27 different shelters and community agencies serving women. This year, we are recruiting a brand new Board of Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization, and to take our charity to the next level by increasing and diversifying revenue, hiring one or more staff persons, and developing a 3-year strategic plan. Our Trustees are responsible for providing appropriate oversight, governance and leadership to the charity in the pursuit of its strategies to fulfill its charitable purposes. The Board will ensure adequate resources are in place to fulfill the charity’s mission, provide strategic leadership, ensure that the charity is complying with relevant legislation and policies, and monitor risk and accomplishment of goals. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees will work together to provide clear leadership of the Board with prime responsibility for ensuring it has agreed priorities, appropriate structures, processes and a productive culture and has trustees who are able to govern well and add value to the charity. Trustees commit to approximately work in close collaboration with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of The Shoebox Project for Women in Canada. Due to the seasonal nature of our organization, trustees will see an increase in activity during the months of October through January.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking absolute leaders that have a strong business and financial acumen and experience serving on a non-profit Board of Trustees.  We require candidates with a clear understanding, and acceptance, of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trustees in the UK.  Responsibilities:

Provide clear leadership to the Board of Trustees and all volunteers, especially Local Chapter Coordinators Determine, in collaboration with the other trustees, our volunteers, and The Shoebox Project in Canada, the strategic priorities for the organization  Ensure the effective management and delivery of the organization’s strategic objectives   Provide leadership and support to the Executive Director and/or Program manager, once hired Build and foster productive partnerships between the charity’s various stakeholder groups to promote the effective operation of the charity’s activities  Uphold the values of the charity by example, and ensure that the organization promotes equity, inclusion and diversity  Facilitate effective board meetings, liaising with the secretary and other executive members Encourage all trustees to contribute their skills, experience and opinions, creating a board environment with strong working relationships and where challenge and scrutiny are welcomed Provide day-to-day administration of the organization between meetings of the board, in authorizing action to be taken; e.g. banking transactions and legal documents in accordance with relevant mandates;  Represent the charity at community functions, meetings, and in the wider media.

What difference will you make?

Our gift drives foster more compassionate and connected communities; our unique gifts inspire resilience & self-motivation; and through our partners, we support thousands of women facing poverty in communities across the UK.  You will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity. The Chair of Trustees is a key role in our small but growing organisation. Your leadership and trusted commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.