Volunteer Chair

What will you be doing?

In addition to the general responsibilities duties of the chair include the following.

Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit Chairing and facilitating board meetings ensuring:

A balance is struck between time-keeping and space for discussions. Business is dealt with and decisions made Decisions, actions, and deliberations are adequately minuted. The implementation of decisions is clearly assigned and monitored.

Getting all directors involved in the Board’s work Ensuring an effective relationship between:

The Board and staff/volunteers The Board and the external stakeholders/community

Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting Setting agendas for board and other general meetings Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation

The statutory duties of a Chair are:

To ensure the organisation complies with its governing document – constitution and articles of association. To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document. To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how 'charitable' and 'worthwhile' those activities are. To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

What are we looking for?

As well as the various statutory duties, any trustee should make full use of any specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the board make good decisions. As well as the skills selected: Trustee Person Specification

Leadership experience Scrutinising board papers Leading discussions         Focusing on key issues Providing guidance on new initiatives Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise Commitment to the organisation Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Good, independent judgement Ability to think creatively Willingness to speak their mind Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

What difference will you make?

SMCA exists to promote voluntary and community action as a means of improving the quality of life for people in London Borough of Merton (LBM) by:

Helping to improve the quality of life for local families and individuals across LBM To offer a range of activities for leisure and learning to support our local community To provide a healthy living centre in the heart of Phipps Bridge Estate To offer opportunities for leisure and learning, serving all families and individuals borough wide, especially those in areas of social and economic deprivation and those from disadvantaged groups.