Volunteer Chairperson

What will you be doing?

Dementia Together Wirral is a volunteer-led charity providing relief by way of social support and friendship by way of events and activities to those affected by dementia in its many forms. The charity Is seeking a chairperson for its Board of trustees to lead the charity forward in its strategy for the future.  The vacancy is arising due to the forthcoming stepping down of the present chair who shall give way and remain a trustee. Existing trustees are active within the day-to-day running of the charity.  For the position, the candidate would be interviewed by the existing Board members and accepted as trustee. Candidate shall have a general background in a similar position covering strategy, governance, finance, with personnel management and fundraising experience being an advantage.  The duties of the chairperson are many and varied essentially for ensuring that the charity achieves its aims and objective in line with its constitution and business plan while maintaining a professional and caring approach to the environment in which the charity provides its events and activities. The specific duties of a trustee are explained within the Charity Commission document, The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do (CC3). A knowledge of The Seven Principles of Public Life also known as The Nolan Principles is also a mandatory requirement.  The chairperson is the face of the charity and is required to represent the charity in all aspects such as legal, commercial, educational, and operational, giving guidance and attending external influential meetings and events of relative interest or that do or may affect the performance and reach of the charity. Such meetings may be computer-based or involve travel which would be reimbursed. Chair is responsible for arranging leadership and mentoring internally to allow and encourage trustees, staff and volunteers to achieve their maximum potential for the charity.  The current cycle includes quarterly Board meetings, an Annual General Meeting, timely submission of Trustee Annual Report to Charity Commission and is supported by individual financial, administrative, fundraising and volunteer meetings reporting to the Board for analysis and monitoring of progress. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with a least three years  experiences in a leadership role and an understanding of how an organisation is run - as well as practical knowledge and experience of good governance in action. 

What difference will you make?

As a charity, our main objective is to relieve the social isolation experience by those affected by dementia across the Wirral, and their carers. The day-to-day challenges faced by those affected by dementia often go unseen by most, but can be limiting to continue a normal life such as the stress and confusion caused in social environments. This social isolation from the community, friends and even family, deprives people of a sense of purpose and hope, and negatively affects their confidence and mental health. Dementia Together Wirral produce a monthly calendar of dementia friendly activities and events which are free to members, and provide an opportunity to socialise with new friends who understand, in a safe environment, where they are supported by our volunteers and their peers. We bring respite from isolation, encourage members to reconnect with their community, and provide a rare opportunity to regain their confidence and sense of purpose.