Volunteer Can you be our new CHAIR?

What will you be doing?

Help midwives and student midwives make a difference to the care of babies, mothers and birthing people.  The main responsibilities of the Chair of Trustees are to:

Coordinate the activities of the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust and its trustees Take the lead on ensuring that the trustees comply with their duties Ensure the charity is well governed, according to the requirements of the Charity Commission Oversee the awards process and host the Awards Ceremony Oversee the financial affairs of the Trust, working with the Financial Trustee, the Executive Director and the auditors

You will be supported by an Executive Director (part-time), Administrator (part-time). As a UK-wide organisation the work of the Chair will be largely home-based (including video conferencing), but face-to-face meetings and liaison with other organisations may be required at times.    The Iolanthe Midwifery Trust welcomes candidates from a diverse background and from historically excluded communities. We recognise that candidates may have disabilities and health challenges, both visible and invisible.  We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments at any stage in the process We have a comprehensive trustee induction process in place to support you in your new role. Knowledge and experience of UK midwifery care and maternity provision will be of great advantage to the role. At The Iolanthe Midwifery Trust we are creating a culture where you can bring your whole self to our work at all levels. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion means that we value what you can bring to us. We know that diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, interests, and skills are essential and we look forward to your application.   

What are we looking for?

Essential:

A strategic thinker and planner with knowledge and experience of leadership and a strong understanding of the principles and practices of good governance Strategic business understanding with some financial knowledge Strong interpersonal and communication skills Skill in chairing meetings. Ambassadorial and networking skills. Strong communication and presentation skills including social media Ability to work on a wide range of projects simultaneously  Ability to self-manage and be self-motivated Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust A high standard of written and spoken English

  Desirable Knowledge and Experience 

Prior experience of being a charity trustee or chairing an organisation. Prior experience in the midwifery, maternity and birthing community An understanding of the current challenges faced by the NHS and midwifery  community. An understanding of the fundraising environment that charities operate in A working understanding of social media channels.

Attributes 

Enthusiastic and passionate about midwifery and the maternity care of mothers, parents, babies and families.  Diligent, reliable, confident, professional and trustworthy.

What difference will you make?

Midwives are the only professionals who have legal responsibility for the safety of all mothers and babies during normal childbirth in Britain. Anyone who has ever had a child will understand the total trust and confidence that a mother places in the midwife. Her life and her baby's life are in their hands. Most women never forget the midwife who helped her birth her baby. In order for midwives to offer the very best care they need to develop innovative practice, progress their professional education and conduct research. This is made possible through the work of the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust. For many midwives, the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust has transformed their lives, supporting them in achieving their dreams and aspirations. Over 30 years, the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust has helped nearly 400 midwives develop and broaden their skills and knowledge through bursaries, fellowships and special awards. The Charity has been in existence since 1983 and then became a CIO.  Our current chair is stepping down and we are now looking for a new Chair to help take us forward into the next phase of our development.