Volunteer Chair of trustees for London sports and education charity

What will you be doing?

Track Acadermy is a small but highly respected sport for social change charity in North West London. We are essential in the local community and are currently seeking a proactive and postive Chair of Trustees to lead and bolster our board and give the support to staff, volunteers and coaches to help change young lives in London. The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support, and where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.   Principal responsibilities:

Strategic leadership Governance External Relations Efficiency and effectiveness Relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider management team

For more detail see attached job description. We are particularly keen for a Chair with expertise in:

Strategic leadership Charity governance. Charity fundraising. Service delivery and community work.

Desirables: It would be great if a candidate has insight into any of the following: 

Youth sports and athletics. Education sector. Small charities.

What are we looking for?

Person specification:

Be committed to the organisation and have sufficient time and willingness to contribute effectively to board proceedings. Understand strategy development. Be able to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a team. Be willing to speak up and remain independent of influence. Have a reasonable level of understanding about the legal, financial, audit and regulatory requirements of a charity. Be able to make quick and sound decisions based on an analysis of information presented to them. Be aware of developments in the voluntary sector and areas of interest to the charity. Have a passion for the charitable sector and social change, and an understanding of theory of change. Manage risks with a balanced and informed approach. Be committed to the principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

Personal Qualities

Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its  strategic objectives and cause. Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively. Networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity. Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.  Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

Experience

Experience of operating at a strategic leadership level within an organisation. Successful track record of achievement through their career. Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. Experience of chairing meetings and events.

Knowledge and skills

Broad knowledge and understanding of the charity sector and current issues affecting it. Leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together. Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues. Good understanding of charity governance issues.

What difference will you make?

We need a Chair to lead and bolster our board providing a solid foundation and support to enable staff, volunteers and coaches to help change young lives in London. The aim is for the Chair to lead the Board to maintain our effectiveness, help us to better measure our impact, increase income and so reach more young people and have an even bigger positive impact in the local community. You may not have heard of us before but as a trustee in a small charity you will become connected to the young people and our community. You'll become a member of our family working to challenge disadvantage and provide young people with opportunities, role models, mentors, education support and sporting help they may otherwise not have. You'll be be changing young people's aspirations, showing them a productive path and giving them the tools to fulfil their potential. You'll be helping to change lives.