Volunteer Chair of the Board of Trustees

What will you be doing?

The Barbara Bus Fund is recruiting for a new Chairperson. The Barbara Bus Fund (BBF) is a registered charity, which was set up in 1968 to help people who cannot get out or use public transport or an ordinary car, because they have a disability that necessitates full-time use of a wheelchair. Today the BBF operates a fleet of 15 specially converted vehicles from Stanmore, Aylesbury and North Wales. The BBF is operated by a combination of paid and volunteer staff with head office at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore. The role of Chair is a voluntary position with the requirement to commit to one to two days per month, attend online meetings every 6-8 weeks and the AGM. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees, chair committee meetings and the AGM. Previous trustee / charity experience is required and the commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Previous experience within the health / care / transport sectors will be a distinct advantage however, other relevant experience and the right attributes will also be considered. The BBF holds an annual meal to thank the volunteers and staff, and there are other periodic meetings and events throughout the year. If you are interested in applying the first instance, please send your Curriculum Vitae with a covering letter.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with the following experience and skills:

Experience of being a Trustee; you do not need to have been a Chair before, but previous experience of chairing committee meetings is desirable. A keen sense of strategic purpose. An inclusive leadership style with the ability to inspire, and support everyone to participate equally. Be able to listen and engage effectively; you are comfortable with challenge and debate, able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment. Advocate - be able and willing to champion the Barbara Bus Fund’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels. A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be responsive. As a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that will require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to, and occasionally by return.

What difference will you make?

The Chair of Trustees is a key role in our organisation. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries. We ensure that full time wheelchair users have access to our fleet of converted vehicles, which enable them to travel in comfort without transferring.