Volunteer Chair of Trustees

What will you be doing?

Eastleigh Youth and Community Trust is an independent charity, based at the Pavilion on the Park in Eastleigh. We exist to promote active and flourishing lives by creating a variety of energising and enriching experiences which connect people and build community. We do this by:

managing a purpose-built inclusive community building, available for public hire; engaging people in social, recreational, and cultural activities which promote personal development, wellbeing and connection; working with other local organisations towards a shared common purpose of developing a thriving community and improving lives in Eastleigh; adopting a ‘whole-systems approach’ to place-making in Eastleigh; creating a positive and inclusive environment at our centre, where everyone is celebrated for their individuality and supported to participate in activities on their own terms in ways that suit them.

People come together regularly at the Pavilion on the Park for many different reasons. On average, around 500 people a week benefit from the numerous, varied activities and events that take place. These include participants in both Trust-led and hirer-led activities, private bookings, and customers of our café. We are delighted to have recently secured funding from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund to deliver a five-year community project. This will enable us to develop new activities and opportunities which are led by the communities we serve.

What are we looking for?

Previous experience in a similar environment and/or third sector role will be helpful, particularly in FUND RAISING AND INCOME GENERATION, alongside strong leadership and experience as Chair in an executive or non-executive role.   Other business skills will be useful in enhancing the capability within the team, for example, but not exclusively: Financial Management; Business Development/Sales; Strategy, Organisation and Planning; Operational Management; Leadership/Coaching; Law/Contracts; Governance; Fundraising; Marketing; Digital/Social; Safeguarding; Health & Safety.  Most importantly, we are looking for DRIVE and PASSION that aligns with our purpose and charitable aims, and for commitment to support our strategic direction and commercial success.  We need an open, collaborative team player with talents that will complement and develop our existing Trustee skillset.

What difference will you make?

You will make a difference by bringing your commercial acumen, and leadership skills to drive efficiency within the charity’s operations and ensure that we identify opportunities to demonstrate best practice in all that we do. You will be curious and willing to challenge the status quo, but also support, coach and mentor other Trustees and the staff team. In doing all of this, you will play a key role in helping to secure the future of the charity by achieving its objectives in the immediate and long term.