Role Description

Purpose of the Role:

To provide leadership and support to the Board, enabling the Trustees to work together effectively to fulfil their legal duties and further the Charity’s purpose.

 

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategy and Governance

• Oversee the setting and delivery of Barnardo’s long-term strategy.
• Ensure an ongoing strategic focus to the Board’s engagement with the Charity.

 

Effective Board Meetings

• Chair meetings to facilitate open discussion and full participation.
• Work with the CEO and Company Secretary to set meeting agendas and evaluate effectiveness.

 

Board Performance, Support and Behaviours

• Model the values and behaviours set out in the Code of Conduct for Trustees and ensure that the Code is upheld by the Board.
• Ensure regular review of Trustees’ and the Board’s performance, ensuring the Board fulfils its potential and Trustees receive appropriate support and training.
• Ensure arrangements are in place to manage succession planning for the Board.

 

Executive Support and Oversight

• Oversee the CEO recruitment process and succession planning.
• Support the CEO and oversee their performance.
• Support the Charity’s response to urgent situations.

 

Other

• Assist the Executive team in managing relationships with key external stakeholders and raising the visibility and profile of Barnardo’s with them.
• Encourage Trustee engagement in the Charity’s work and their visibility.

 

Person Specification

Skills and Experience

• A proven track record of leadership and chairing skills.
• Previous experience of working at a senior level in a large and complex organisation.
• A strong understanding of organisational risk management.
• Considerable experience developing effective relationships including across Boards and Executive teams.
• Experienced in effective strategic decision making and operational delivery with associated collaboration skills.
• Experienced in influencing high profile external stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen including experience of sound financial management.

 

Personal Attributes

• An ambassador and role model for Barnardo’s mission, vision and values.
• An exemplar of good governance and the Nolan Principles of Public Life; can evidence a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• A capacity builder, able to harness Barnardo’s strengths and enable and support the improvement and development of the Charity.
• Independence of thought and judgement with the ability to challenge appropriately to help effect measured change.
• A high degree of personal and professional credibility, being pragmatic and collaborative to gain trust and inspire internal and external stakeholders.
• Politically astute, being able to advise on and lead the Board’s decision making in relation to highly sensitive issues with government, regulators and the media.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage people of all ages, levels, backgrounds and disciplines.

 

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel throughout the UK including occasional overnight stays and evening commitments.
• Time commitment for an average of 40 days per year, with additional demand at exceptional times and during the first year of office for induction purposes.

 

Terms of Appointment

The Chair is appointed by the Trustees.

The initial term of the Chair is three years, for a maximum of two terms.