Requirements of the role
The Chair will provide inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the Board functions as a cohesive unit. This role is pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of the charity and fostering a collaborative environment among the entire Executive team (both staff and volunteers) to achieve our shared objectives.
As the public face of the charity, the Chair will not only focus on governance and regulatory compliance but also serve as an inspiring ambassador for our mission. This is an exciting opportunity to lead impactful initiatives that make a real difference in the community. By working closely with the Chief Executive, UK Chief Volunteer, and UK Youth Lead, the Chair will play a crucial role in driving innovation and engagement, helping to elevate the charity’s profile and influence.
This position is not just about oversight; it’s about being at the forefront of change, inspiring others, and championing the values that define our organisation. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact and leading with purpose, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of our charity.
Specific duties
i) Strategic leadership
- Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees.
- Work with the Board to provide clear strategic direction for the Charity.
- Work with the Board to ensure that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries.
- Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the Charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.
- Work with the Board to monitor the Charity’s progress against agreed targets.
- Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity.
- Work with the Board to ensure that the Charity operates within its charitable objectives.
- Work with the Board to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and to ensure that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and to manage and mitigate the risks.
- Delegate these duties appropriately to subcommittees or individuals.
- Be willing to champion innovation and positive change.
- Support our adult volunteers to deliver safe and impactful programmes across our 8000 federated charities, assuring ourselves that high standards of delivery are maintained and strengthened.
ii) Governance
- As a Trustee of the Charity, observe the legal obligations of a Charity trustee.
- Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees.
- Play a leading role in appraising the performance of the individual Trustees and of the Board on an annual basis.
- Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the Charity effectively, subject to the provisions of the Charter and Byelaws.
- Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees.
- Address and resolve any conflicts within the Board.
- Work within any agreed policies adopted by the Charity.
- Work in partnership with the Chief Executive, UK Chief Volunteer and UK Youth Lead to ensure strong, cohesive and collaborative organisational leadership.
- Ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion are considered in all our business.
- Ensure that safety, risk management and assurance are considered in all our business.
iii) External relations
- Work closely with the Chief Executive, the UK Chief Volunteer and UK Youth Lead to ensure a co-ordinated approach to external relations including with The Scouts Councils and National Scout Boards of Trustees in the devolved nations.
- Represent the Charity at events or as a spokesperson when appropriate.
iv) Meetings
- Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently.
- Chair meetings of the Nominations and Governance Committee.
- Facilitate discussion amongst the Trustees, ensuring that Trustees are fully engaged.
- Work closely with the Chief Executive and the Governance Team to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of Trustees.
- Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
v) Relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider executive team
- Line manage the Chief Executive, establishing and building a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive.
- Liaise with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary.
- Ensure that the Chief Executive has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support. Ensure appropriate annual appraisal of the Chief Executive in partnership with the Board.
vi) Relationship with the UK Chief Volunteer and UK Youth Lead and the wider volunteer executive team
- Line manage the UK Chief Volunteer, establishing and building a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with them both.
- Liaise with the UK Chief Volunteer and UK Youth Lead to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs through our federated structure, providing support as necessary.
- Ensure that the UK Chief Volunteer and UK Youth Lead have the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support. Ensure appropriate annual appraisal of the UK Chief Volunteer and UK Youth Lead in partnership with the Board.
Appointment term
Appointments are typically for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of a further term of three years subject to a satisfactory appraisal and council approval. Clear indicators of success for the new Chair will be agreed by the Board during the first few months of appointment.