At a glance

Skills

Governance
Public speaking
Strategic development and planning
Strategic mentoring / coaching
Safeguarding

Where

Sittingbourne, ME10 4DN

Mainly at home

Time

Either in or out of office hours Estimate of time needed:
1-3 hours / week or 3-7 hours / week Board meetings once every 6 weeks, sometimes virtual however we do also in person once in a while. most volunteering can be emails and calls .

Deadline

01 Sep 2025

Are you an experienced chair who can combine strategic leadership with operational excellence in an inclusive and collaborative style?

What will you be doing?

This is an active role, where time will need to be invested regularly outside of meetings to support this small charity.

As Chair, you will provide leadership and strategic direction and help New Leaf Support (NLS) ensure good governance as we continue our growth trajectory and deliver on our vision, harnessing the skills and experience of our experienced Board of Trustees (BoT), staff and volunteer team. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Chair include:

Chairing and facilitating BoT meetings, ensuring decisions are made, recorded and implemented effectively.
Supporting the CEO in their role to deliver on the organisation’s vision, mission and strategic objectives, ensuring frameworks are in place to monitor and review impact whilst supporting their professional development.
Working closely with the CEO and BoT to ensure legal compliance, liaising with relevant external bodies as appropriate
Ensuring, with the BoT, sound financial oversight including review and approval of the annual budget
Ensuring there is an effective relationship between the BoT and CEO with staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders
Representing and advocating for the organisation externally as required What are we looking for? We are looking for an experienced Chair with previous experience of being a trustee, ideally with small charity experience and a good background in strategy, governance, finance, HR and fundraising.

We are looking for someone with the following specific skills: Essential

Strong leadership skills
Mentoring and coaching skills to develop and guide the CEO
Chairing and facilitation skills • Good understanding of the role of a Chair and charity trustees in the UK
Experience of implementing and upholding governance and how to provide the right balance of support and challenge through change
An understanding of the challenges of running a small charity, particularly in the current climate
Sound understanding of charity finances and associated risks.

What are we looking for?

Ability to retain the existing BoT, ensuring they are supported and feel that their work is making a valuable contribution to the charity’s purpose and desired outcomes.
Ability to support culture change and the implementation of HR and business processes (led by relevant BoT members.)
Ability to develop a good relationship with the charity Founder who leads the Friends of New Leaf fundraising arm and who is an active volunteer.
Experience of the domestic abuse sector and/or an appreciation of the impact of experiencing DA has on survivors – many of whom work/volunteer with NLS.
The ability to be present at NLS’s office in Sittingbourne to work in person with the CEO at least once a month.
Experience of leading change – particularly growing a charity/service or business. Key Qualities • A strong team player with the ability to motivate and lead
Practiced in leading inclusively, with a collaborative approach to maximise BoT contributions. • The ability to challenge constructively
Committed to leading a community-centred organisation
Committed to learning more about domestic abuse and how NLS works from prevention through to recovery for all people impacted by DA in the Swale region.
Creative – making a little money go a long way
Time – during this period of growth and change the Chair could be working 1 day a week with NLS, with a view to this decreasing over time.

What difference will you make?

By stepping into the role of chair for our charity, you will play a crucial part in guiding our mission to new heights and have a massive impact on growing the charity and funding, allowing us to reach more individuals in need of our support and broaden our projects.

Your leadership will not only motivate our trustees and team but also uplift countless lives within our community. Community Engagement is paramount your involvement and expertise will draw attention and encourage others to rally around our cause, fostering a more robust network of support, partnership working and resources for those who need it the most.

Before you apply

Please send a CV and any relevant information related to the role.

About New Leaf Support

Causes

Children / families

Community safety / victim support / domestic violence

Local / community

Organisation type:

Charity

New Leaf Support helps anyone suffering from Domestic Abuse and Related Abuse.

Chair for Domestic Abuse Charity: New leaf Support