At a glance

Skills

Fundraising strategy
Governance
Public speaking
Strategic development and planning
Property management
Mentoring / Coaching

Where

Norwich, NR3 1RW

Mainly at home, or mainly at the office.

Time

Either in or out of office hours Estimate of time needed:
0-5 hours / month

Deadline

27 Jan 2025

Visitors from Fifth Day

Welcome to Reach Volunteering. We are a community and registered charity that connects people, skills and good causes.

To apply for this role, and any other on our platform, you need to be based in the UK, have at least three years of experience using the skills you wish to volunteer in a professional capacity or have lived experience (for trustee roles). Read more about our criteria.

Could you be our new Chair?

Norwich Historic Churches Trust (NHCT) is a small charity that protects, preserves and finds new uses for 18 decommissioned medieval churches. We have a passionate board of Trustees and are looking for a new Chair.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for an individual with previous charity Board experience who will work with fellow Trustees, the Head of Operations, Conservation and Heritage (SEO), and the small staff team. The Chair will lead the Board in supporting the SEO and staff team in the effective delivery of the NHCT’s vision, mission and strategy, as well as leading all Trustees in the fulfilment of their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. Through support and constructive challenge, the Chair will ensure the Board works cohesively with the SEO and the staff Team to achieve agreed objectives. Ideally, the Chair will be passionate about medieval architecture and heritage buildings, and its importance to Norwich’s social, cultural and economic landscape.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced and inclusive leader with a sound understanding of governance (charity, public or private) who can bring strategic insight, commitment and integrity to the leadership of our governance and Board.

In addition to chairing skills and a track record of executive and non-executive leadership, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to NHCT’s purpose, mission, values and behaviours. The Chair will have experience of the heritage and charity sectors, knowledge of current workplace issues and a sound understanding of the challenges of property management in historic buildings.

The following person specification apply:

Sound understanding of the role of Chair and Trustee and the relationship between Chair, the Board and SEO including a good understanding of governance,
Knowledge of and an understanding of heritage conservation and the city we serve,
Well connected both within the heritage sector and locally, and able to bring contacts and networks to the charity,
Able to think strategically, synthesise complex information, weigh up options, measure risks and build consensus amongst Board members,
Skilled at chairing meetings effectively, ensuring different viewpoints are heard and considered, that clear decisions are made and followed up,
Collaborative in style, leading by example and encouraging fellow Trustees to contribute and to feel engaged and valued,
A good understanding of the communities in which we operate,
A proven commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion,
Experience of building productive external relationships and partnerships,
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills,
Excellent people management skills and the ability to motivate,
Skilled at negotiation and conflict resolution,
Drive, energy and enthusiasm for NHCT and its mission,
High levels of integrity and compassion.

What difference will you make?

NHCT's Purpose and Mission underpin all aspects of our work. Our new Chair will play a vital role in steering the charity through each of these elements:

To adopt, adapt and improve the buildings in our care, in partnership with our tenants and other key stakeholders
To build our brand to drive a sense of service and heritage expertise,
To develop strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships,
To embrace commercial opportunities in order to enhance and diversify revenue streams,
To maximise operational effectiveness,
To increase public benefit through the activities in our buildings and through increased awareness, access and learning opportunities.

About Norwich Historic Churches Trust

Causes

Museums / heritage

Organisation type:

Charity

Norwich Historic Churches Trust (NHCT) is a Charitable Trust which was created in 1973 to care for, and find new uses for redundant, historically important churches in Norwich. Our main role is to...

Chair of Trustees