At a glance

Skills

Governance
Public speaking
Strategic development and planning
Strategic mentoring / coaching

Where

Sevenoaks, TN13 3AT

Mainly at home

Time

Either in or out of office hours Estimate of time needed:
3-7 hours / week

Deadline

13 Sep 2024

As Chair of Trustees, you'll lead SWR strategically, ensuring the Trustee Board meets its responsibilities. You'll serve as an ambassador, build key stakeholder relationships, and ensure the organisation's governance is robust and effective.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead SWR and the Trustee Board to ensure the charity achieves maximum impact for its beneficiaries.
Oversee the development and implementation of SWR’s strategic plans, ensuring alignment with our mission and objectives.
Regularly review major risks and opportunities with the Trustee Board, ensuring systems are in place for management and mitigation.
Ensure SWR’s financial health and accountability through proper governance.

Governance and Management

Ensure effective governance structures are in place and adhered to, including compliance with SWR’s Constitution and Charity Commission requirements.
Promote and oversee efficient management practices within the organisation.
Lead efforts to develop the Board’s skills, knowledge, and experience to meet the charity’s needs.
Address and resolve conflicts within the Trustee Board, encouraging positive change where necessary.
Ensure the Trustee Board reflects the diversity and skills required to govern SWR effectively.

External Relations

Act as an ambassador for SWR, advocating for the needs of vulnerable refugees.
Maintain and develop relationships with key local authorities, housing associations, MPs, and other relevant stakeholders.
Represent SWR at external events, meetings, and functions.
Manage external relationships to facilitate positive change and resolve potential conflicts.

Efficiency and Effectiveness

Chair monthly Trustee Board meetings effectively, ensuring impartiality and objectivity in decision-making.
Ensure the Board’s decisions are in the best long-term interests of SWR and are implemented effectively.
Foster constructive relationships within the Trustee Board and between trustees and volunteers.

Core Responsibilities

Provide clear and decisive leadership to the organisation.
Ensure the Board aligns with SWR’s purpose and values, making decisions that advance the charity’s mission.
Cultivate a cohesive and high-performing Trustee Board.
Maintain high-quality relationships with key volunteers to support SWR’s work.

What are we looking for?

Essential Qualities:

Strategic Leadership:
Commitment to the Cause:
Effective Communication:
Governance and Accountability
Collaborative Leadership:
Decision-Making and Problem-Solving:
Ambassadorial Skills:

Desirable Experience:

Charity or Non-Profit Experience:
Financial Acumen:
Networking and Partnerships:
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
Visionary Thinking:

Additional Information

The role description above is indicative and not exhaustive. The Chair may be required to perform additional duties as necessary and commensurate with the role.

SWR currently has six trustees, each managing specific areas, including property, finance, compliance, fundraising, and communications. We are also seeking two additional Trustees to lead on Integration and Path to Independence (including Language Provision and Vocational Training) and a Volunteer Lead.

In early 2023, an independent Strategic Review was conducted, with recommendations fully accepted by the Trustees. The new Chair will play a crucial role in implementing these recommendations and guiding the next phase of SWR’s development.

What difference will you make?

The Chair of Trustees is a key role in our organisation. Your leadership and commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.

Before you apply

2024 08 Chair Role.pdf

About Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees

Causes

Refugees / migrants

Organisation type:

Charity

Our primary objectives are twofold: first, to ensure the successfully integration of refugee families into their new community, and second, to empower and support them in achieving independent...

Chair of Trustees - Voluntary position for Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees