At a glance

Skills

Fundraising research / Bid writing
Fundraising strategy
Governance
Public speaking
Strategic development and planning
Change management

Where

London, EC1V 9HU

Mainly at home

Time

Mostly outside office hours Estimate of time needed:
3-7 hours / week Approximately two days per month

Deadline

11 May 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.

Are you interested in using your leadership skills to support a vibrant civil society and help improve the criminal justice system?

What will you be doing?

The Vice- Chair deputises for the Chair and undertakes other assignments when necessary at the request of the Chair.

Trustees have a collective responsibility for the strategy and work of the charity and for ensuring that it is accountable to its members, the Charity Commission and the public in general. In law, trustees have three particular duties- compliance, care and prudence.

Key responsibilities

Support the Chair and provide leadership for the Board in its role of setting the strategy of the organisation, and reviewing its risk management as appropriate.
Chair Board meetings, by deputising if required.
Monitor and ensure that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
Liaise with the Director to keep an overview of the organisation's affairs and provide support as appropriate.
Appraise the performance of Trustees and the Board as appropriate from time to time and assist in the recruitment process for new trustees as appropriate.
Lead, if required, the appointment process for the Director.

General trustee responsibilities

Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction to the CJA, setting overall policy and defining goals.
Safeguard the good name and values of the CJA.
Ensure that the CJA complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
Ensure the financial sustainability of the CJA and that the charity applies its resources exclusively, effectively and efficiently in pursuance of its objectives.
Ensure that appropriate financial and administrative controls are in place and reviewed regularly.
Ensure that there is an effective process in place for monitoring and managing risk.
Devote the necessary time and effort to develop a good understanding of the CJA and its work.
Ensure that any potential conflicts of interest/loyalty between the CJA and other positions held by trustees are handled appropriately and sensitively.
Contribute to and help drive improvements in the Board’s own performance ensuring an effective, high-performing team.
Where appropriate, represent the CJA at meetings and events and act as spokesperson.
Support the CJA Director and team in fostering relationships with external partners and potential funders/donors.

What are we looking for?

Essential- strong experience in at least one of the following:

HR/people and culture; fundraising and/or grant-making; strategic communications (branding, marketing, digital); corporate partnerships and/or individual donor engagement; information/digital technology; legal; business management; project management.
Policy, public affairs, advocacy and/or influencing; ideally in the criminal/social justice/human rights sectors in England and Wales;
As a practitioner in frontline service delivery organisations in the criminal/social justice/human rights sectors.

Desirable

Expertise of lived experience of the criminal justice system. The CJA adopts a broad definition of lived experience, and includes, for example, experience of people who have been over-policed, have served a prison/community sentence, have been a victim of crime, and/or have family members in prison. We would also be interested in people who have other lived experience which they believe is relevant- please explain in your supporting statement.
Membership of the CJA directly, or of organisations which themselves are CJA members.
Being based or working in Wales or otherwise outside of London and the South-East.
Understanding of membership organisations; and/or experience of building partnerships and networks.
Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level.
Solid understanding of good governance practices.

The following skills and attributes are needed:

Strongly motivated and commitment to the CJA’s aims and values.
Honesty, integrity and commitment to always act in the best interest of the charity.
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.
Sound independent judgement and strategic vision.
Ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
Willingness and ability to work in uncertain circumstances and be receptive to change.
Demonstrable experience and a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and the ability to recognise and effectively challenge discrimination and bias.

What difference will you make?

As Vice-Chair, you will be supporting the Chair and providing leadership to the Board in its role of setting the strategy of the organisation.

You will be able to engage with our members to ensure that we pursue our common goal of building a fairer and more effective criminal justice system that works well for everyone and leads to a more equitable society.

Before you apply

Please send a copy of your CV and a supporting statement (of no more than 500 words) outlining your interest in joining the CJA, and the skills, experience and motivation you would bring to our Board.

CJA Trustee Recruitment Pack March 25_Reach Volunteering VC.pdf

About CRIMINAL JUSTICE ALLIANCE

Causes

Campaigning

Criminal justice

Organisation type:

Charity

The Criminal Justice Alliance advocates for sensible changes to make the criminal justice system work better. Our insight comes from our members: over 200 non-profit organisations with expertise...

Vice-Chair of Board of Trustees