Chairperson - Board of Trustees

CHAIRPERSON

Remuneration: The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed (e.g. attending the LNBP Annual AGM which is currently held during the Crick Boat Show at which LNBP has a presence).

Location: Home based

Time commitment: Attending 4/5 Trustee Board meetings per year and regular liaison with the other trustees. Additionally, the Chair is expected to participate in meetings of the Executive Committee (planned to meet 5/6 times per year going forward).

Reporting to: Board of Trustees

Role Description:

Objective

The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Committee to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. He or she will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the other trustees and Executive Committee members.

Principal Responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries
• Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity
• Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives and provides a clear strategic direction for the Charity
• Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity
• Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place and are reviewed at appropriate intervals, and contribute to the production of the Annual Report and Accounts
• Encourage positive change where appropriate and address and resolve any conflicts within the Board
• Aim to ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the charity, and contribute to LNBP newsletters
• Facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders

Efficiency and Effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership

Person Specification

To fulfil this role it is NOT a requisite requirement that the person has detailed knowledge of narrowboats or the canal system.

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of the charity, the Chair must also meet the following requirements:-

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well

Desirable Experience

• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of chairing meetings and events

Knowledge and skills

• Broad knowledge and understanding of charity governance and finance issues
• Leadership skills and ability to bring people together

Term

The charity’s Chair will serve a three-year term to be eligible for reappointment for one additional term.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.