Chair of Trustees

The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees in its collective responsibility for governance of the charity, act as mentor and supervisor to the Chief Executive, and have a good understanding of what it means to be an employer.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversight and Governance: ensures the Board functions effectively, adheres to legal and regulatory requirements (including Charity Commission guidance), and maintains high standards of accountability.
• Strategic Leadership: leads the Board in setting the charity’s strategic direction, vision, and values, and monitors progress towards those goals.
• Managing the Board: ensures Board meetings are well-run, fosters a positive Board culture, delegates roles to trustees appropriately, and oversees recruitment, induction, and development, reviewing performance annually.
• CEO Relationship: acts as the main link between the Board and the Chief Executive, providing support and constructive challenges, and managing the CEO’s appraisal and recruitment.
• Representing the Charity: as required, serves as the public face and spokesperson for the charity, representing the charity to stakeholders, partners, and the wider community.

Experience Knowledge and Skills Required

• Significant experience operating at a senior strategic leadership level (e.g. Chair, CEO, Director, lead Trustee roles).
• Proven track record of chairing Board meetings, committees, or similar governing bodies.
• Business and management skills around strategic thinking, analytical skills, problem solving, good process and time management, staying focused.
• Change and crisis management skills, and experience in managing risk, uncertainty and reputational threats.
• Desirable: good knowledge of the charity sector and/or areas of relevance to VANS’ areas of work. Understanding of, and connections in, the voluntary and public services sector in BNSSG (Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire), and beyond.
• Understanding of charity governance, legal duties of trustees, charity finances/funding, and charity regulation compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to foster a collaborative team environment.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to influence and negotiate internally and externally to pursue the charity’s mission and purpose.
• Proficient IT skills, including Excel, Word, Teams & Zoom, and VANS’ management systems.

Personal and Leadership Qualities Required

• Shows genuine interest and commitment to VANS’ mission & vision.
• Is confident, resilient and determined and inspires confidence and trust of others within and beyond the charity.
• Willing to speak their mind, while being emotionally intelligent, listens, has empathy, and can manage relationships and conflict with tact and diplomacy.
• Encourages others, being ready to listen and learn, and be flexible when in the charity’s interest.
• Demonstrates high levels of personal integrity, objectivity, honesty and confidentiality, and commitment to VANS’ values, in the way they lead.
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Time Commitment and Availability

• There are 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum with Trustees, working group meetings, regular meetings with the CEO, as well as ad hoc meetings, preparation, and urgent, unplanned matters. Typically, around 6/8 days per month.
• In addition, a willingness to dedicate the necessary time to getting to know trustees and Board business and programmes; to build a strong working relationship with the CEO; and understand from team members and others how VANS operates and delivers its services.
• Flexibility to attend evening or weekend events.

Term

• Chairs should expect to serve for no more than 2 terms of 3 years.
• Whilst the role is unpaid, reasonable expenses may be claimed in line with VANS’ policy.

Find Out More

If you would like to find out more before you apply, you can view the following document:

• 2024 – 2025 Impact Report
• 2025 Annual Accounts
• VANS Website

We can also arrange for you to speak to our Chair and our CEO.

How to Apply

Submit a letter (max two sides) explaining why you are interested and your suitability, along with your CV, to Natasha@bluegreenrecruit.co.uk.

The application deadline is 5 o’clock on 17th April 2026.

Before applying, candidates are welcome to arrange a 20minute conversation with the Chair and/or CEO between 6th and 10th April. Please contact Natasha on: 07847212117.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 5th May.