Chair of Trustees (voluntary)
In addition to the duties of a trustee, the Chair provides inclusive leadership to the board, ensuring it governs effectively, remains focussed on its strategic objectives and complies with statutory and Citizens Advice requirements and. The Chair supports and supervises the Chief Officer and acts as a spokesperson for the charity.
Key responsibilities of Trustee Chair:
Complete training as required, in order to comply with Citizens Advice and statutory requirements
Maintain an awareness of how the charity is operating
Plan the board meeting agenda with the Chief Officer
Facilitate the effectiveness of trustee board meetings by leading the meeting, ensuring that agenda items are discussed, enabling and encouraging all members to contribute their views and take part, and seeking clarification where necessary
Ensure that decisions and actions taken at board meetings are carried out
Ensure that the board decisions are made within the remit of the Citizens Advice membership agreement and the organisations governing documents and policies
Provide regular support and supervision for the Chief Officer including an annual appraisal
Together with the Treasurer, ensure proper management and control of finances
Together with the Chief Officer, represent the local Citizens Advice in relationships with funders or potential funders, local, regional and national events and in the community
Participate in Citizens Advice meetings and events
Work together with all trustees and ensure that the board is able to:
set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice
monitor the financial position of the local Citizens Advice ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, ensuring that there are clear lines of accountability for day to day financial management
monitor whether the Citizens Advice service complies with its governing document and meets the required standards
seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community
ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers
review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement
work on specific projects to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice
As a Chair, you’ll need to:
Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice
Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of trustees
Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
Have strong leadership skills and be able to delegate
Be able to facilitate and lead meetings
Have good interpersonal skills
Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
Be able to exercise good independent judgement
Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
Be willing to undertake training in your role
Benefits of volunteering as a Trustee:
Making a difference by helping to shape the future of a vital community service
Gaining experience by developing leadership and strategic skills
Contributing to the local community and making a positive impact
Learning new things and developing valuable skills
Meeting new people and building relationships with others
If you are interested in becoming a trustee and would like further information or to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How much time do you need to give?
The time commitment for the Chair of trustees is 2-3 days per month.
Further information
You can find further information about who can be a trustee and the main duties of a trustee on the government website.
Applying
Please contact Beverley Jordan, Chair of the Board of Trustees: b.jordan@cawb.org.uk or Lisa Kidston, Chief Officer: chiefofficer@cawb.org.uk