Chair of the Board of Trustees

This is a place-based charity operating across the North East of England, with a core mission to improve quality of life in communities experiencing the greatest need through the power of physical activity, movement and sport.
The organisation provides systems leadership and operational support to a wide network of partners, enabling them to use movement, sport and physical activity to improve:
Physical and mental wellbeingEducational outcomesCommunity cohesionLong-term social, economic and health inequalities
The charity works collaboratively with local, regional and national stakeholders including local authorities, health systems, education providers, funding bodies, criminal justice partners, businesses and the voluntary and community sector.
The organisation has experienced significant growth in recent years, with:
Annual turnover of approximately £1.8mA staff team of around 45 peopleCore funding currently provided primarily through a national public body
The charity is now entering its next phase of development, focused on deepening impact, strengthening sustainability, and diversifying income.
The Role
The organisation seeks to appoint a strategic, influential and values-led Chair to lead the Board and support the charity's continued growth, impact and long-term sustainability.
The Chair will provide strategic leadership, strong governance and external advocacy, working in close partnership with the Chief Executive and fellow Board members. They will act as an ambassador and champion for the organisation, helping to open doors, build relationships and influence across the region and beyond.
This role is suited to an individual with calm ambition, someone who can combine strategic challenge with collaboration, humility and trust-building.
Key Responsibilities
Board Leadership & Governance
Lead the Board to ensure effective governance, accountability and strategic oversightCreate the conditions for a high-performing, compliant and values-led BoardEnsure the Board fulfils its fiduciary and legal dutiesSupport the development and effectiveness of Board membersLead Board and Chair-level performance reviews
Strategic Leadership
Shape, challenge and support the organisation's long-term, mission-led strategyEnable strategic adaptation in response to changing external conditionsSupport horizon scanning for opportunities, risks and emerging trends
Chief Executive Partnership
Build and maintain a strong, trusting and constructive relationship with the Chief ExecutiveAct as a sounding board, mentor and strategic partnerEnsure a healthy and effective Board-Executive interface
Influence, Advocacy & Systems Leadership
Act as an influential advocate for the organisation's mission and impactRepresent the organisation externally at regional and, where appropriate, national levelUse personal networks to support partnership development, income generation and profile-raisingSupport systems leadership in complex, place-based environments
Financial & Risk Oversight
Provide oversight of financial planning, controls and long-term sustainabilitySupport income diversification strategies in a shifting funding landscapeEnsure effective identification and mitigation of strategic, reputational and system risks
Person Specification
Essential
Senior-level experience providing strategic leadership and governanceProven understanding of Board responsibilities, governance best practice and fiduciary dutiesExperience navigating ambiguity, complexity and organisational changeStrong financial literacy and experience overseeing organisational sustainabilityAbility to lead Boards through growth, transition and evolving external environments
Desirable
Experience within or alongside charities, public bodies or values-led organisationsExperience of supporting income diversification and partnership-led funding models
Influence & Networks
Strong, high-level professional network, particularly regionallyAbility to build relationships across sectors such as health, education, local government, business and the voluntary sectorCredibility to influence senior stakeholders and decision-makers
Leadership Style & Values
Deep belief in the power of physical activity, movement and sport to improve lives and communitiesEgo-less, collaborative leadership styleHigh emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skillsCommitment to inclusive, ethical and values-driven leadershipCurious, resilient and willing to constructively challenge
Time Commitment
Approximate commitments include:
4 Board meetings per year (in person)2 strategic planning sessions per yearMonthly meetings with the Chief ExecutiveAttendance at the AGMStakeholder engagement and external representation as requiredOccasional sub-committee meetings and ad hoc strategic supportPreparation time for all meetings and activity
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The organisation is committed to equality of opportunity and to building a Board that reflects the communities and places it exists to serve. Applications are welcomed from individuals of all backgrounds, and from both within and beyond the sectors in which the organisation works.