Chairperson Volunteer

The Chair of Trustees will provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees and centre staff

ensuring that the governance and strategic direction of the charity is being fulfilled. The Chair will

support and sometimes challenge the team and ensure the Board functions as a unit and works

closely with the wider team to achieve our aim to continue to be an exceptionally well run and

sustainable organisation so that we can make the greatest practical impact for people managing

their lives with MS.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Governance

• Provide leadership to the charity and team ensuring the charity has the maximum

impact for members and users and follows the vision/missions stated in the

Strategic Plan.

• Ensure the Board and Staff fulfil their obligations, duties and responsibilities for the

effective governance of the charity.

• Ensue the Board operates within the charities objectives as stipulated within the

Articles of Association.

Sussex MS Centre, Croft Avenue, Southwick Recreation Ground, Southwick, BN42 4AB,

www.mssussex.com Charity no. 801075 Company Limited by Guarantee no. 02319928

• Lead the Board and ensure it operates as a team, engaging all Trustees and fostering

a culture of open discussion and debate.

• Ensure the operation of the centre is realised and systems are in place to manage

and mitigate risks

• Chair bi-monthly Board Meetings and other meetings such as Finance and Health

and Safety where appropriate.

• Act as the support mechanism and critical friend for the Centre Manager and team

for operational and strategic queries.

• Work with Trustees and the Centre Manager to recruit and appoint new Trustees

and staff and ensure they receive induction, training and support.

• Undertake an annual appraisal for the Centre Manager.

• Perform annual remuneration reviews in consultation with the Board.

2. External Duties

• Act as an ambassador for and represent the charity at external meetings, events and

functions.

• Build strong relationships with other MS charities, local charitable organisations,

funding partners and key stakeholders.

3. Strategy and Planning

• Lead the Trustees in developing, agreeing and implementing the Strategic Plan.

• Ensue the plan is robust and regularly reviewed and/or amended.

• Work with the Centre Manager to agree priorities aligned with the Strategic Plan.

• Support the team in the absence of the Centre Manager and offer advice and

guidance where applicable.

4. Person Specification

• Essential:

• Experience of working at a leadership level within a charity or organisation.

• Experience of charity governance and working as a Trustee.

• Commitment to the charity, its missions and values and drive and energy to

implement positive change.

• Strong leadership, motivational, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

• Great communicator and able to effectively write reports and chair meetings.

• Understanding of legal requirements for the charity and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to think strategically and know how to convert strategy into action.

• Desirable:

• Financial background or understanding of financial management.

• Located within Sussex or commuting distance from the centre.

• Background in managing projects or working within a project delivery environment.

• Experience or understanding of MS, the effects of the condition and treatments on

offer.

• Knowledge of challenges faced by charities and specifically health related

organisations.

• Previous experience as a Chair or Senior Leadership role.

What skills do I need?

4. Person Specification

• Essential:

• Experience of working at a leadership level within a charity or organisation.

• Experience of charity governance and working as a Trustee.

• Commitment to the charity, its missions and values and drive and energy to

implement positive change.

• Strong leadership, motivational, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

• Great communicator and able to effectively write reports and chair meetings.

• Understanding of legal requirements for the charity and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to think strategically and know how to convert strategy into action.

• Desirable:

• Financial background or understanding of financial management.

• Located within Sussex or commuting distance from the centre.

• Background in managing projects or working within a project delivery environment.

• Experience or understanding of MS, the effects of the condition and treatments on

offer.

• Knowledge of challenges faced by charities and specifically health related

organisations.

• Previous experience as a Chair or Senior Leadership role.

Location

This opportunity has no specific location e.g. can be carried out anywhere.