Independent Chair

Platform Rail Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) look to appoint an independent chair who shares our passion for rail education and will bring influence and effective challenge to take us to our next stage of development. Our chair will be an energetic ambassador for Platform Rail and our ambitious goals, supporting our communications, strategic development and work alongside a board of enthusiastic individuals.

Our chair will demonstrate a clear commitment to our values and provide leadership and direction to the board. They will make decisions in line with our strategy and advise on legal and regulatory guidelines and be familiar with the education sector. This person will need to facilitate board discussions in a way that focuses on strategic decision making, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process and ensuring all members feel heard and confident to contribute.

Please note this is a voluntary role.

The chair will be expected to:

• attend four virtual meetings a year (and potentially some additional, exceptional ones)
• attend one in person meeting a year (if required)
• devote appropriate preparation time ahead of each meeting to read minutes and agenda, for example
• have capacity to advise and support CRP members throughout the year in a timely manner
• familiarise themselves with Platform Rail and CRPs (to include attendance on an introductory Platform Rail school trip)
• facilitate board discussions in a way that focuses on strategic decision making, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process 
• fulfil the typical roles and responsibilities of an independent chair

Applicants:

• Should have held a previous position of responsibility with evidence of mediation and advisory experience at a senior level.
• Have experience of the education sector or a previous role within education establishments.
• Be located within the Geographical parameters of the CRPs who support Platform Rail; Gloucestershire, Severnside, South Wessex, TransWilts and Worcestershire Community Rail Partnerships. Please visit the application link for more information about the regions covered.
• Maintaining a diverse and inclusive board is of importance to us and we particularly welcome candidates who will add to the range and breadth of experience of the board and can represent voices we may be missing.

Please note: to remain fully impartial, applicants from the rail industry will not be accepted

Key dates:

• First (virtual) meeting 5th March, 2025
• Duration of role (three years)
• Trial period (six months)
• All board dates will be shared six months in advance with agenda and any relevant supporting documents provided at least five days in advance.

Please note that this role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed if required.