Chair of Trustees

Chair of Trustees – Yeovil Freewheelers EVS (YFW Blood Bikes)

The Chair of Trustees (CoT) leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The CoT leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chair of the Management Committee (CMC). The CoT is also an ambassador for the charity.

Chair role

·     Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Yeovil Freewheelers EVS (hereafter known as YFW Blood Bikes r simply YFW) achieves its mission.

·     Work in partnership with the Management Committee to achieve our mission.

·     Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.

·     Optimise the relationship between the board and YFW’s Management Committee and volunteers.

·     Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.

·     Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for YFW Blood Bikes in conjunction with the CMC.

What we are looking for

Essential

●      Experience of being a trustee. [You do not need to have been a Chair before]

●      A keen sense of strategic purpose.

●      An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.

●      The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.

●      Advocate - be able and willing to champion YFW Blood Bike’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.

●      A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

●      Be responsive [As a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is very helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.]

In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

●      Support and provide advice on YFW Blood Bike’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

●      Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

●      Oversee YFW’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

●      Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

●      Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored, and controlled effectively.

●      Review and approve YFW’s financial statements.

●      Provide support and challenge to YFW’s CMC in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

●      Keep abreast of changes in YFW’s operating environment.

●       Contribute to regular reviews of YFW’s own governance.

●      Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

●      Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect YFW’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

●      Contribute to the broader promotion of YFW’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.

 Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

●      Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

●      Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

●      Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

●      A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

●      Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

●      Willingness to lead according to our values [charity values]

●      Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

●      Trustees are appointed for a minimum 1-year term of office, renewal for 1 year further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

●      This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment (Estimated at one day per month)

●      Attending 4 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely / in person at The Airfield Tavern, Yeovil, or similar. 

●      Monthly scheduled meeting with the CMC with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.

●      Attending an annual half day strategy session.