Chair of Trustees Role Description

INTRODUCTION

Agenda,the alliance for women and girls at risk, exists to ensure that women and girls at risk of abuse, poverty, poor mental health, addiction and homelessness get the support and protection they need. We campaign for systems and services to be transformed; to raise awareness across sectors; and to promote public and political understanding of the lives of women and girls facing multiple disadvantage.

In less than3 years, Agenda has grown to become a well-respected voice in the sector with over80 member organisations. We are in the process of moving from a hosted arrangement to becoming an independent charity and we are seeking a new Chair of Trustees who can help build on our progress to date, shape strategic direction and steer the organisation through this change.

The Chair will lead the newly formed Board and small, highly committed executive team to deliver onAgenda’s mission and vision. Through inclusive and collaborative leadership, the Chair will ensure that all trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will support and, where appropriate, challenge, the Director and they will work together in partnership to represent Agenda externally.

ABOUT AGENDA

Our Vision

A society where women and girls can fulfil their potential and live their lives free from inequality, poverty and violence.

Our Purpose

We exist to ensure that women and girls at risk of abuse, poverty, poor mental health, addiction and homelessness get the support and protection they need.

Our Mission

We campaign for systems and services to be transformed; to raise awareness across sectors; and to promote public and political understanding of the lives of women and girls facing multiple disadvantage.

Our Values

Justice: We are determined and steadfast in upholding the rights of women and girls and in working to challenge structural inequalities and systemic failures

Courage: We are courageous in speaking out and taking action for and with women and girls. We provide platforms for their views and voices

Vision: We work with imagination to reframe the debate around women and girls at risk, challenge current thinking and practice, and open the door to new solutions and approaches.

Collaboration: We listen to different perspectives and draw strength from diversity. We seek to develop shared understanding, to collaborate and find new ways of talking, thinking and working across divides and boundaries.

Credibility: Our work is grounded in robust evidence, proven good practice and the experiences of women and girls.

ROLE OF CHAIR - KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Help shape the strategic direction of Agenda so that we have the maximum impact for women and girls at risk
  • Ensure that Agenda operates within its charitable objectives and that decisions taken are in the best interests of women and girls at risk
  • Provide leadership to the Agenda trustees so that they fulfil their responsibilities as a board and ensure the financial health of Agenda
  • Establish and build a strong, effective, open and supportive relationship with the Director, ensuring she delivers on agreed strategic objectives
  • Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and work closely with the Director to ensure these are well planned and meaningful
  • Help establish Agenda as a new charity including establishingeffective governance arrangements
  • Support the Director’s development including through coaching, feedback, annual appraisals and ensuring opportunities for professional development
  • In conjunction with the Director, act as an ambassador and spokesperson for Agenda and women and girls at risk
  • Lead on recruitment of new board members in a way that ensures diversity, balance of skills, knowledge and experience and pro-active succession planning
  • Support the board to develop their knowledge and capabilities
  • Engage with and support fundraising activities of Agenda and lead by example on creating a board that sees fundraising as a key part of their role

ROLE OF CHAIR - PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

  • Able to be independent and neutral whilst showing a strong commitment to social justice and to upholding the rights of women and girls at risk
  • Demonstrable gravitas and credibility
  • A commitment to supporting and steering the rest of the Board to focus on mission
  • Demonstrable interest in and understanding of issues related to gender equality, its interaction with other social inequalities, including social exclusion and poverty, and their impact on the lives of women and girls
  • Experience of successfully chairing meetings of decision-making boards/committees
  • A collaborative and inclusive leadership style that is in tune with the values of Agenda
  • Good understanding of charity leadership and governance and ability to fulfil governance role (including experience as a trustee or working with a charity board in an executive role)
  • Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
  • Good independent judgement, strategic vision and an ability to think creatively
  • Good understanding of the political environment and the implications for Agenda’s work
  • Well networked with a willingness to use networks to support and promote Agenda’s work
  • An understanding of and commitment to building collaborative partnerships
  • Strong team player able to work as part of a dynamic team and to take decisions for the good of Agenda
  • Persuasive personality with strong presentation skills needed to represent Agenda at a range of levels including atevents and on public platforms
  • Willing and able to commit the time and energy necessary to support and develop a new organisation

Desirable

  • Experience of managing senior staff and/or executive coaching
  • Experience of promoting a cause and/or raising funds
  • Experience of working with small organisations and/or managing organisational change

OTHER INFORMATION

Time commitment:

  • 4-6 Board meetings per year.
  • Associated 4-6 preparatory meetings with the Director per year.
  • Induction day spent with Agenda team
  • Time spent supporting the bedding down of new independent charity (we anticipate 1-3 days in first year)
  • The Chair is also expected to represent Agenda at some events and meetings with key stakeholders

Remuneration:

This is a voluntary role.

Agenda encourages all board members to claim travel and other expenses.

Location:

Agenda is currently based in Bethnal Green, London but we are planning an office move to another central London location. Depending on our new premises, board meetings are likely to take place at our offices.

To apply please submit your CV and a cover letter.

The closing date for applications is 31st March

Interviews are likely to be held in week commencing 9th April.

Agenda is committed to building a culturally diverse team and therefore strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.