UMHAN Chair of Trustees

Purpose  

The role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees. The Chair’s aim is to enable the Board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation.

The Chair will ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations and to make sure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

The Chair's role is also to work in partnership with the charity manager and support employees, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation; and to optimise the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the staff.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee, the Chair has a number of tasks specific to their role.

Working with: Charity Manager, the Trustees and the Committee 

Duties

Governance and Strategic Leadership

Providing leadership for the Board of Trustees in their role of setting the strategy and policy of UMHAN

Chairing board meetings 

Monitoring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented

Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (ie constitution), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public

External Relations

Representing UMHAN at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate 

Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity

Maintain close relationships with key stakeholders and influencers

Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

Efficiency and effectiveness

Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of UMHAN

Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for UMHAN

Encourage positive change where appropriate and address and resolve any conflicts within the board

Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.

Liaising with employees to keep an overview of UMHAN’s affairs and providing support as appropriate

Leading the process of appraising the performance of employees 

Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels as required

Provide leadership to UMHAN and its Board, ensuring that UMHAN has maximum impact for its beneficiaries 

Finance

Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

Relationship with the Charity Manager

Establish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the Charity Manager, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives

Ensure regular contact with the Charity Manager and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges

Liaise with the Charity Manager to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing  support as necessary

Ensure that the Charity Manager has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support

Qualities of a Chair

To be an “upstanding” person adhering to Nolans principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Commitment to the organisation

Leadership ability

Integrity, strategic vision and good/independent judgement

A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as Chair and trustee

Ability to take decisions for the good of the organisation

Good, independent judgement

Good communication skills

IT literate and willing to learn new software packages as required

Tact and diplomacy

Willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others

An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee

Essential experience

Direct experience of the type of work undertaken by the organisation

Desirable experience 

Prior experience of committee/trustee work

A wider involvement with the voluntary sector

Time Commitment

The Board meets four times a year; 2 meetings are generally held in Birmingham with 2 virtual meetings in between.

It is important that the Chair is able to be available to the charity manager on a regular basis with monthly virtual meetings and email/phone contact as required.

From time to time, the Chair should be available to attend and represent the charity at events, meetings or functions in the day and evening times.

Other information:

This position is not remunerated but reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred fulfilling the duties of the role are reimbursed.

Support for the role, including induction and training, will be supported by the Charity Manager.

The charity and committee currently use the following packages: Google, Trello, Zoom