CATH Chair of Trustees – Role Description (please note - this is a final expression of interest and we are looking to appoint September 2025)
The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.
Chair role
· Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that CATH achieves its mission.
· Work in partnership with the Chief Executive and team 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 CATH’s staff and volunteers.
· Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
· Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for CATH.
What we are looking for
Essential
- Experience of being a trustee. Previous experience in the role of Chair would be advantageous.
- A keen sense of strategic purpose.
- An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
- Ability to read and understand financial information.
- The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
- Advocate - be able and willing to champion CATH’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 CATH’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
- Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
- Oversee CATH’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 CATH’s financial statements.
- Provide support and challenge to CATH’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
- Keep abreast of changes in CATH’s operating environment.
- Contribute to regular reviews of CATH’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 CATH’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
- Contribute to the broader promotion of CATH’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.
- 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 3 year term of office, renewal for 2 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 in person at venues in the Chester area.
- Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
- Attending 1 Annual General Meeting and 1 annual half day strategy session.
Committee membership
Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.
Application deadline: Thursday 3rd of July 2025
