YMCA London South West is looking for an engaging and dynamic leader to fill the role as Chair of Board of Directors.
Role Summary
This document should be read in conjunction with the Role Description for a Member of the Board of Directors.
The role of the Chair of the Board of Directors (Chair) is to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Directors (Board), to enable it to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Association.
The Chair’s role is also to work with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and senior staff of the Association, in achieving the aims of the organisation and ensuring the Association’s Christian vision is delivered.
Organisation Context
The vision of YMCA London South West (YMCA LSW) is to be a Christian charity where people can come as they are; be met at their point of need and come to know life in all its fullness.
YMCA LSW has a growing presence across the Royal/London Boroughs of Kingston, Merton, Richmond-upon-Thames and Hammersmith & Fulham as well as in Elmbridge in Surrey. The Association currently has a turnover of approximately £10 million per annum, with around 500 staff and 160 volunteers. Operating out of five main Centres and numerous satellite and premises managed by other organisations, services delivered by the Association include bed spaces for nearly 300 people in housing need, health and wellbeing services, youth support and advice, education and training, and children and families work.
Main Responsibilities
Governance
- Plan, with the CEO, the annual cycle of Board Meetings, including the Annual General Meeting, and set agree the agendas with supporting documentation, ensuring that these meetings comply with the Association’s governing documents.
- Chair and facilitate effective Board Meetings, ensuring that all Board Members are given the opportunity to question and express their views; manage conduct of the Board at meetings; ensure that any potential Conflicts of Interest are declared and addressed appropriately.
- Monitor the implementation and progress of decisions taken at Board meetings; and in line with delegated authority be available to advise and take decisions between Board Meetings; ensure that the work of the Association is regularly monitored, evaluated and reviewed within clear guidelines and measures of performance in order to manage and mitigate risks.
- Ensure the Board meets regulatory and quality standard requirements, e.g. NHF Code of Governance, Insync (YMCA quality mark), IiP, HCA and Regulatory standards etc..
- Monitor that decisions taken at board meetings are implemented; take decisions between Board Meetings.
- Be a senior signatory for the Association (for large payments, payroll, etc.).
- Attend and be a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in role as Chair.
Strategic Leadership
- Provide leadership for the Board of Directors in their role of setting the strategy and policy of the organisation.
- Give guidance and direction to Board policy making; ensure the Board receives professional advice when needed, either from senior staff or external sources; ensure any potential conflicts of interest are declared and addressed appropriately.
Relationships
- Work with the CEO in initially screening potential new Board Members.
- Appraise the performance of each individual member of the Board annually.
- Ensure Board Meetings and individual contributions to the Board and work of the Association is evaluated, training needs are met and ensure the Board has the specific knowledge and skills necessary to question proposals and make good decisions.
- Review the composition of the Board and the skills of individual members and address any skill deficiencies and succession planning.
- Ensure that new trustees are recruited, inducted, have mentor allocated and are developed.
- Be an ambassador for the vision and work of the Association and the wider Federation of YMCAs, representing the Association at appropriate events, meetings or functions and act as a spokesperson for the organisation where required.
- Establish and build a strong, effective and constructive line management working relationship with the CEO, ensuring he/she is accountable for achieving agreed strategic objectives; support the CEO whilst maintaining appropriate boundaries; ensure contact with CEO is open and supportive within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges; review and appraise performance of the CEO, ensuring any personal development needs are met.
Qualities Sought
- An engaging and dynamic leader with first class communication skills, who can build a strong rapport with the trustees, SMT and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrate a passion for and commitment to the YMCA, its strategic objectives and practical work.
- Commitment to the YMCA Christian vision, mission and values.
- Personal gravitas to lead a significant sized charity; comfortable in an ambassadorial role and competent in public speaking.
- Leadership and team work skills and preferably previous experience of acting in the role of Chair.
- Understanding of legal responsibilities of charity trustees.
- Experience of charity sector.
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.
- Integrity, strategic vision and good/independent judgement.
Commitment Required
The Chair of the Board is expected to give on average ½ day a week to the role. This includes meetings and conference calls with the CEO, Board meetings (up to 10 per year including one residential) and occasional other meetings.
The majority of Board members are expected to be ‘declared’ Christians and whilst this does not apply specifically to the Chair, they would need to demonstrate a commitment to the Christian vision, mission and values of the Association.
How to apply
Download the Board of Directors Enquiry Pack here.
To apply, please forward a CV and a short submission detailing why you feel that you are suitable for the Chair role, and email it to andymole@ymcalsw.org
Or you can send it to:
Andy Mole
YMCA London South West
9-15 St James Road
Surbiton
Surrey
KT6 4QH
If you would like to have an informal conversation with Richard James, CEO of YMCA LSW, about the role, you can contact him direct via email richardjames@ymcalsw.org or call 020 8399 5427.
Closing date for completed applications is 30 September 2015.