Volunteering

Background

Sophie Hayes Foundation (SHF) is a dynamic and growing UK registered charity, governed by a Board of Trustees.

Our charity is founded on the belief that women survivors of slavery and human trafficking deserve the chance for sustainable freedom, and that this can only come through independence. Our purpose is simple – to help women survivors achieve stable and sustainable freedom. We do that through advocacy and programs that allow women to develop confidence, skills and opportunities for education and employment.

Each year, we help hundreds of women through workshops and individual coaching and training sessions, and make connections so they can explore opportunities in the workplace and/or academic institutions.

There are three officers, the Chair, Treasurer and Company Secretary. Two main Board Committees: Governance and Nominations, and Risk and Finance, plus three Board Advisory Groups: Operations, Brand and Reputation and Fundraising

Trustees are responsible for the organisation’s strategy, governance, risk management and oversight, ensuring that the organisation can meet its obligations and responsibilities, and supporting the Management team as needed.

We are currently seeking a volunteer Chair for the Sophie Hayes Foundation Board. The ideal candidate will have experience chairing a Board or Board committee, qualities, support our mission and be aligned to our values, have strong leadership and be able to act as an ambassador for the organization, be an independent thinker and team player, and have specialist skills that you can contribute to the team.

The Board of Trustees seeks a wide-ranging level of experience, thinking and background to ensure that we have the skills, experience and diversity of thought and perspective to draw upon in our governance and decision-making roles.

You will need to have the time to contribute to our growth strategy by attending Board meetings (6 per year), support Committee Chairs and Board officers, work and support our small but mighty management team, and represent Sophie Hayes Foundation to key stakeholders.

Role Description

• As a small/medium and growing charity, the role of Chair is a crucial one.
• As a leader and important ambassador for the organisation, you will be expected to work with the Board, the CEO and key charity stakeholders.
• Working with the Board, you are responsible for setting and achieving the SHF strategy, board governance, safeguarding and promoting the brand, reputation and values of the organisation, and ensuring appropriate risk management and financial sustainability.
• In addition, the Chair is expected to work closely with the CEO as his/her line manager, as well as with the other
• Board Officers (Treasurer and Company Secretary) and Committee Chairs.

Detailed responsibilities include:

• Leadership and contribution to the Board on strategic direction, policies, goals, targets and evaluation of performance against agreed targets
• Board agenda and Chairing of Board meetings
• Oversight to ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives and complies with its governing document, charity law, and other relevant legislation or regulations

• Oversight of financial strategy and management, in consultation with the Treasurer and CEO
• Management, support and mentoring of CEO
• Awareness of, and contribution to, Committee activity as an ex-officio member of all committees

Personal Qualities

• Leadership competence and experience
• Integrity
• A commitment to the organisation and its objectives
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgment
• An ability to think creatively
• Willingness to speak your mind with an ability to listen
• Work effectively as a leader and member of a team
• A commitment to abide by the code of conduct.

Time Commitment

• Term:3 Years
• Meetings: Minimum of 6 Board of Trustee meetings per year (usually held on weekday evenings, after close of business), plus preparation and reading of documentation

Board matters: Meetings with Treasurer, Company Secretary and Committee Chairs on planning and governance matters, and to contribute to and ensure progress on key initiatives

People Management: Regular planning and update meetings with CEO (and other senior management) to support their activities and advise on ongoing business and management challenges

Stakeholder Engagement: Attendance at, and contribution to, major SHF events (1-2 p.a.), contribution to key stakeholder and funder meetings (6-8 p.a.), and support to media relations, as a spokesperson for the organisation

The Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that we have a wide-ranging level of experience, thinking and background, so that the Board has the skills, experience and diversity of thought and perspective to draw upon in its governance and decision-making roles.

Deadline: Friday 20 November 2020

Applications should should include a short cover letter and CV. For an informal discussion prior to applying, please contact us via our website . Following close of applications, remote interviews will be hosted for all shortlisted candidates