We are looking for a Chair of the Board of Trustees to join our amazing charity and lead us through the next phase of our development. This is a stimulating and challenging role that will call on all of your strategic and diplomatic skills to help us grow.
Who we are
Doorstep Library is a community-focused literacy charity dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support. With one in four 11-year-olds leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train home and online reading volunteers to go into disadvantaged areas of London to help introduce young children (aged 0-11 years) to the pleasure and benefits of reading.
The role
RECRUITMENT STATEMENT
Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All trustees undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references. Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all trustees.
ABOUT US
Doorstep Library is a community-focused literacy charity dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support. With one in four 11-year-olds leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train home and online reading volunteers to go into disadvantaged areas of London to help introduce young children (aged 0-11 years) to the pleasure and benefits of reading.
Our unique home-based service, whether in person or online, enables us to find the most appropriate books for every child we visit and build a relationship with the whole family. Our goal is to help children develop the self-confidence and essential skills they need to access all the opportunities that will come their way in life.
We also empower parents/carers to create and maintain a supportive environment by signposting them to local services and community support. Our projects not only improve literacy but also increase family wellbeing and bonding. Our tailored service enables us to help prepare children for school and broaden their opportunities in later life.
Our impact is long-lasting. For us, the ‘happy ever after’ is when we know the power of literacy and the joy of reading are helping a child change their own story for good. Every story shared is a story changed.
SUMMARY
Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Type: Voluntary
Ma Location: 34 Grosvenor Gardens, London. SW1W 0DH
Reports to: Board of Trustees
Direct Reports: This role will provide support and guidance for the CEO
Annual Salary: Unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be paid
Commitment: 4 Board meetings per year (in person/online) plus additional sub-committee meetings. The Chair will also be required to represent the Charity at various events and meetings with key stakeholders and members of staff.
Term: Three-year initial term, eligible for re-appointment for one additional term.
JOB PURPOSE
- To provide effective leadership and direction for the Board of Trustees
- Ensure good governance and compliance
- To engage and inspire stakeholders
- To leverage support for the Charity and its services
- To lead on strategic development and build resilience
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a Chair of the Board of Trustees to join our amazing charity and lead us through the next phase of our development. This is a stimulating and challenging role that will call on all of your strategic and diplomatic skills to help us grow our services in a challenging climate . We are looking for an experienced leader/manager, with energy, vision and determination, to work closely with the CEO, senior management team and the board of trustees to deliver the strategic aims of the current business plan and shape the future direction of the charity.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
Governance
· Ensure that Doorstep Library complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
· Annually assess the changing environment and approve the organisation’s business plans, fundraising strategy and budget
· Approve policies and work within any agreed policies adopted by the charity
· Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively, and reflects the wider population
· Contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
· Safeguard the interests of the charity’s beneficiaries and provide oversight of stakeholder interests
· Ensure high standards of governance and risk management
· Ensure the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities.
Guidance and support to the Chief Executive
· Support the chief executive to achieve the charity’s aims and targets, including providing line management and encouraging/facilitating personal & professional development
· Support and guidance on operations, including personnel management.
Financial
· Work with the Board and Treasurer to ensure sound financial oversight including review and approval of the annual budget
· Embed and oversee high standards of financial management
External Relations
· Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the cause and the charity
· Maintain close relationships with key members of the local authorities, funders and with key influencers
· Represent the charity at external functions, meetings and events
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria
1. Relevant sector experience – education, literacy, publishing, non-profit
2. Demonstrable experience of leadership, not necessarily within the charity sector
3. Understanding of impact and evaluation measurement and demonstration
4. Understanding of the Charity fundraising (or grant making) landscape
Desirable Criteria
1. Knowledge of/connections within the political/academic and local council landscapes
2. Lived experience of the issues the families we work with are facing in the UK today
Personal Qualities
1. Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
2. Demonstrates a strong and visible passion for and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
3. Has strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and is comfortable in an ambassadorial role
4. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
5. Have strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
We are keen for our Board to reflect the communities we serve, and very much welcome applications from those with relevant lived experience, and candidates from all under-represented communities and groups.
For information regarding the charity and the role, visit our website.?