Use your energy and strategic leadership skills to further modernise and develop the work of our community/retreat centres.
Our centres provide fun and restorative times for individuals and families.
What will you be doing?
This is an opportunity to learn about the role of chair. Our effective and popular chair has just completed her first 5 year term and is looking for someone who will share the role and bring additional skills to the Board.
We are looking for someone who will enjoy being part of our Christian community, who has the curiosity and drive to learn about the work and the creative imagination to contribute to our strategic development.
The next phase in the development of the charity is to modernise its structure and to draw up a five year site development plan for each of our centres, which are on the quiet coats of Essex and Dorset.
Our vision is to be a place for both green and inclusive Christian faith, experienced by the way we live, the programme of events that we hold and how we run and renew the buildings and land. Practical hope in action.
Both centres have recently undergone very successful updating of facilities. Both the business and staff teams have weathered the challenges of the pandemic. We have a strong and loyal visitor base who respond generously to appeals for donations. We want to ensure that both much loved centres, with 100 years of history, in exceptional locations, are a treasured resource for the next generation. The centre at Bradwell on Sea has just completed a major project (£600k) with the installation of a biomass boiler, solar panels and servicing of our wind turbine. The Essex centre is off grid.
The charity is well governed with specialist Trustees taking lead responsibility for the finances, safety, including health and safety and safeguarding. We have good accountancy support. Our financial reserves are more than adequate.
As Vice-chair you will have your own portfolio depending on interests and experience and deputise for the chair, authorising payments, preparing meetings, overseeing the work of the Board and sub-committees. In addition as a Director of the Othona Community Company LLP (wholly owned subsidiary) you will have responsibilities for the trading the two centres.
The board of Trustees meet quarterly virtually (weekday evening 1.5 hours) and has two residential meetings per year, one at each centre (Bradwell on Sea Essex and the Dorset centre) in February and November.
Our AGM is held virtually on a Saturday morning at the end of September.
The charity covers all out of pocket expenses.
What are we looking for?
One or more of the following would be helpful:
- Previous Trustee experience or similar e.g. school governor
- Ability to consult and work with stakeholders to achieve outcomes that will be supported over the long term.
- Strategic planning
- Major fund raising
- Organisational development
What difference will you make?
As vice chair you will be part of the strategic planning that ensures The Othona Community is serving the next generation.
Our guests value the experience of inclusive community, spirituality, and practical creativity joining retreats, workshops, family holidays and a range of other events. We pursue a vision of openness and inclusion, for people of all faiths and none, affirming mutual respect and understanding.
We are increasingly aware of the double curse of loneliness due to community break down and climate despair and anxiety. Our vision is to be a place where we can be real together and find practical hope in action.
People of all ages come to Othona to be themselves, valued for who they are. They find support through difficult times e.g. bereavement, family breakdown, ill health, find a new direction, feel restored. This experience of community, affirms people whatever their age, gender, religion or ethnicity and contributes to social re-connection while at Othona and back home. People make friendships at Othona that last for years.
Before you apply
Interested applicants please message via REACH without obligation. Application is by letter accompanied by a CV. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the centre(s). Interview will be by 2 Trustees. References will be required, as will a basic level DBS check and a declaration that you have not been barred from becoming a Trustee or Company Director. It will be necessary to complete our register of interests. Role description is attached.