Chair, Welsh Sustainability & Governance Leadership

Overview

Could you be our next Chair, leading our Board and helping to guide our vision for a greener, fairer Wales? Now is a great time to join Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales. We are seeking a Chair who will ensure strong, effective governance, support Trustees to fulfil their duties, and uphold the charity’s values. Above all, we are looking for someone who is deeply passionate about sustainability and is willing to act as a powerful ambassador for our work.

Ultimately our new Chair will help harness the skills and experience of our Trustees to help steer the charity, support the executive team, and lift 1,000s out of in-work poverty, reduce carbon, and increase nature, and build resilience to creating a better Wales for everyone.

• Experience working at Board level in a business, public or third sector organisation, including experience chairing meetings at Board level, with senior staff and with external stakeholders.
• A good understanding of charity governance, and the legal and financial frameworks within which charities operate.
• Ability to think and act strategically, with sound judgement, including the ability to evaluate complex issues, weigh up conflicting opinions, and think and plan ahead.
• Ability to commit the necessary time to conduct the role well, including attending events out of office hours when required.
• An understanding of the social, political, and economic environment in which Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales is working in Wales and the UK.
• Any ability to communicate in Welsh would be welcomed but is not essential to the role.
• Demonstrable passion for and commitment to the aims of Cynnal Cymru – Sustain Wales, its purpose and strategic objectives.
• Commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion and to building an inclusive Board and organisational culture.
• Tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively. Strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities, with a willingness to engage with staff, supporters, and stakeholders to develop a strong understanding of the culture and ethos of the charity.
• Strong networking capabilities and the ability to act as a visible champion for the organisation and its beneficiaries.

Our incumbent Chair, who has served the organisation with dedication for several years, will retire at the end of their second term in November 2026.

We are seeking a new Chair with the ability to lead the organisation in partnership with the CEO. This is a great opportunity for the right person to play a significant role in furthering economic, social, and environmental sustainability in Wales.

Our Board is strong, diverse, and highly skilled, drawing on a wide range of professional experience. Recent trustee appointments have further strengthened our governance, and we see this as an exciting moment for our incoming Chair to help shape the Board’s strategy and effectiveness in the years ahead.

Like all charities, we face challenges, particularly in generating sustainable income amid economic pressures. Nonetheless, we remain committed to our strategic priorities and to focusing our resources where they can make the greatest difference.