Chair of trustees - Volunteer

Overview

The Nystagmus Network is seeking to recruit a new chair for our board of trustees. This is an exciting time to join us as we begin our growth plans, building on over 40 years of success.

The chair will work with trustees to:

• Manage potential conflicts of interest to ensure probity and that there is appropriate transparency.
• Review board composition and ensure timely trustee recruitment and development.
• Build an effective, high‑performing board team, supporting individuals, facilitating good relationships, promoting co‑operative working.
• Chair board meetings, making sure they are minuted, and that follow‑up actions are communicated and monitored.
• Ensure board members are equipped to carry out their duties, identifying any learning, development, support, information or advice that may be needed.

The chair will work closely with the CEO/senior management to:

• Develop and maintain a productive and supportive working relationship with the CEO/equivalent.
• Ensure high‑quality relationships with staff and volunteers, enabling our organisation to deliver confidently, consistently and to a high standard.
• Conduct the annual appraisal of the CEO or senior leader.
• Relate any concerns of the board to the senior leadership.
• Work with the CEO/equivalent to schedule and plan board meetings and ensure the provision and dissemination of relevant information to board members from the CEO and staff/volunteer team.

• Experience of being a trustee
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a trustee
• The ability to operate strategically and work effectively with trustees to shape and develop our strategic vision
• Possess the leadership skills to help guide the board of trustees and the charity

It is essential that you:

• Demonstrate strong strategic leadership and clarity of purpose.
• Lead inclusively, inspiring and supporting all members of the board of trustees to participate.
• Listen and engage constructively, being comfortable with challenge and debate while encouraging healthy discussion and fostering a collaborative board culture.
• Foster good working relationships between the board, staff and volunteers of the charity as well as its partners and all external stakeholders.
• Act as an ambassador for Nystagmus Network, championing our work through personal networks, social media and other appropriate channels.
• Must be eligible and remain eligible to be a charity trustee.

• Previous experience of being the chair of a charity
• Knowledge of the eye health sector and/or nystagmus
• Experience in fundraising and income generation

Provide leadership to the charity and the board by ensuring everyone remains focused on our vision, mission, strategy and charitable purposes.

• Set agendas, chair effectively and facilitate board meetings.
• Lead the board in identifying key strategic decisions, including the financial strategy, to be made and delivered.
• Ensure timely and well‑founded decision‑making that advances the values and purpose of our organisation.
• Work with the board and staff to further our strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Ensure the organisation has in place appropriate policies, systems and procedures to operate legally and effectively.
• Monitor the progress of the organisation in light of the strategic objectives.
• Be an ambassador for Nystagmus Network