Role Description
Chair
Term of office: Two terms of three years
Remuneration: The role of Chair is unremunerated but expenses are paid such as childcare and travel in order to support attendance at Board meetings. If you are interested in this role but face barriers in applying, please get in touch to discuss how we can support you.
Time Commitment: 2 to 3 days per month
At least four Board meetings per year and one away day. The Chair is also expected to have regular meetings and be in regular contact with the CEO and liaise with other Board members and Board Sub-Committees in between full Board meetings.
Location: In Wales, by rotation in the North East, North West, South East and South West as well as online
Chair Responsibilities
The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the organisation’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Community Foundation Wales’ Board, ensuring that each Board member fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the organisation.
The Chair will also support, and, where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and ensure that the Board functions as a team and works closely with the entire Senior Management Team of the organisation to achieve agreed objectives.
Key Responsibilities
The Chair leads the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Charity’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to achieve its goals. The Chair is responsible for key areas, including:
Strategy and Governance
Ensure that the Board operatives effectively in support of Community Foundation Wales’ mission and values and to fulfil its objectives.
Safeguarding the interests of Community Foundation Wales’ beneficiaries and providing oversight of stakeholder interests.
Ensure high standards of governance and risk management.
Ensure that the Board is as diverse as possible and provides the range of knowledge, skills and experience necessary to deliver the charity’s aims.
Ensure the organisation is accountable and transparent in its activities.
Ensure compliance with relevant charitable and company legislation.
Ensure the four Sub Committees of Finance, Risk and Investment, Grant Giving, Forward Planning and Development and Governance support the Board effectively.
Ensure that the Board incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the organisation effectively, and also reflects the varied communities CFW works with.
Ensure a high performing and effective Board by committing to regular appraisal and review of Trustees and Board performance (including managing retirements and resignations of Trustees).
Ensure the views and participation of CFW are represented at UKCF level
Guide and support the Chief Executive
Line management of and work in partnership with the Chief Executive to support them achieve the aims of the charity.
Support and guide on operations, including personnel management.
Conduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the CEO in consultation with other Board members.
Advocacy and income generation
Act as an ambassador to raise the profile and visibility of Community Foundation Wales with relevant stakeholders, to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Use personal and professional networks to help the executive with access to potential donors and supporters including governments, international bodies, corporates, trusts and foundations, charities, grass roots organisations, and individuals.
Provide advice and assistance in raising and maintaining the charity’s profile in the UK and internationally.
Financial Oversight
Ensure, with the Board, sound financial oversight including review and approval of the annual budget.
Oversee high standards of financial management.
Lead Board Meetings:
Lead all on all aspects of meeting management, including ensuring papers are circulated in advance.
Ensure all Trustee voices are included and skills drawn upon.
Summarise key points and ensure decisions are made and implemented.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
Prior experience as a charity trustee and solid understanding of good governance practices.
Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation.
Experience of chairing meetings, committees or boards and of utilising chairing skills, including drawing out a range of views, synthesising these and reaching decisions.
Experience of managing senior leaders and of supporting the management of high performing teams, using an open and ‘no surprises’ approach.
Experience of acting as ambassador and raising the profile of an organisation, leading to positive outcomes.
Experience of working with a range of stakeholders, with the ability to develop relationships with all.
Experience of providing financial oversight and scrutiny to ensure financial sustainability.
An understanding of Wales, how it works, its businesses and its communities, with a passion for the impact communities can have.
Desirable Experience
Previous experience as a Chair.
A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.
Skills
Ability to speak Welsh (Desirable).
Strong influencing skills with the ability to gain respect and support from various communities and stakeholders.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.
Provide a balance of tact and diplomacy, with willingness to challenge constructively as required.
Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
Abilities
Show commitment to Community Foundation Wales’ values and be able to uphold them personally.
Share the energy and drive of the organisation and be committed to their role as Chair.
Be able to think strategically and with forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objectives and aims and its role in Welsh life.
Identify big issues including those around the charity’s long-term sustainability and reputation.
Have an interest in Community Foundation Wales’ policy issues.
Operate transparently and openly, continuing to uphold the no-blame culture of Community Foundation Wales as a learning organisation.
Demonstrate a commitment to the charity’s objectives, aims and values and willingness to devote the time required to effectively carry out responsibilities.
Board Dates 2024
June 17 – Wrexham
Sept 23 – Mid Wales
Dec 2 - Cardiff