Role description
Chair of Sickle Cell Society (SCS)
Location: Meetings are hybrid, virtual or at the London office (once a quarter).
Remuneration: The Chair role is a voluntary commitment not accompanied by any financial remuneration. Reasonable expenses such as travel or childcare may be claimed.
Reporting to: Board of Trustees.
Time Commitment: Approximately 2 days per month. 10 Board meetings per year from 5.30pm – 7.30pm, last Monday of the month. Additionally, the Chair is also expected to take part in 1-2 board away days per annum as well as having regular meetings with the Chief Executive, appraising Trustees, and also representing the SCS at various events (eg. fundraising, awareness raising, policy) with key supporters, allies and other stakeholders.
Role purpose
The Chair will work closely with the Trustees and the Chief Executive/Management team to lead the strategic development of the SCS. Significant progress has been made by the SCS and it is critical that the Chair builds upon this for future success, continuing the exciting development journey of the charity. The Chair will also lead effective governance and ensure trustees are accountable individually and collectively for the performance of the board and the success of the organisation, supporting to embed newer Trustees. They will act as an ambassador of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.
Key responsibilities
Strategic leadership
Provide leadership to the charity and its Board of Trustees, ensuring that the charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries
Ensure that trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity
Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives and provides a clear strategic direction for the charity
Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks
Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability
Ensure continuous professional development of the Board to support the competencies needed for Trustees to fulfil their duties accountably
Governance
Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity
Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees
Encourage positive change where appropriate and address and resolve any conflicts within the Board
Appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis
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 which also reflects the wider population
Work within any agreed policies adopted by the charity
External relations
Act as an ambassador for the sickle cell cause and the charity
Maintain close relationships with key members of the government, parliament, and other stakeholders and key influencers
Maintain good relationships with patient organisations, NHS organisations, other stakeholders such as NHS Blood and Transplant (NHS BT), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Industry partners
Act as one of the spokespersons for the organisation, when appropriate
Represent the charity at external functions, meetings and events
Efficiency and effectiveness
Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
Ensure that trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the charity and that the Board takes collective ownership
Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees and between Trustees and staff
Work closely with the Chief Executive to give direction to Board policy-making and to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of Trustees
Monitor the implementation of decisions taken at meetings
Relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider management team
Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives
Support the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles
Ensure regular contact with the Chief Executive and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns and challenges
Liaise with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary
Conduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the Chief Executive in consultation with other Trustees
Ensure that the Chief Executive has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support
Additional information
The Vice-Chair acts for the Chair when the Chair is not available and undertakes assignments at the request of the Chair.
The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.
Person specification
Personal attributes
Demonstrate clear passion and commitment to the SCS, its strategic objectives and cause
Proven ability to lead a significant national organisation
Exhibit strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
Leadership skills with the ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment
Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
Experience
Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
Successful track record of achievement through their career
Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
Experience of external representation or previous ambassadorial role
Significant experience of chairing meetings and events
Knowledge and skills
Broad knowledge and understanding of the Civil Society sector and current issues affecting it
Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together
A commitment to understanding sickle cell, how it intersects with other chronic conditions and rare diseases, and its impact on communities and health disparities – if not known already
Good understanding of charity governance issues
A broad understanding of charity finance issues
Knowledge of the NHS / health care system (desirable)
BOTH THE JOB DESCRIPTION AND THE PERSON SPECIFICATION ARE SUBJECT TO THE CHARITY’S EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY.
