Chair of Trustees - Volunteer

Are you a strategic leader with a passion for social justice and positive change?

We are seeking an inspiring and committed Chair of Trustees to lead our board and help guide Amos Trust with its core mission.

What difference will you make?

Amos Trust is a fast-moving, creative, and courageous human rights organisation. As our next Chair of Trustees, your leadership will be the vital bridge between our passionate, grassroots mission and robust governance. By providing strategic mentorship to our Director, ensuring financial resilience, and fostering a diverse board, you will create the secure foundation our team needs to safely navigate risk, challenge global injustices, and scale our impact across Palestine, Climate, and Gender Justice.

What are we looking for?

Essential

Experience

• experience of sitting on a board or committee, whether for a non-profit or a business, with a good understanding of charity governance
• experience in a leadership or management role
• experience supporting organisations through change or complexity.
  
  

Skills And Attributes

• able to advise, challenge and offer constructive feedback in a boundaried and supportive way
• works collaboratively with strong interpersonal skills
• able to lead the trustees effectively as a Board, by
• making good use of the skills and talents of individual board members
• ensuring full participation of Board members across discussions and subcommittees
• chairing meetings effectively, building consensus where possible and ensuring actions are followed through;
• tolerant of appropriate levels of risk, and welcomes the opportunity to work with a fast-moving, responsive organisation
• committed to Amos Trust’s mission and values
• committed to widening the diversity of Amos’s board, staff and supporters.
  
  

Desirable

Experience

• in, or knowledge of, one of Amos’s three areas of work
• as Chair of a board
• working closely with, or overseeing, a Chief Executive or Director
• familiarity with accounts and financial reports, with the ability to interpret financial information and ask the right questions.
  
  

Hybrid

What will you be doing?

Amos Trust is run by the Director and their staff team, who are responsible for all day-to-day operations. The Director also works with trustees to identify the charity’s strategic direction and deliver against it. We have an effective board of trustees who play an active role in the charity’s activities and currently has a turnover of approximately £2 million a year, holds a suitable level of reserves and employs a staff of nine.

The Amos Chair and Board play a vital role in the life of the charity. Together, they seek to

• ensure Amos has effective governance
• ensure Amos complies with the requirements of relevant charity law
• ensure the charity has a clear strategic direction
• ensure the charity takes due note of the risks associated with the areas in which it operates
• provide advice and insight on different areas of Amos’s operation
• provide appropriate support to the Director and the team
• act as ambassadors for the charity, opening doors to potential supporters, influencers and those who may be able to further its work
• attend events organised by Amos Trust, as and when possible.
  
  

Trustees typically sit on one of the board’s sub-committees — Finance and Risk, Fundraising or Communications — or on one of the working groups set up from time to time to support a specific area of work.

The Chair provides strategic leadership to the charity and the Board of Trustees, ensuring it is well governed, financially sound and delivering on its aims. The Chair supports and holds the Director to account, acting as the Director’s line manager.

Key Responsibilities

Governance and leadership

• provide effective leadership to the Board of Trustees, enabling it to fulfil its responsibilities for the charity’s overall governance and strategic direction
• ensure the charity complies with its governing documents, charity law and Charity Commission guidance, with the full support of other trustees
• promote a culture of integrity, transparency and collective responsibility at board level
• oversee trustee recruitment, induction, succession planning and ongoing board effectiveness.
  
  

Strategic direction

• support the Board in setting, approving and reviewing the charity’s strategic plan and annual objectives
• support creativity and innovation while ensuring risks are properly identified and managed
• support the organisation through periods of growth, change or increased complexity.
  
  

Relationship with the Director

• act as line manager to the Director, providing support, challenge and appraisal
• maintain a clear separation between governance and operational management
• serve as a sounding board for the Director on strategic and organisational matters
  
  

Board management and communications

• chair Board meetings effectively, ensuring robust discussion, constructive challenge and timely decision-making
• agree agendas with the Director and Trustee Secretary, ensuring trustees receive clear, accurate and timely information
• ensure conflicts of interest are appropriately managed.
  
  

Financial oversight and risk

• work with the Treasurer and Board to oversee risk management and long-term financial sustainability
• support the development of diversified and resilient income streams.
  
  

External representation

• represent the charity publicly where the opportunity arises.