Job Description

As Chair and a Trustee of our charity you will be central to helping to make decisions about how we ensure our work responds to the needs of the local communities, makes the best use of the resources we have available, and is always of the highest quality. You will be responsible for leading and developing the Board to meet its responsibilities.

You will be leading and working with a friendly team of experienced Trustees alongside our experienced Chief Executive and staff/volunteer team. You will have the opportunity to deploy and develop your skills in governance and leadership, be involved in influencing change at a strategic level, and make a real difference to the lives of people across our Borough.

You will be expected to offer support and guidance to the Chief Executive in regular meetings, telephone calls and emailsand discuss progress and any matters arising. The chair sets annual objectives for the CEO and these are appraised throughout the year.

We are looking for someone who has experience of senior leadership roles, preferably with knowledge of the charitable sector; commitment to the mission and objectives of CAS; willingness to put time and effort into the role of Chair; understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship; good, independent judgement; ability to lead meetings effectively; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; experience of strategic development and planning. 

The post is unpaid but reasonable expenses incurred in undertaking the role will be reimbursed.

We are particularly keen to ensure the voice of local people is heard. We welcome applications from local residents irrespective of ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, gender and sexual orientation.

The chair is expected to attend evening board meetings of 2 hours duration 4 times a year; chair the AGM held over lunchtime; attend daytime meetings of 2 hours duration 4 times a year; attend meetins hosted by the National Citizens Advice; represent CAS at meetings with local councillors and MPs and organisations across the local, public and private sectors.

Citizens Advice Sutton (CAS) is an independent charity limited by guarantee, and a member of the national organisation, Citizens Advice, which requires us to abide by a range of quality standards which are audited. CAS has an annual income in excess of £1.2m and provides information and advice to around 1 in 8 households across the London Borough of Sutton, across a range of topics including welfare benefits, debt, employment and housing. It works closely in partnership with other members of the voluntary sector. Our service is free, confidential, independent and impartial.

Most of CAS’s income is secured through winning contracts and maintained by delivering the service standards required under these contracts. Our largest contract, with the London Borough of Sutton, runs for 3 years from April 2016.

Our services are delivered by both paid staff and volunteers.

CAS has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality services which meet the needs of our clients. We use a developing range of methods to deliver services in a form which is readily accessible: face-to face (including outreach), telephone, website and web-chat. 

Citizens Advice Sutton helps thousands of people each year to gain access to justice, preventing homelessness, tackling discrimination, resolving debt problems and maximising incomes for some of the most vulnerable groups in our area. 

We also campaign to bring about improvements for local people. We have, for example, met with key decision makers about the administration of Universal Credit and the availability of private rented accommodation for people on low incomes