Job Description

New Opportunity! We are looking to recruit a new Chair for our thriving Community Centre South London.  You will be providing strategic leadership and direction to exiting board members, and our new team of staff.

To be a Chair of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role. The most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets.

South Mitcham Community Association SMCA exists to promote voluntary and community action as a means of improving the quality of life for people in London Borough of Merton. 

SMCA is a community hub, providing a welcoming place for all residents, irrespective of their circumstances. A place where residents on a low income or requiring services to support them in making healthy lifestyle choices, can go for practical help, guidance, social networking and fun activities. Through our work we seek to promote community cohesion, a sense of pride within the community and increasing levels of perceived neighbourhood safety. Consultation and inclusiveness, together with relevance and affordability are important features of SMCA’s work.

In addition to the general responsibilities duties of the chair include the following.

Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit.

Chairing and facilitating board meetings ensuring:

° A balance is struck between time-keeping and space for discussions.

° Business is dealt with, and decisions made

° Decisions, actions, and deliberations are adequately minuted.

° The implementation of decisions is clearly assigned and monitored.

·Getting all directors involved in the Board’s work

·Ensuring an effective relationship between:

°            The Board and staff/volunteers

°            The Board and the external stakeholders/community

°    Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented

°    Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate

°    Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required.

°    Setting agendas for board and other general meetings

°    Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning

°    Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation

Remuneration The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed.

Location: Meetings will be held in the South Mitcham Community Centre

Time commitment: 6 Board meetings per year +1 x AGM.

Skills/Knowledge: We are currently looking for individuals with leadership, decision making skills, governance, and an understanding of the voluntary sector 

Person specification

In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the chair should have the following qualities.

· Leadership skills

· Tact and diplomacy

· Good communication and interpersonal skills

· Impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences

· Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, probity, and corporate governance

· Possesses relevant knowledge

· Has the relevant skills to plan and conduct board meetings effectively

· Takes responsibility for the Board’s composition and development.

It would also be desirable but not essential for the chair/vice-chair to have knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks.