Job Description

YREN (York Racial Equality Network) is recruiting a Chair of trustees to lead this well-established BAME-led,York-based charity and to take it into the exciting next phase of its development.  The current Chair, Fred Ring is retiring from the post after 11 years.

Who is YREN?

YREN is a member-led organisation that provides a range of services to benefit York’s BAME population.

We are the main point of contact for organisations and individuals in York requiring support, advice or information with issues affecting the BAME community.

We also go into the community through a variety of outreach projects which have the dual aim of bringing communities together and providing access to our services in different locations around the city.

YREN is a small charity with big ambitions!

Our current priorities are:

• To build on our current outreach work in York, and continue to offer opportunities for individuals and groups to offer friendship
• To strengthen partnership working with statutory bodies in the city, to enable BAME voices to be better heard in York and to improve access to appropriate services and support for BAME people
• To improve the knowledge and understanding of the wider community, agencies, businesses and public services on the needs of the BAME population and the importance of combating racial hatred, discrimination and harassment
• To improve the level of Hate Crime reporting and the experience of BAME people reporting Hate Crime, and to provide casework services to those needing more help

YREN is funded by: The National Lottery, Two Ridings Community Foundation, Wharfedale Foundation and the Peoples Health Trust

What will you be doing?

The Chair will provide leadership and direction to the board of Trustees (currently 7 people) and enable the Board to fulfil their duties and responsibilities, ensuring that the Charity is effective and has maximum impact for its beneficiaries. 

In particular the Chair will facilitate the board of trustees in stimulating strategic decision-making as to the next steps for the charity and the longer-term future vision to support the specific needs of people in York.

The Chair facilitates the 3 Open Forum meetings held with members and relevant individuals and organisations.

The Chair will also work closely with other organisations in York in the statutory, public and voluntary sectors, to eliminate racial inequality in York and to ensure improved access to services and that BAME voices are heard.

What are we looking for?

Essential requirements:

• Enthusiasm for the field of race equality and a willingness to suggest and try new ideas
• Time and energy to keep the momentum of the organisation going
• A strong passion and commitment to the charity and its aims
• Ability to represent the organisation at meetings, events and in the media
• Ability to advocate and influence successfully on behalf of the membership and the wider BAME communities
• Experience of partnership working to achieve results
• Good organisational skills

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Desirable:

• Experience of charity governance, working with or as part of a board of trustees
• Volunteer management
• Organisational management and strategic planning

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What difference will you make?

The role of Chair is rewarding particularly in this current milieu where the issues of race equality and racial justice are high profile. The position furthermore comes with the opportunity to steer the organisation in such a way that York could become truly a more inclusive city.

A few more details

York Racial Equality Network (YREN) was established in 1992 by individuals of diverse communities in York who were experiencing racism and isolation in this predominantly white middle-class city. YREN became a registered charity in 1995.

YREN is supported by an effective staff team who will assist the Chair in their duties.

How to Apply

Please forward a covering letter detailing how you feel you meet the requirements of the role and what you would bring to YREN.  You may also enclose your CV if you wish but this is not essential, and you do not need to have held a similar role before.  .

An informal discussion can be arranged with the current Chair Fred Ring by contactingthe office.