Headway West London - Chair Trustee

Headway - the brain injury association; Nottingham; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job description

Headway West London is an independent brain injury charity affiliated with, but separate from, Headway UK. We serve the boroughs of Ealing, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, and Westminster (though our trustees come from across London!). We provide information and services to support adult brain injury survivors (together with their families and carers) as they leave the major trauma hospitals and begin their rehabilitation process. We aim to make a difference by providing support, practical information, rehabilitation pathways, and by encouraging peer support. All of our trustees are volunteers, and we employ two part-time employees.

The committee members at Headway West London are looking to recruit a new Chair as the current Chair is stepping down. You will work with our experienced and skilled staff, trustee committee, and volunteers. The committee meets remotely once a month and then communicates by email/telephone between meetings where appropriate.

Strategic Leadership

As Chair of Trustees, you will help us to ensure that we function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and make the best possible impact on the lives of those living and working with brain injury, helping set the strategic direction and fundraising priorities of the charity. You will work with the existing Chair to ensure a successful handover. Responsibilities include the following:

• Provide leadership to the charity and the Committee, ensuring maximum impact for beneficiaries.
• Ensure Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for effective governance.
• Set a clear strategic direction for the Charity.
• Regularly review major risks and opportunities.
• Ensure sound financial health of the charity, together with our Treasurer and Committee.

Governance

• Encourage positive change where appropriate.
• Appraise the performance of Trustees and the Committee annually.
• Regularly refresh the Committee to maintain a balanced skill set.

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and Headway West London.
• Maintain close relationships with key stakeholders.
• Work with the committee to submit appropriate fundraising bids and provide feedback to grantors.

Efficiency And Effectiveness

• Chair Board meetings effectively and impartially and chair the annual AGM.
• Ensure Trustees are fully engaged in decision-making.
• Assist in recruiting new Trustees.

Human Resources

• Assist in the supervision and management of staff (currently 2 part-time link workers).
• Recruitment of new staff if/when appropriate.

Time Commitment

• The role will take around 6 - 8 hours a month.
• Our committee meets remotely (on the second Thursday of each month).

Additional time may be required for preparing for meetings and responding to any ongoing issues relating to the effective running of the Charity.

No previous experience of being a trustee is required. You will work with the existing Chair to ensure a successful handover.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our existing Chair, Laura Murphy, at [e-mail] if you are interested in the role or if you have any questions. Please provide a copy of your CV and let us know about any lived or closed experience with brain injury.

More information about Headway West London can be found on our website: www.headwaywestlondon.org.uk