Role Description

You will want to be in regular contact with the Chief Executive and will need to devote the necessary time to fulfil the responsibilities of the Chair, including preparing for and chairing Board meetings. You will want to visit our services from time to time to stay in touch with our work with clients, and there may be some evening fundraising events to attend.

This is a ‘pro bono’ post, and no salary is payable, but travel and other expenses reasonably incurred during the discharge of duties will be reimbursed.

Specific Responsibilities of the Chair

Leadership

1. Foster relationships founded on mutual respect and open communication – both in and outside the boardroom – between the trustees and the CEO and the Executive Team and all key stakeholders.
2. Provide leadership to the Board in:
   1. determining vision and strategy for KidsOut
   2. overseeing the delivering of outcome focused, high quality services for our clients
   3. ensuring, through and with the Chief Executive and Executive Team, that:
      1. the affairs of the charity are managed effectively and in accordance with its objectives, plans, policies and values.
      2. clear strategies, systems and controls are implemented to ensure the financial stability and viability of KidsOut and effective risk management.
   4. building the positive reputation, credibility and brand of KidsOut.
3. Encourage all board members to engage in board and sub-committee meetings by drawing on their skills, experience and knowledge.
4. Promote the furtherance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in all Board activities and across KidsOut.

Supporting the Chief Executive

1. Establish a great relationship with and support, encourage, challenge and hold accountable the Chief Executive through regular meetings and performance reviews, including overseeing their wellbeing and personal development.
2. Ensure that the Board as a whole acts in partnership with the Chief Executive and the Executive Team.
3. Lead the appointment of any new Chief Executive in a way that is consistent with KidsOut’s recruitment and selection processes and within timescales that enable KidsOut to continue to function effectively, managing risks and meeting all priority undertakings.
4. Conduct any high-level hearings in accordance with KidsOut’s formal procedures as necessary, such as disciplinary and grievance hearings in relation to the Chief Executive and Executive Team.

Board Meetings

1. Chair Board meetings effectively, enabling open and thorough engagement from all attendees.
2. Work with the Chief Executive to agree meeting agendas that are relevant, focused and appropriately balanced across all Board responsibilities.
3. Ensure a good relationship and flow of information between committees and the full board.
4. Co-Chair with the Chief Executive a Board strategy day each year, focusing on the longer-term strategy for KidsOut.
5. Regularly review Board performance and development and make arrangements for assessment and appraisal of the performance of individual trustees.
6. Ensure appropriate standards of behaviour are maintained in accordance with the Code of Conduct approved by the Board.
7. Periodically review the composition of the Board to so that it has an appropriate balance of expertise in order to deliver its strategy.
8. Take decisions delegated to the Chair with the advice of the Chief Executive as appropriate.
9. Agree in consultation with the Chief Executive the responsibilities of the Vice Chair.

Governance

1. Ensure that sufficient authority is delegated to Board committees, the Chief Executive and others to enable the business of KidsOut to be implemented between meetings of the Board and that the Board monitors the use of these delegated powers.
2. Ensure that KidsOut has the systems and controls in place to safeguard our clients; and comply with our regulatory obligations; Code of Governance and constitution.
3. Attend meetings and build relationships with representatives of regulatory bodies, in particular the Charity Commission.

External Representation

1. Promote a positive profile for KidsOut, representing the organisation externally when required.
2. Use your network to promote the work, awareness, and fundraising of KidsOut.

Self-Development

1. Be aware of, and respond to, your own development needs as Chair, and undertake any training or development necessary to support you in carrying out your responsibilities as Chair.
2. Demonstrate a high level of self-awareness including identifying and tackling areas of self-development and improvement.
3. Regularly review your own performance and solicit feedback from fellow trustees and the Chief Executive.