Chair of the Board

What does it look like to Chair a charity at a pivotal moment of change?

Charity People is partnering with an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond.

With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, this charity plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.

Now, at an important point in its development, the organisation is focused on building on its strengths, refining how it works, and positioning itself to be futureproof. We're looking for a new Chair to lead the charity into its next phase.

Location: Based in North Somerset working across the South West and beyond

Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered

Time commitment: Governance commitment supported by a Vice-Chair. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum, 3-4 Governance group meetings, regular meetings with the CEO, as well as ad-hoc meetings, preparation and urgent matters arising.

About the opportunity

This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. You'll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership, focus on achieving growth, and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve.

As Chair, you'll play a key role in:

• Keeping the Board focused, effective and forward‑looking


• Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive


• Ensuring clear governance, decision-making, and delivery

About you

We're open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair, or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident, thoughtful and effective leadership.

We're particularly interested in people who can:

• Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture


• Build strong, effective relationships across a Board and executive team


• Balance support and challenge in a constructive way


• Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability

Experience of the voluntary sector, health or place‑based working would be valuable, but it's not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.

Why this role matters

This organisation has laid solid foundations under the previous Chair's tenure, with a strong local reputation, passionate people and now gathering momentum.

The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:

• Strategically-focussed, well governed and meets its goals


• Investing in building the organisation, and financially resilient


• Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond

This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.

Download the pack by copying this link into your browser: https://charitypeople.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/VANS-Chair-of-Trustees-Briefing-Pack-1.pdf 

How to apply

A CV or short profile is a great first step. We'd also welcome an informal conversation if you'd prefer to ask some questions first.

Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.

Deadline: As this role has been advertised previously, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way at all, please get in touch with Amelia, who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.