Volunteer, Non-Executive Leadership
Role Term: 3 years
Time Commitment:
- Full Board meeting every 8 weeks in Burmantofts
- -Finance & Personnel Sub-committee meetings every 8 weeks (at your discretion)
- Support with the Board action plan
Burmantofts Community Projects (BCP) is seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to lead our Board and support the Chief Executive in driving forward our mission to reduce poverty, improve financial wellbeing, and strengthen resilience across some of the most disadvantaged communities in Leeds.
The Chair will hold the Board and Senior Leadership Team to account for delivering BCP’s mission and strategic goals. They will provide inclusive, values-led leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance, high performance, and strong collective decision-making.
The Chair will work closely with the Chief Executive, offering both support and constructive challenge, and act as a key ambassador for the charity.
Principal Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
– Provide leadership to the charity and Board, ensuring maximum positive impact for the communities BCP serves.
– Ensure Trustees fulfil their duties under charity law and maintain high standards of governance.
– Safeguard the charity’s mission, values and long-term strategy, ensuring the Board provides clear strategic direction.
– Support the Board to identify, monitor and manage major risks, and to recognise opportunities for sustainable growth.
– Ensure robust financial oversight, including long-term financial sustainability and accountability.
Governance
– Ensure governance structures, policies and processes operate effectively and reflect best practice.
– Promote continuous development of Trustee skills, knowledge and performance.
– Address and resolve conflict within the Board, modelling constructive and respectful behaviours.
– Lead annual Board and individual Trustee performance reviews.
– Ensure the Board’s composition reflects the diversity, skills and lived experience needed to govern BCP effectively.
External Relations
– Act as an ambassador for BCP, strengthening our reputation and influence locally and regionally.
– Where possible, represent BCP at external meetings, events and strategic forums, alongside or on behalf of the Chief Executive.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
– Chair Board meetings with fairness, clarity and objectivity, ensuring decisions are informed, evidence-based and in the charity’s long-term interests.
– Foster strong relationships between Trustees and ensure the Board works as a cohesive team.
– Work with the Chief Executive to shape Board agendas, develop policy direction and ensure high-quality, timely reporting.
– Monitor implementation of Board decisions and follow-through on agreed actions.
Relationship with the Chief Executive
– Build a strong, open and supportive working relationship with the Chief Executive, underpinned by trust and mutual respect.
– Provide regular support while maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and operational roles.
– Conduct the Chief Executive’s annual appraisal and ensure appropriate professional development opportunities.
– Maintain a high-level overview of BCP’s activities and performance, offering insight and guidance as required.
Additional Information
– Duties listed are indicative, not exhaustive; the Chair may undertake any reasonable tasks aligned with the role.
– The Chair is entitled to attend all sub-committees.