Vacancy - Chair of our Board of Trustees

 

Message from our CEO and Founder

Welcome,

Resolute Women’s Support Services is a small but very dynamic domestic abuse charity currently seeking an experienced and inspirational Chair of our Board of Trustees. The charity has developed significantly over the last year and has featured heavily in the national media. We have ambitious plans and a committed advisory board of experts from a range of backgrounds supporting our work. Team members behind Resolute all have lived-experience of domestic abuse.

Resolute is at a pivotal moment in its strategic development, and we seek a Chair to lead our ambitious organisation through its next phase. Knowledge of the voluntary sector is essential, as is the commitment of the Chair to our values and vision. We seek an individual with the ability to raise awareness of and gain support for the organisation, acting as a true advocate for our cause.

This role requires a time commitment of at least 4 days per month, much of which can be conducted remotely.

Application is by CV with covering letter addressed to teamresolute@resolutesupport.uk. Applications will be considered as they are received, and suitable applicants will be invited to have an informal conversation with one of our volunteers to find out more about the organisation. Formal interviews will be held at our premises in Barnsley at a mutually agreed time.

Our team are excited about the future and hope that having read the information provided you will feel excited by the opportunity that we are offering too.

Deborah Jones
CEO and Founder of Resolute

Our Work So Far

Deborah Jones set up Resolute in 2021 because of her personal experience of domestic violence. After more than a decade of abuse, Deborah left her abusive relationship but quickly realised after fleeing with her two children that there was a significant lack of support available.

Systems can be confusing for survivors with multiple agencies involved and little co-ordination of support or services. Most domestic abuse survivors experience ongoing abuse and attempts at control after ending the relationship. Resolute is an organisation that survivors can self-refer to, developing care plans to help women navigate the current system’s complexities and empowering them to deal with post-separation abuse.

Our charity and the demands upon it have grown rapidly over the last few years. The media have taken a particular interest in our unique ethos, and we receive regular favourable coverage on Sky News, Channel 4, and the BBC. We have gained the backing of a number of experienced volunteers and developed a vision and strategic plan to support our growth.

Our Vision

Our vision is that women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence and are empowered to reach their potential.

 

Our Mission

Our mission is to bring lasting change to lives by delivering trusted services and changing society’s perception of domestic abuse and violence against women and children.

 

Our Aims

We aim to:

  • Empower with education to both prevent and address domestic abuse.

  • Provide specialist information and holistic support for survivors of domestic abuse at the earliest opportunity.

  • Advocate for survivors and provide a platform for their voices to be heard.

  • Campaign to influence government policy and increase awareness of the issues faced by domestic abuse survivors.

Our work draws upon lived experience. As survivors supporting survivors, we know the challenges faced.

 

Our Values

  • Collaboration – we value the experience of others and actively collaborate to better achieve our mission.

  • Empowerment – we foster supportive, inclusive practice, aiming to empower all who come into contact with us.

  • Making a positive difference – we positively enhance lives.

  • Innovation – we are not afraid to take new approaches to creatively seek solutions.

Role Description

The charity’s Chair (and board members) will serve a three-year term and be eligible for reappointment for two additional terms.

 

Overall Purpose of the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious individual to join Resolute as the Chair of Trustees. The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.

The Chair will also support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as ambassadors and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.

 

Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership

    • Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries.

    • Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity.

    • Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives and provides a clear strategic direction for the Charity.

    • Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities and satisfy itself that systems are in place to manage and mitigate the risks and take advantage of opportunities.

    • Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

  • Governance

    • Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity.

    • Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees.

    • Encourage positive change where appropriate and address and resolve any conflicts within the Board.

    • Appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis.

    • Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge, and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively and also reflects the wider population.

    • Work within any agreed policies adopted by the charity.

  • External Relations

    • Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity.

    • Act as a spokesperson for the organisation if appropriate.

    • Represent the charity at external functions, meetings, and events.

    • Facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders.

  • Efficiency and Effectiveness

    • Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.

    • Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership.

    • Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees.

    • Work closely with the Chief Executive to give direction to Board policymaking and to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of trustees.

    • Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.

 

Relationship with the Chief Executive

  • Support the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles.

  • Hold the Chief Executive accountable for achieving agreed strategic objectives.

  • Ensure regular contact with the Chief Executive and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries, and challenges.

  • Consult with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support, as necessary.

  • Conduct an annual appraisal for the Chief Executive in consultation with other Trustees.

  • Ensure that the Chief Executive has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support.

Additional Information

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably required with the role.

Person Specification

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of the charity, the Chair must also meet the following requirements:

Personal Qualities

  • Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives, and cause.

  • Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship-building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role.

  • Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively.

  • Strong networking capabilities that can be utilized for the benefit of the charity.

  • Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

  • Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

Experience

  • Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organization.

  • Successful track record of achievement throughout their career.

  • Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees.

  • Experience of external representation, delivering presentations, and managing stakeholders.

  • Significant experience of chairing meetings and events.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Broad knowledge and understanding of the charity sector and current issues affecting it.

  • Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate, and bring people together.

  • Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues.

  • Good understanding of charity governance issues.

Values and Behaviors

  • Embraces the values and aims of Resolute with passion.

  • Friendly, empathic approach.

  • Flexible and resilient, with a positive approach.

  • Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism and is committed to achieving high standards.

 

Other Requirements

  • Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

  • A DBS check will be required if the role is offered.

  • Professional qualification checks and references.

  • Ability to attend meetings in person in Barnsley at least four times each year.