Who we are
Music of Life exists to build and strengthen the skills, well-being and confidence of children and young people with disabilities through music-making. Our vision is of a world where these children have the same access to music-making as any other child. We provide them with high-quality musical education and performance opportunities. When they are ready, we help them to integrate into community based activities such as joining a youth choir or playing in a band.
The role
The Vice Chair will work closely with me and the CEO to ensure the charity thrives—governing with integrity, leading with vision, and staying true to our mission: to build and strengthen the life skills, well-being and confidence of disabled children and young people through music-making.
This is a pivotal leadership role on our Board of Trustees. You will help ensure that our governance remains strong and our strategic direction is clear and ambitious. Together, we will nurture an engaged, forward-thinking Board that supports and challenges the organisation to achieve the greatest possible impact.
Vice Chair – Role Description
As Vice Chair, you will be a full member of the Board of Trustees with all the responsibilities that entails. While this is not a Chair-designate role, the Vice Chair may stand for Chair in the future should the opportunity arise. The position also includes stepping in as interim Chair when required.
· Work closely with the Chair and CEO to shape and strengthen the charity’s governance, strategy, and overall impact.
· Provide leadership in embedding good governance across the charity and supporting an effective and dynamic Board.
· Deputise for the Chair when needed, including chairing Board meetings or representing the charity externally.
· Lead one or more Board sub-committees (e.g., Strategy, Business Development).
· Oversee the charity’s approach to risk management and ensure key risks are regularly reviewed and addressed by the Board.
· Coordinate the annual review process for the Board and Chair—supporting continuous improvement and identifying opportunities for learning and development.
· When required, lead the recruitment process for a new Chair (unless standing as a candidate, in which case this will be delegated to an independent trustee or external advisor).
We are looking for someone who shares our values and brings energy, commitment, and insight to the role. You don’t need to tick every box, but successful candidates will demonstrate most of the following:
Essential Qualities and Experience
· Senior leadership experience in the charity or private sector.
· A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and help shape long-term direction.
· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to listen well and lead constructively.
· Experience of chairing or facilitating effective meetings.
· Sound understanding of charity governance, legal responsibilities, and the role of trustees.
· Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills, underpinned by clear analysis.
· Financial literacy and a confident grasp of budgets and financial oversight.
· Willingness and capacity to invest time and energy into the role and the charity’s success.
· Lived experience of disability—either personal or as a parent, teacher, or carer.
· Professional or voluntary experience working with disabled children and young people.
· Previous experience as a charity trustee or non-executive board member.
Supporting document(s)
- vice-chair-application-pack-2025.pdf - Download
