Who we are
At Paradise Cooperative, our mission is to create a sustainable urban environment that fosters community wellbeing, education, and nature connection. We do this at our community garden in Wandsworth, promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the quality of life for all members of the local community.
The role
As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure The Paradise Cooperative fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead and oversee the Board, collaborate with the Executive Director, and serve as an ambassador for the charity. This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.
The role is unpaid and voluntary with an estimated time commitment of around 3 hours per week. The Chair will serve an initial term of 3 years, renewable subject to Board approval and performance.
What We Are Looking For
Essential
• Demonstrated commitment and passion to the values and purpose of The
Paradise Co-Operative.
• Previous trustee/NED or Chair experience.
• Strong understanding of governance, strategy, and the legal duties of a charity
trustee.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build consensus.
Desirable
• Knowledge of or interest in urban agriculture, education in nature, or co-
operative/community operating models.
• Experience of fundraising, charity finance, or stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities Specific to the Chair of Trustees
1. Strategic Leadership
• Lead the Board in setting the charity’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with its vision, mission, and values.
• Facilitate regular review of strategic objectives and ensure that plans are delivered effectively by the Executive Director and their team.
2. Governance and Board Management
• Ensure effective governance in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance and relevant legislation.
• Chair trustee meetings, encouraging collaborative and inclusive decision- making.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency across the organisation.
• Ensure the Board maintains appropriate skills, diversity, and succession plans
3. Support to the Executive Director
• Provide guidance and support to the Executive Director, ensuring a clear distinction between strategic governance and operational delivery.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and at least an annual performance review with the Executive Director.
• Act as a sounding board and mentor while maintaining appropriate oversight.
4. Compliance and Risk Management
• Ensure the charity operates within its legal and regulatory framework, including safeguarding, data protection, and financial controls.
• Oversee the risk management process, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.
5. Advocacy and Representation
• Serve as a public ambassador for Paradise Cooperative, raising the profile of the charity at key events, stakeholder meetings, and in the media, as required.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships and relationships that support the charity’s aims
Wider Responsibilities (Shared with All Trustees)
• Support and provide advice on Paradise Cooperative’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Paradise Cooperative’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Paradise Cooperative’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to Paradise Cooperative’s Executive Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Paradise Cooperative’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Paradise Cooperative’s own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Paradise Cooperative’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Paradise Cooperative’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
To Apply
Please send a brief statement outlining your interest and suitability for this role, along with your CV, to team@paradisecooperative.org by midnight on Sunday 12th October.
Paradise Cooperative is committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse community for all team members and volunteers. If you require any adjustments to the application process or would like this information in an alternative format, please let us know.
Supporting document(s)
- trustee-recruitment-pack.pdf - Download
