Who we are
Blue Smile is a children’s mental health charity dedicated to improving the wellbeing and life chances of children across Cambridgeshire. We do this by providing specialist, arts-based mental health support to children aged 3-13 in Cambridgeshire schools.
Our vision is a world where happier children have brighter futures. We believe every child should be able to access prompt, effective mental health support when they need it.
The role
As Chair of the Blue Smile Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure that Blue Smile fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead the board in an inclusive way, promoting collaborative working and provide support and challenge to the Charity Director. This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.
Our new Chair of Trustees will:
• Have board level experience as a Chair, Non-Executive or Trustee.
• Show a strong understanding of governance, strategy and the legal duties of a charity trustee.
• Be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build a collaborative environment.
• Demonstrate a passion for improving children’s mental health and wellbeing which aligns with the charity’s values and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Responsibilities specific to the Chair of Trustees:
1. Strategic Leadership
• Lead the board in setting the charity’s strategic direction in line with Blue Smile’s vision, mission, and values.
• Review strategic objectives and ensure that plans are delivered effectively by the Charity Director and their team.
• Ensure the trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
• Ensure the board operates within its charitable objectives a provides a clear strategic direction for the charity.
2. Governance and Board Management
• Ensure effective governance in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance and relevant legislation and the charity’s Articles of Association.
• Ensure that the governance arrangements, including the sub-committee structure, are working in the most effective way for the charity.
• Chair trustee meetings, encouraging collaborative and inclusive decision-making.
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency across the organisation.
• Ensure that the board is regularly refreshed and incorporates an appropriate balance of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity.
3. Compliance and Risk Management
• Ensure the board regularly review major risks and associated opportunities and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate risks.
• Ensure that the charity fulfils its safeguarding requirements and responsibilities; fostering a strong safeguarding culture and being accountable for the charity’s response to incidents.
• Ensure that the board fulfils its duties to ensure the sound financial health of the charity with systems in place for financial accountability.
• Ensure the charity operates within its legal and regulatory framework, including data protection, and financial controls.
4. Relationship with the Charity Director
• Establish a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with the Charity Director.
• Provide guidance and support to the Charity Director, ensuring a clear distinction between strategic governance and operational delivery.
• Ensure regular meetings with the Charity Director and develop and open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns and challenges.
• Conduct and annual performance and remuneration review for the Charity Director.
• Support opportunities for professional development and ensure the Charity Director has appropriate external professional support.
5. Representation/External Relations
• Serve as an ambassador for Blue Smile, raising the profile of the cause and the charity.
• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings and events.
Time commitment
- Six meetings a year, including one as the AGM and an annual strategy day. Board meetings are currently held online.
- Monthly scheduled meeting with the Charity Director with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
- Ad hoc/occasional support through working groups and to the wider Blue Smile team.
Terms of appointment
- The Chair is appointed for a 5 year term of office, renewable for 1 further term to a maximum of 10 years in line with Blue Smile’s Articles of Association.
· This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
To apply
Please send a brief statement outlining your interest and suitability for this role, along with your CV, to vicki.osborne@bluesmile.org.uk.
Supporting document(s)
- chair-of-trustees-recruitment-pack.pdf - Download
