Who we are
CHUMS Charity supports a number of local services in Bedfordshire, Luton and Kent which rely wholly on charitable funds. With the contribution of so many supporters in the local community, £500,000 per year is required to fund those parts of the service that do not receive contractual funding.
Those services are: The Trauma Service, The Bedfordshire Suicide Bereavement Service, The Recreational Therapeutic Service, The Babyloss Bereavement Service and The Disability Friendship Scheme
The role
We are looking for a Chair who wants to join a forward-thinking team of trustees and who can help shape the future of the Charity. If you are a visionary and inspirational leader, then we would like to hear from you.
You must share our passion for improving the lives of children, young people, and their families in the communities we serve.
As an experienced trustee you will be an influencer who is well networked and will provide effective leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, enabling them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic development of the charity.
You will have excellent communication and relationship building skills, coupled with good independent judgement and an ability to inspire others.
Who we are
CHUMS Charity is one of the leading mental health and emotional wellbeing charities in Luton and Bedfordshire, and Herts, and works collaboratively with CHUMS CIC to ensure the delivery of key mental health services that transform the lives of over 3,500 children & young people (CYP) and their families each year.
CHUMS Charity raises funds through grants, community events and donations and supports the delivery of five mental health and emotional wellbeing services – three for children and young people (CYP) and two services for people of all ages.
CHUMS Trauma Service (CTS) for CYP and families
Bedfordshire Suicide Bereavement Service (BSBS) for Adults, CYP, families
Recreational Therapeutic Service (REC) for CYP
Babyloss Bereavement Service (BBS) for Adults and Children
Disability Friendship Scheme in Luton (DFS) for CYP from 13-25 years
If you have the skills, experience and passion for the mission of the charity, then we would like to hear from you.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Responsible to: Board of Trustees
Term: 3 years, renewable for a second term of 3 years
Location Description: CHUMS Charity is based in Silsoe, Bedfordshire. Four quarterly board meetings are held each year, in a hybrid format, allowing all Trustees the option to attend meetings in person or online. One or two additional Board Meetings may be held from time to time, as the need arises.
Time Commitment: 4 Board meetings per year plus attendance at other meetings and events as required
Board Meetings
We seek to set the Board Meeting dates on a rolling 12-month basis and the four quarterly meetings are held in April, July, October, and January.
Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
The Chair will be a visionary and dynamic leader who is passionate about improving the lives of children, young people and their families.
They will be resilient, empathetic and have some knowledge and understanding of mental health services, the NHS, and the charity/voluntary sector.
As well as Chairing the Trustee Board and being a member of any sub-committees such as Finance or HR, we are looking for someone who will be an excellent ambassador for CHUMS Charity, representing the incredible work we do, in everything they do.
The successful candidate must demonstrate the following:
- Commitment to the charity’s objective, aims and values and a willingness to devote time to carry out the responsibilities of the role
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship
- Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objectives and aims.
- Leading the Trustee Board as it provides strategic oversight of the organisation, including chairing Trustee meeting
- Integrity and an ability to exercise sound, independent judgement, political impartiality, and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment
- Experience of working with teams and leaders from different perspectives and cultural backgrounds, encouraging Trustees to contribute their skills, experience and opinions to ensure adequate support, challenge and scrutiny.
- A national, regional and local perspective of health services and experience of working or volunteering in mental health
- Ability to support, challenge, and act as a professional mentor, holding the Charity Director to account, ensuring the organisation operates within its mission and values.
- Self-aware, emotionally intelligent, strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills
- Awareness of inclusive and transparent processes for considered and informed decision making and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
