Who we are
Survivor Space Oxfordshire (SSO) is the only organisation providing non-statutory, accredited, specialist support to survivors of sexual violence in Oxfordshire.
We directly support survivors of sexual violence, promote and advocate for their needs and work towards the elimination of sexual violence. Our services comprise of psychoeducation courses, one-to-one counselling, peer-to-one peer group work and independent advocacy to support survivors who decide to engage with the criminal
The role
About Survivor Space Oxfordshire
Survivor Space Oxfordshire (SSO) is the only organisation providing non-statutory, accredited, specialist support to survivors of sexual violence in Oxfordshire.
We directly support survivors of sexual violence, promote and advocate for their needs and work towards the elimination of sexual violence. Our services comprise of psychoeducation courses, one-to-one counselling, peer-to-one peer group work and independent advocacy to support survivors who decide to engage with the criminal justice system.
We also work closely with both the universities in Oxford, and local schools, to provide education and training on consent and healthy relationships and offer sexual harassment courses to local business to work towards our overall vision of a world without sexual violence.
Our life-saving services improve the mental health of survivors, supporting them through their darkest moments, and empowering them to recover from the impacts of their trauma. We work with survivors of all genders, aged 10 and above, who have experienced rape, sexual abuse, or any other form of sexual violence, whether it was experienced recently, in the past, or as children – at no cost to them.
About this post
Survivor Space is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to promoting equality and social inclusion. We are currently under-represented by people from minoritised backgrounds and so are particularly encouraging people from these groups to apply for this role.
Purpose of the role
Lead the Board of Trustees in governing Survivor Space Oxfordshire effectively, ensuring the charity fulfils its charitable objectives, complies with legal and regulatory requirements, and upholds the highest standards of governance, accountability, and safeguarding.
Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the charity, fostering strong relationships with staff, beneficiaries, partners, funders, and regulators.
Provide support, guidance, and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive, ensuring appropriate oversight of their performance and wellbeing.
Ensure the Board maintains a clear focus on strategic oversight and does not become involved in day-to-day operational management.
Key responsibilities
Governance leadership
Chair and facilitate Board meetings, ensuring inclusive participation, constructive challenge, and timely decision-making. This includes agenda-setting, working with the CEO to prepare meetings, and ensuring minutes are accurate and circulated with clear action points.
Lead the development and oversight of strategic direction, risk management, performance monitoring, and safeguarding governance.
Ensure effective delegation and supervision of committees and working groups.
Ensure the Board maintains effective financial oversight, including budgets, reserves, financial sustainability, and appropriate financial controls.
Stakeholder relations and representation
Act as the primary link between the Board and the Chief Executive/Director, senior staff, and key stakeholders.
Promote the charity’s mission, values, and impact publicly and with regulators, funders, and partner organisations. This may involve occasional travel within Oxfordshire.
Compliance and accountability
Ensure compliance with governing documents, charity law, reporting requirements (including Regulatory Serious Incident reporting), and Charity Commission guidance (CC3)
Oversee succession planning, governance reviews, and adherence to best practice in governance and safeguarding.
Risk and safeguarding oversight
Lead the Board’s risk governance, ensuring appropriate risk appetite, monitoring, and internal controls.
Ensure appropriate safeguarding governance frameworks, policies, and assurance mechanisms are in place and operating effectively.
Champion a strong safeguarding culture at Board level.
Chairing and facilitation
Model and uphold a culture of open, respectful challenge; manage conflicts of interest; ensure clear decision-making and documentation.
Development and governance capacity
Support Trustee development, provide coaching and feedback, and promote ongoing learning and ethical leadership.
Maintain strategic oversight of the skillset of the Board and oversee recruitment of additional trustees to meet gaps in skillset.
Remuneration and terms
Reasonable expenses will be paid, according to the current expenses policy. The Chair of the Board will be supported by a Board Clerk.
Time commitment
Expected to devote approximately 16 hours per month, including:
Regular Board meetings (currently 2 hours every other month), committee chairs/participation, and preparation time
Strategic planning sessions and ad hoc governance work
Regular meetings with the CEO. These have typically been scheduled for 45 minutes once a fortnight, but frequency can vary depending on necessity.
Participation in one or two board subcommittees
Availability to respond to urgent matters between Board meetings in line with the agreed scheme of delegation.
Accountability
Accountable to the Board of Trustees collectively
Term: Typically, 2 years with eligibility for renewal as per governing documents
Essential requirements:
This post is restricted to female applicants only and is exempt under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Strong governance experience, preferably as a Trustee or senior governance leader in the charity sector
Familiarity with risk management, financial oversight, and governance processes
Demonstrated ability to lead complex meetings, manage diverse stakeholders, and drive strategic discussion
Strategic thinking with the ability to challenge constructively and facilitate consensus
Transparent, collaborative leadership style
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to oversee governance processes, monitor performance, and ensure accountability
Commitment to survivor-centred approaches and the charity’s mission
Willingness to undergo safeguarding checks and training as required
Availability to participate in relevant trustee development and induction
Strong knowledge of Oxfordshire, and ability to occasionally travel within the county
Desirable requirements:
Prior experience as a Chair, Vice-Chair, or in a governance leadership role
Strong understanding of charity law, regulatory requirements, and governance frameworks (CC3, The Good Trustee)
Familiarity with safeguarding procedures and practices
Strong connections within local communities in Oxfordshire
Induction, Training & Compliance
The organisation will fully support the successful candidate through a structured induction process. This will include completing an Enhanced DBS check, SSO sexual violence training, and Safeguarding training to Levels 1 and 2 — appropriate given the Chair’s ultimate governance responsibility for safeguarding across the organisation.
The Chair will also be expected to complete the Trustee induction programme and, where relevant, join appropriate member bodies such as the Association of Chairs.
