Who we are
The Kids Network is a community of young people and young professionals connecting through fun, friendship and hardship for positive social change.
We support children at a crucial time in their development by providing them with a volunteer mentor. The Kids Network builds confidence, resilience and curiosity for ambitious futures through a series of positive experiences and activities.
On the flip side, London is bursting with young professionals who are more connected than ever yet oft
The role
The Kids Network is a community of children and young professionals connecting through fun, friendship and hardship for positive social change.???We believe every child deserves the right to a?happy childhood and a positive future.?Our mentors help make that happen.??
The Kids Network values fun, integrity, curiosity, diversity, and connection– this is the culture we want embedded throughout the organisation. If you are passionate about connecting for change and share our vision, we want to hear from you.??
Chair of the People & Safeguarding Committee
Role Description
Purpose of the Role
– To lead the People & Safeguarding Committee (the “Committee”) in ensuring the effective performance of its governance responsibilities.
– To work in partnership with the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) and the CEO to achieve the objects set for the Charity.
– To ensure there is an effective relationship between the Committee, the Board, the CEO and the Charity’s employees, volunteers, members, and stakeholders.
Main Duties
– Chair the meetings of the Committee and encourage free and open discussion at meetings of the Committee.
– Ensure the Committee fulfils its responsibilities effectively and carries out its duties in line with the strategy and objectives set by the Board.
– Ensure the business of Committee meetings is dealt with, and decisions, when required, are arrived at, and recorded, and their implementation monitored.
– Establish procedures to govern the Committee’s work and ensure the Committee’s full discharge of its duties.
– Ensure that all items requiring Committee approval or Committee recommendations to the Board are appropriately addressed.
– Report to the Board of Directors on behalf of the Committee and act as a liaison between the Committee and the Board.
– Ensure the Committee regularly reviews its structure and role and implements change as necessary.
– Assist, as required, with the annual review of the CEO and other senior staff.
– Agree, with the CEO, meeting agendas, an annual schedule for Committee meetings and key events.
– Ensure appropriate communication between the Committee and the Charity’s employees, volunteers, members, and stakeholders.
Key Qualities
– Demonstrate a strong empathy and passion for improving and delivering excellent outcomes for children.
– Clear and effective communicator.
– Supportive and confident leadership style, with excellent meeting and presentation skills.
– An understanding of good governance and the duties of a trustee.
– Strong interpersonal skills and relationship building abilities.
– Enthusiasm, commitment and a determination to carry forward a complex agenda.
– Ability to identify issues and areas of risk, and lead Committee members to effective resolution and decision.
– Willing to use their personal and professional networks for the support of the Charity where appropriate.
– Ability to commit the time required for the role.
– Safeguarding, HR or legal and governance experience is a strong advantage.
Ambassador
– Help promote the Charity to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
– Attend events as an when required to represent the Charity in a positive manner.
Terms of appointment
– This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
– Trustees should serve a minimum of one term, lasting 2 years?
– Must live within a commutable distance of London
Time Commitment
– Attending 5 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely
– Attending 1 offsite strategy day
– Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team and conducting trustee reviews
– Attend events to be an ambassador for the charity
– To attend subsequent sub-committees where appropriate (People & Safeguarding and Funding & Finance)
– Monthly hourly catch ups with the Founder/ CEO
As a small charity, there will be times when the chair of trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve preparing board papers, leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
To apply please send your CV and a cover letter, no more than two pages about why you are right for this role and why you want to join The Kids Network no later than 5 June 2023. The first round of interviews will be held in mid June 2023.
Safeguarding commitment
The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to go through our safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check.
Equity commitment
The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible, however we still recognise that there is maybe more we can do especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or experience discrimination.
If this is the case, we are both happy and open to discussing better ways to support your candidacy and make this application process as equitable as possible for you.
We are a diverse Charity and welcome everyone but it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role.
You can find out more about our commitment to anti-oppression on our website.
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