Who we are
Women’s Aid in Luton supports over 800 of society’s most vulnerable women and children every year fleeing horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven in our five refuges located in Luton, operate a helpline, offer bespoke assistance for families, and provide access to legal advice, mental health, employment and resettlement support. We also work toward prevention and deploy intervention strategies by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
The role
The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.
Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.
What are we looking for?
EXPERIENCE
- An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
- Significant experience as a non-executive
- An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
- An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
- Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
- Experience of chairing meetings.
- Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
- Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
- Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
- Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
- Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
- Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
- Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
- An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity
ATTRIBUTES
- Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
- A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
- A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years.
“Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.
If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.
Supporting document(s)
- wal-chair-role-description-and-person-specification-june-2025.pdf - Download
