Hackney Playbus chair of Trustees
Hackney Playbus
Hackney Playbus is looking for an enthusiastic and committed Volunteer Chair to provide leadership and support to our Board of Trustees. You’ll help guide our strategic direction, ensure good governance, support and challenge our Co-Directors, and champion our work across Hackney. You’ll also help develop the Board, build partnerships and support fundraising opportunities.
Main Responsibilities In addition to the responsibilities of a Trustee, the Chair will play a key role in helping Hackney Playbus stay true to its purpose, support its people and strengthen its impact for children and families across Hackney. Leading the Board Provide supportive and purposeful leadership to the Board, keeping our charitable purpose, values and long-term vision at the heart of our work. Chair Board meetings in a way that is welcoming, inclusive and encourages thoughtful discussion and collective decision-making. Help the Board look ahead, think strategically and make informed decisions about the future of Hackney Playbus. Work with the Co-Directors to shape Board agendas and ensure Trustees have the information they need. Help ensure Board decisions are followed through, reviewed and translated into meaningful progress. Promote strong, responsible governance and ensure Hackney Playbus meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities. Working alongside our Co-Directors Build a trusting, positive and constructive relationship with the Co-Directors. Offer encouragement, guidance and appropriate challenge, while respecting the distinction between governance and operational management. Lead the annual appraisal of the Co-Directors on behalf of the Board. Support organisational planning and help shape the charity’s long-term development and sustainability. Take part in appointment, grievance or disciplinary panels where appropriate, or support the Board to delegate these responsibilities. Building a strong and welcoming Board Work with the Co-Directors to plan the annual cycle of Board meetings and the AGM. Help create an inclusive, collaborative Board where every Trustee feels valued, supported and able to contribute. Encourage learning, development and the sharing of skills and experience across the Board. Help address and resolve differences or conflict in a constructive, respectful and positive way. Championing Hackney Playbus Be a passionate ambassador for Hackney Playbus and help others understand the difference our work makes. Build positive relationships with funders, partners, supporters and local organisations. Help open doors to new opportunities, connections and partnerships that can strengthen our work. Support fundraising by making introductions, sharing our story and championing Hackney Playbus wherever appropriate.
Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Community Work,Trusteeships & Committees,Support Work,Employee & Group Volunteering
Basic IT skills - internet & email
Skills, experience and qualities We’re looking for someone who cares about our work and wants to help Hackney Playbus grow and thrive. You don’t need to have every skill or experience listed below. What matters most is your commitment to our vision, our values and the children and families we work alongside. We’d particularly welcome someone who brings some of the following: A commitment to the vision, mission and values of Hackney Playbus. A belief in the importance of play, early childhood development and supporting families to thrive. Strong, inclusive leadership skills and the ability to bring people together, build consensus and inspire confidence. Experience of chairing meetings, committees or Boards, or other relevant leadership experience. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to listen, encourage and ask thoughtful questions. Sound judgement, integrity and emotional intelligence, including the ability to handle sensitive information with care and confidentiality. An understanding of the difference between governance and operational management. A commitment to equity and inclusion, and to keeping local children and families at the heart of our work. Knowledge of Hackney, or a genuine interest in the communities we work alongside. An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing families with young children, particularly those experiencing social isolation, poverty, insecure housing or barriers to accessing services. Experience in fundraising or income generation, such as trusts and foundations, community fundraising, individual giving, corporate partnerships or strategic relationship-building, would be highly valued. Experience within the voluntary, community, early years or public sectors would be welcomed. Above all, we’re looking for someone who is thoughtful, collaborative and passionate about making a difference. If you bring some of these qualities and are excited by what Hackney Playbus does, we’d love to hear from you.
Being Chair of Hackney Playbus is an opportunity to use your experience, skills and leadership in a way that is meaningful, rewarding and rooted in your local community. As part of our friendly and committed Board, you’ll have the opportunity to: Make a difference through leadership – help shape the direction and future of a charity supporting children and families across Hackney. Put your skills to good use – share your experience, knowledge, networks and ideas to help Hackney Playbus develop and thrive. Build meaningful connections – develop relationships with people, organisations and communities across Hackney and beyond. Be part of something special – work alongside passionate Trustees, Co-Directors, staff, volunteers and community partners who care deeply about what we do. Learn and grow – strengthen your leadership and governance experience while gaining insight from others and from the communities we work alongside. See the difference you’re helping to create – know that your time, leadership and connections are contributing to places where children can play, families can connect and communities can flourish. Most of all, you’ll have the opportunity to be part of a welcoming organisation with a clear purpose, where your contribution is valued and your leadership can help open up new possibilities for Hackney Playbus.
We know that people volunteer alongside busy lives, so we aim to make the role focused, purposeful and manageable. The Chair is expected to contribute approximately 1–2 days per month, including: Attending quarterly Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Meeting with the Co-Directors for a quarterly one-to-one to offer support, guidance and space to reflect. Participating in the Fundraising Committee and other Board sub-committees where agreed. Preparing for meetings by reading Board papers and reviewing relevant reports. Being available for occasional conversations with the Co-Directors between meetings when needed. Joining occasional community events, partnership meetings or fundraising activities where possible. The time commitment may vary slightly at different points in the year, but we will work together to make the role realistic and manageable.
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From Home.
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