Chair

Job role for the Chair of the board of trustees - British Chihuahua Rescue

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the British Chihuahua Rescue (BCR) achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the BCR has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the decisions of the trustee board to enable the BCR to grow and thrive, and through this achieve our stated objective.

Charity objective 

The objective of the BCR shall be to relieve the suffering and distress of Chihuahua dogs in need of care, attention or rehoming because of ill treatment, hardship, neglect or change of circumstances.

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a Chair willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will bring experience and diversity of thinking to our trustee board.

What is the role of our trustee board? 

• Support and provide advice on the BCR’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.  
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee the BCR’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve the BCR’s financial statements.
• Keep abreast of changes in the BCR’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of the BCR’s own governance. Attend trustee board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect the BCR’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of the BCR’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond trustee board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Core responsibilities of the Chair 

• Governance & leadership: Leading the Board, setting strategic direction, ensuring high standards, and maintaining compliance with legal/regulatory requirements.
• Board effectiveness: Fostering a collaborative environment, managing trustee development, reviewing board effectiveness, and ensuring good decision-making.
• Ambassadorship: Serving as the public face, building key stakeholder relationships, and promoting the charity's vision and values.
• Financial oversight: Approving budgets, risk plans, and monitoring performance against strategic goals. Specific skills requirements of the Chair We are seeking to appoint an individual who brings the following crucial skills:
• An animal lover who understands and has a passion for the work that the charity undertakes
• A people person who has the skills to lead and inspire our hardworking and dedicated trustee board and national team of volunteers
• An outstanding communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• A strategic thinker who can lead and offer direction to our rapidly expanding charity and who exercises sound judgment
• Understanding of the challenges that charities face and the importance of fundraising in the voluntary sector
• Ability to work collaboratively and maintain impartiality
• Understanding of charity governance and law
• Previous experience of being a Chair of a board or board committee is desirable but not essential Key contributions of the Chair of the board of trustees
• Chairing board meetings, setting agendas, and ensuring focus.
• Acting as a liaison between volunteers, the trustee board, and external stakeholders.
• Representing the charity at events and in the media.
• Taking urgent action between meetings when necessary.
• Thanking and acknowledging volunteers, staff, and donors

 Terms of appointment 

• Trustees stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting.
• This is a pro-bono voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Time commitment
• There are 6 trustee board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely via Zoom.
• Physical attendance at the AGM, normally held in May in the Midlands.
• Work commitments between meetings can vary dependent upon actions that are required
• You may be invited to join or form a Sub-Committee and this will involve an additional time commitment.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.