Chair of Trustees

Bright Shadow is a creative organisation where people with dementia and our supporters live well and enjoy making our own high-quality art in Kent and Medway. As we continue to build upon and develop our ambitious work, we are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to join our existing board, alongside new trustees including those living with dementia. 

Who are we looking for?

In conducting a wide search, we’re hoping there will be people who put themselves forward that we may never otherwise have been in touch with. So, if you don’t see yourself represented here, please do put yourself forward; this is in no way an exhaustive list. We are keen to hear from people with lived experience of dementia, whilst also recognising that other life experiences may give you insights and understanding that could help the organisation to develop. 

• Do you have experience of working in or supporting larger charity structures, the health and social care sector, or fundraising and philanthropy?
• Are you an artist or arts sector leader?
• Are you living with dementia, or supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis? 
• Are you a disabled person and/or someone who in other ways has rights under the Equalities Act 2010?

Length of service: This is typically an initial three-year appointment; you may choose to stand down or be re-appointed after this time.

Time commitment: There is a board meeting each quarter, one of which is also our AGM. We’d anticipate contact between meetings, typically via email. We will also have an annual away day.

Recompense: This is a voluntary position; Bright Shadow reimburses expenses incurred whilst carrying out trustee duties.

Personal development: Training, support, and mentoring are available to all trustees.

Key responsibilities as a trustee: 

• Champion the values and work of Bright Shadow, including but not limited to our position as a disability equality driven, anti-racist organisation
• Ensure that Bright Shadow pursues our stated objects (purposes), as defined in our Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governing document, and does so complying with relevant charity law
• Ensure that Bright Shadow runs well, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensure our financial stability through good governance
• Bring strategic influencing skills and contacts

And additionally, as Chair: 

• Provide leadership to the organisation and the board 
• Chair and facilitate board meetings, including agenda setting with the Chief Executive 
• Support the Chief Executive including through an annual appraisal
• Represent Bright Shadow at functions and meetings, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate 
• Bring impartiality and objectivity to decision-making 

What’s next?

One or both of the following steps may be useful to you:

1. Reach out to us for more info and to arrange an informal conversation via recruitment@brightshadow.org.uk 
2. Arrange to come along to a Zest session, and get to know more about our work

To apply, please send in your CV with a covering note about your interest, and whether you would like to be considered as a trustee, or as Chair, to recruitment@brightshadow.org.uk.

We will review interest and interview as appropriate on a rolling basis; we intend to invite shortlisted candidates to our next board meeting in October 2024.

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.