Vacancy

Chair of Trustees

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Woodfield Project (TWP) achieves its core purpose. The Chair provides leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, as well as oversight and scrutiny of the charity’s operations. The Chair leads in an inclusive way and acts as an ambassador for the charity.

About The Woodfield Project (TWP)

TWP, founded in 2014, are devoted to running and using The Woodfield Pavilion, a refurbished community space that opened in June 2019 serving the communities of Tooting Common and surrounding areas. It is owned by Wandsworth Council, but is situated in Lambeth. TWP aims to engage with and celebrate the diversity of its local community and natural environment, working to develop the pavilion as a 'go-to hub' for people to share in culture, festivities, ideas, learning and well-being.

Our mission includes, providing a safe space for training, learning, recreation and leisure; promoting the appreciation of the natural environment; protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the Woodfield Ground; actively engaging with local people and groups; and actively extending the benefits of TWP to vulnerable and socially excluded people in our community.

TWP currently has nine trustees and one paid member of staff, as well as 261 active members who support with volunteering. TWP’s budgeted income for the year end December 2022 is £50k.

Chair role

·       Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that TWP achieves its mission.

·       Ensure that policies, crafted and articulated by trustees and management, are in line with TWP’s purpose and mission, with law, and with the principles of good administration. 

·       Ensure that procedures are in place for activities and internal operations that comply with law and the principles of good administration. 

·       Chair meetings, with an eye to reaching decisions after due discussion. Ensure full participation, faithful recording, and adherence to time limits. 

·       Help build teams for general management and particular projects. Ensure specification of management roles. 

·       Represent the organisation as a figurehead, and delegate the function when appropriate. 

·       Carry out the duties delegated by the trustees to the Chair in policy documents.  

What we are looking for

Essential

·       At least 3 years of senior leadership experience including working at board, trustee, or committee level (you do not need to have been a Chair before)

·       Strategic vision and experience of business plan development.

·       Experience of charity governance, policy and chairing meetings.

·       Financial management expertise to work with the Treasurer and a broad understanding of charity finance issues.

·       Good understanding of charity governance issues.

·       Exhibit strong communication and networking skills.

·       Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

·       Be an advocate and willing to champion TWP’s work through personal networks and channels.

Desirable

·       Fundraising experience.

·       An understanding of the Tooting Commons and local environment.

In addition to the above, the Chair will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

·       Support and provide advice on TWP’s mission, goals and activities.

·       To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions and to review the minutes once circulated.

·       To delineate the roles of the Officers of the Board (such as Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer, Secretary) and to elect, advise, and support them.

·       To participate with the other trustees in articulating and approving policies for the governance, strategic direction and financing of TWP.

·       Review and approve TWP’s financial statements.

·       To exercise powers of delegation so as to enable projects and activities to be managed by volunteers (including trustees in other roles), and paid staff.

·       Report annually to the Charity Commission and adhere to its code of conduct.

·       Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect TWP’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests

Essential qualities of trustees

·       Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees.

·       Ability to think creatively and strategically

·       Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

·       A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

·       Enthusiasm for TWP’s mission and willingness to lead according to TWP’s charitable purpose.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, and can renew for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Time commitment

·       Estimated at one day per month.

·       The Board of Trustees meets for quarterly meetings and ad-hoc meetings as and when additional meetings are needed.

·       The Board meets virtually via Zoom and in person at the Pavilion on Tooting Common.

How to apply

Please get in touch with a cover letter detailing relevant experience: thewoodfieldproject@gmail.com