Organisation Name:
The Friends of Rowntree Park
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Children / Young People / Families
Education & Learning
Environment / Green Spaces
Fitness / Sport
Local Community
Recreation
Location of voluntary activity:
There would be work from home and within the park at times/ evening meetings.
When are volunteers needed: We are a relatively small charity, so the contribution of our Chair and Trustees is important. The board meets about 4-6 times per year, usually outside normal working hours.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Trusteeship / Committees
Role description:
The Chair helps the trustee board work effectively and keeps the charity focused on its purpose, priorities and long-term sustainability.
This isn't about running the charity day-to-day. We have a part-time freelance Charity Manager who oversees much of the charity's operational work, supported by volunteer leads and other freelance roles. The Chair works alongside the Charity Manager and fellow trustees to provide oversight, support and strategic direction.
The Chair's role includes:
● leading trustee meetings and helping ensure discussions are constructive and decisions
are made;
● helping the board maintain a clear strategic direction;
● supporting good governance and ensuring trustees understand and fulfil their
responsibilities;
● developing a positive, inclusive and collaborative board culture;
● acting as a sounding board and point of support for the Charity Manager;
● helping maintain appropriate boundaries between governance and operational
management;
● supporting effective relationships with the City of York Council and other key partners where appropriate;
● helping the charity consider its long-term financial sustainability, development and priorities; and
● representing the Friends of Rowntree Park when appropriate.
The Chair doesn't need to have all the answers. An important part of the role is helping bring together the knowledge, skills and perspectives of the whole trustee board.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
You don't necessarily need to have chaired a charity before. We're interested in finding someone who can bring good judgement, an ability to listen and bring people together, and enthusiasm for helping a small community charity develop sustainably.
You might have experience of leadership, governance, charities, community organisations, business, the public sector or managing people, but equally, relevant skills may have been gained through volunteering or other lived experience.
It would be particularly useful if you:
● are comfortable facilitating discussions and helping a group reach decisions;
● can think strategically while understanding the realities of a small, volunteer-powered
organisation;
● communicate clearly and diplomatically;
● value different perspectives and encourage others to contribute;
● understand the distinction between governance and day-to-day management;
● are willing to support and constructively challenge when appropriate; and
● care about community green spaces and the role they play in people's lives.
Above all, we're looking for someone who wants to help the charity thrive.
Will there be a DBS check? No
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
Skilled Volunteer
Wheelchair users
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the future of a much-loved York green space and a growing community charity. You could help strengthen the organisation behind everything from gardening and wildlife conservation to volunteering, community events, nature activities and projects designed to make the park more welcoming and inclusive.
For someone interested in community, nature, volunteering or charity leadership, it is a chance to use your experience in a role where you can see the difference the organisation makes around you.
How to get involved:
To apply, please email a letter of no more than two sides of A4.
Please tell us:
● why you're interested in becoming Chair of Friends of Rowntree Park;
● the skills, experience or perspectives you would bring to the role; and
● details of two character references.
You're also welcome to include a CV if you have one, but this isn't essential.
Please send applications to [email protected].
If you're interested but would like to understand more before applying, we'd really encourage you to have an informal conversation with us first. Email [email protected] and we'll arrange a chat with one of our trustees.
Further information about the role and the Friends of Rowntree Park can be found on our website
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 14-09-2026