Organisation Name:
Friends of St Nicholas Fields
Organisation's Cause(s):
Education & Learning
Environment / Green Spaces
Mental Health
Location of voluntary activity:
St Nicks, York
When are volunteers needed: As a trustee, the Chair would be expected to attend Board meetings every two months. These are friendly and informal sessions, at which trustees review what has happened since the last meeting, hear from the CEO and take any decisions that need to be taken.
In addition, as a member of the Executive Committee you would be expected to meet with the other committee members every two months (alternate months to the Board), for up to two hours per meeting, to review and resolve any urgent matters between Board meetings and to prioritise matters for discussion at the next full Board meeting.
As Chair, you would be expected to be available for infrequent, ad-hoc conversations with the CEO as and when needed.
Meetings have typically been held outside of office hours. We will work with the Chair/Co-Chairs to agree meeting dates and times that suit your availability.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Trusteeship / Committees
Role description:
As well as undertaking the role of trustee to:
- Ensure that we deliver on our strategic and business plans, achieve financial sustainability and manage our organisation’s performance;
- Ensure that St Nicks complies with its governing document (its Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations;
- Ensure that St Nicks pursues its objects as defined in its governing document;
- Ensure that St Nicks applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects;
- Contribute actively to the Board of Trustees by giving firm strategic direction to St Nicks;
- Set overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets;
- Ensure the financial stability of St Nicks;
The Chair or Co-Chairs will:
- Be a constructive partner to the CEO - building a trusting, cohesive relationship, providing advice, challenge and support to orchestrate the development of the organisation;
- Develop a highly effective board of trustees – creating the environment for a high performing team, evaluating and facilitating improvement of collective capability and performance. Undertake periodic Board effectiveness reviews and, alongside the CEO, ensure that new board members are fully inducted;
- Influence and collaborate with stakeholders - understanding the environment and systems that the organisation operates within and collaborating with others to collectively achieve the biggest positive impact;
- Chair board meetings, ensuring that high standards of corporate governance and ethical, professional behaviour are maintained;
- Work with the CEO to ensure that matters are brought to the attention of the board for their information and/or debate in a timely manner and that an atmosphere is created in which all Board members are encouraged to participate and challenge constructively and appropriately;
- Conduct an annual appraisal of the CEO and provide regular feedback on both performance and any areas of concern raised by the board.
The Chair role is voluntary and thus unpaid. St Nicks will reimburse expenses reasonably incurred with any duties, including travel expenses and costs relating to accessibility such as childcare or disability needs.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
A successful candidate is somebody who:
- Is personally motivated to make a positive difference to the environment;
- Is a strategic thinker who can see the big picture and navigate complex and contentious issues;
- Is able to engage and collaborate effectively with people at all levels from different backgrounds and organisations;
- Is progressive and innovative, capable of stimulating, challenging and influencing others to contemplate and consider different solutions;
- Is able to facilitate others and develop effective team working, with experience of planning, preparing and chairing meetings at senior levels;
- Is well organised and willing to devote time to the organisation.
Will there be a DBS check? No
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Hearing impaired
Ongoing Volunteering
Vision impaired
Wheelchair users
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
The new Chair/Co-Chairs of trustees will be joining us at an exciting time, with plans to write our new organisation strategy, extend and retrofit the Environment Centre, and having recently appointed our new CEO. This is an excellent opportunity for a Chair of trustees to learn more about St Nicks and play a vital role in shaping the future of the organisation.
How to get involved:
Please send us a CV and short covering letter detailing why you would like to become our Chair/Co-Chair and what you could bring to the role.
CVs and cover letters should be sent to centre@stnicks.org.uk
If you would like an informal conversation about St Nicks or the role, please contact Vicky on chiefexec@stnicks.org.uk
Closing date for applications is 6th July 2025.
We anticipate interviews being held w/c 14th July 2025.
Please contact us on info@stnicks.org.uk if you would like an audio or a large print application form, if you have other accessibility needs or if you would like help with applying.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 06-07-2025