Do you know someone with governance and leadership experience who is passionate about the needs of refugees and asylum seekers?
Nottingham Refugee Forum is seeking a new Chair to work in partnership with our members and trustee board to lead the organisation into its next phase of development.
Established in 2000, we are an independent registered charity set up to work with and for refugees and asylum seekers in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Our Vision is a society where asylum seekers and refugees are welcomed, receive fair and compassionate treatment and the support to rebuild their lives.
We currently employ 50 staff members and have a Trustee Board of 12 who ensure the charity runs according to its constitution and statutory obligations. Board meetings are held in person, bi-monthly. Most trustees also sit on one or more sub-committees reporting to the Board.
Key Duties and Responsibilities of the Chair of Nottingham Refugee Forum
The Chair along with the other board members has the primary function of holding the management team to account, ensuring they work effectively to promote the charity’s objectives.
To this end you will provide inclusive leadership, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support the Director and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire workforce, including volunteers, to achieve agreed objectives. You will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Director.
Six Board meetings are held per year. The Chair is supported by an active Board and is expected to have regular meetings the officers and the director. The Chair may be called upon to represent the charity at occasional events with key stakeholders. The Committee structure is currently under review, but it is expected that the Chair will sit on a quarterly governance committee, and an audit and risk committee which will meet monthly. They are supported by the treasurer, vice-chair, and secretary to the Board.
Process of selection
All trustees are elected by our membership at the annual general meeting in November. The current board will nominate candidates for election following an interview with the Chair and Vice-chair.
The nomination would require the prospective Chair to attend board meetings as a co-opted member prior to the AGM.
If elected as a board member, the new Chair will be supported by the vice-chair and outgoing chair during transition. The Board will review the Chair’s appointment after six months.
For a conversation and full details of the role please email Helen O’Nions: vice-chair@nottsrefugeeforum.org.uk before 28 September 2024.