We are delighted that you are expressing an interest in the significant role of Chair of Emmaus Colchester
at a time of great challenge and opportunity for our organisation.
With the latest rough sleepers and homelessness statistics being released – the stark reality is unavoidable – homelessness not only remains a concerning issue but one that is not improving despite the efforts of charities such as Emmaus Colchester. Emmaus supports people who have experienced homelessness by giving them a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to get back on their feet again.
The current board of trustees, staff, companions and CEO have recently developed 6 core strategies that will be driving the up-and-coming years and are seeking an experienced Chair to support us on this journey.
This is an exciting time to join our charity as we move towards a new era for Emmaus Colchester, one that is driving quality, growth and increasing opportunities for those we are here to serve.
The role of the Chair is to encourage and facilitate the Board of Trustees. In addition to the statutory duties of a board member, the Chair with strong support from the Chief Executive Officer has specific duties as follows:
Board Meetings
- Planning meeting schedules and setting agendas according to board procedures.
- Leading meetings: The Chair leads meetings and facilitates discussion, encouraging all board
members to participate and arriving at decisions in an orderly, timely and democratic manner. - Keeping board members informed: The Chair establishes and monitors systems for
distributing information before meetings and keeping board members updated between
meetings. - Acting as a point of contact between meetings: The Chair makes themselves available to
board members and others for contact between meetings
Board Leadership
- Building the board: The Chair leads board member recruitment and induction, strengthening
the group by finding capable new board members with the necessary skills, ensuring diversity
and providing for Chair succession. - Engaging the whole board: The Chair uses the skills and interests of all board members.
Developing governance effectiveness: The Chair improves overall board effectiveness by
taking steps to increase governance ability in the group and in individual board members. The
Chair ensures that structures and procedures are in place for effective training and evaluation
of board members. - Dealing with conflict on the board: The Chair monitors and addresses conflict among board
members, and between board members and other parts of the organisation.
Policy
- Giving direction to policy-making: The Chair exercises leadership by setting priorities for the
board and steering discussion toward strategic issues - Monitoring the implementation of board decisions: The Chair ensures that board decisions are
communicated and implemented properly.
Time Commitment
- Trustee Board Meetings are held bi-monthly on a mutually convenient evening from 15:00 to 17:00
at the Community. - There are also ad-hoc meetings and an annual AGM which Trustees are expected to attend.
Where a Trustee takes on additional responsibilities, they should make themselves available to
fulfil these duties and meet the needs of the Community. - As Chair of the Board, the post holder will also need to be available to fulfil the additional
responsibilities as set out in the above description.
Person Specification
- Commitment to the values and ethos of Emmaus
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- Strategic vision
- Experience of chairing groups of people, with an ability to act impartially and encourage all
members to contribute and to reach consensus. - Strong listening and communication skills
- Strong leadership skills
- Time to attend meetings and to be available for ad hoc discussions
- Good, independent judgement
- Ability to think creatively
- Willingness to speak their mind
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Application process
Please download the application pack below for further information on Emmaus and the Chair of Trustee role.
To express an interest in becoming a trustee at Emmaus Colchester, please email [email protected]
and let us know why you’re interested in the role and what you can bring to our board.
If you’d like to find out more give us a ring on 01206 541616.