Company Description
St Aidan's Junior Common Room CIO is an independent charity, registered under Charity No. 1191019, dedicated to enhancing the welfare and experience of students at St Aidan's College, Durham University. Operated by the Junior Common Room's Compliance Officer, the organization represents the interests of students and contributes significantly to the college community. By fostering a strong sense of belonging, the charity plays an essential role in supporting students during their academic and personal development.
Role Description
The Chair of the Board of Trustees is a voluntary role, and will provide strategic leadership and direction for St Aidan's Junior Common Room CIO, overseeing its governance, compliance, and long-term planning. Responsibilities include chairing trustee meetings, ensuring effective communication among board members, and guiding decision-making processes. The Chair will also actively oversee the charity's financial and business planning, manage relationships with stakeholders, and uphold the organization's mission and values. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Leeds.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership to the Board and support the development of the JCR, ensuring the organisation is aligned with the college’s and the CIO’s goals and values.
* Oversee governance and ensure the smooth running of board meetings, ensuring all Board members contribute effectively to decision-making processes.
* Drive initiatives that promote student development, fostering an inclusive environment that supports the welfare and academic growth of students.
* Ensure adherence to EDI principles within all JCR activities and initiatives.
* Advise on financial oversight, ensuring the JCR’s financial practices are sustainable, transparent, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
* Awareness of relevant legal matters to ensure that the JCR adheres to relevant laws and regulations, especially those related to student welfare, data protection, and employment practices, and those relating to being a registered charity.
* Act as a bridge between the JCR and college leadership, advocating for students and ensuring their voice is central to the college's strategy.
* Responsibility for the employment, and supervision of, the CIO’s single employee who is the elected JCR President.
Essential criteria:
* Proven experience in people development, educational settings, or governance within an academic or non-profit organisation
* Strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
* A collaborative approach, with experience in building consensus and working with diverse stakeholders.
* Board or Committee experience in some capacity.
Desirable criteria:
* Financial or legal experience, preferably with an understanding of non-profit or student organisation management.
* Experience in EDI or HR, with a focus on creating inclusive environments.
* Demonstrable ability and experience in advising organisations on information management and/or GDPR and/or cybersecurity.
* Previous experience as a board chair.