Creative Support is a national not-for-profit social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We deliver personalised care and support for younger and older adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and those at risk of homelessness or social exclusion. Creative Support is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees with expertise across social care, health, housing, finance, legal and related fields. As our current Chair approaches the end of her term, we are seeking a new Chair with senior social care experience and a strong understanding of commissioning, quality, risk, workforce, regulation and partnership working. The ideal candidate will champion our values and mission and lead with clarity and compassion. About Creative Support: We are one of the UK's largest social care providers, supporting over 6,000 people each year across 70 local authorities and employing around 5,000 staff. With an annual turnover of £197 million, we are also a registered social housing provider with over 1,000 supported housing units and significant housing assets. Creative Support is an Investor in People Gold employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and an inclusive organisation committed to increasing Board representation from BAME, LGBTQ and disabled communities, with zero tolerance for discrimination. Our Mission and Values: Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say: - I live my best life in a place I call home - I feel listened to, respected and valued - I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life - I am supported to feel safe - I am doing the things that matter to me - I enjoy relationships with others - I am connected to my community - I am supported with my wellbeing - I feel able to reach my full potential Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are: W elcoming, E mpowering, C ompassionate, A spirational, R espectful, E ffective. About the Role: The Chair is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring effective governance, and holding the Chief Executive and Board to account for delivering our mission, vision and strategy. The role involves providing inclusive leadership, ensuring Trustees understand their responsibilities, and working closely with the Executive Team to offer oversight, support and constructive challenge. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with senior-level social care expertise, a commitment to our charitable purpose and person-centred values, and a belief in co-production with the people we support. The Chair must demonstrate vision, sound judgement and an inclusive, respectful leadership style. The Chair is expected to commit sufficient time to: - Attend six annual Board meetings, and relevant committee meetings (typically 2-3 hours in duration); - Prepare thoroughly for meetings, including reading papers in advance; - Lead the induction, support and supervision of Trustees; - Undertake appraisal and support of the Chief Executive Officer; - Act as an ambassador for Creative Support at internal and external events. - Visit national services and engage with staff, the people who we support, and tenants. The estimated time commitment for the Chair is approximately 4 days per month/48 days per year, although this may increase in response to organisational needs or during periods of change. Appointments are made for an initial period of 3 years and are subject to an annual appraisal. Terms begin at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in which the Chair is appointed. The role of Chair of the Board of Trustees is remunerated in recognition of the significant time, responsibility and contribution required. The current remuneration for the Chair is £12,000 per annum, payable in monthly instalments of £1,000. This payment is taxable and is processed through the organisation's payroll. Trustees, including the Chair, are appointed as office holders and are therefore neither workers nor employees. Remuneration arrangements are subject to periodic review in line with the organisation's governance and remuneration policies. We also pay all reasonable expenses associated with the role, including travel, overnight accommodation, subsistence and child care expenses if needed. Appointment will be made subject to the following satisfactory checks: - References - Declarations of Interest - Fit and Proper Person Check - Personal Declarations - Enhanced DBS - A £1.00 payment for shareholding membership (this can be provided in person when you first attend our Head Office). How to Apply: To express your interest please send an introductory email and CV to Hazel Beddows, Company Secretary. You will be asked to complete an application form, with reference to: - Why you are interested in supporting Creative Support and joining our Board - Your values and personal qualities and how these align with Creative Support - Relevant knowledge, skills and experience - Your ability to meet the demands of the role For further information or to arrange a telephone discussion with the Chief Executive or Company Secretary please email Megan Mitchell, PA to the CEO We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - please request this from Megan Mitchell (above) or consult the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under 'documents'. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost. Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission. Recruitment Timeline: Closing Date for Applications: 13 May 2026 Meet and Greet and Stakeholder interview panel: 17 June 2026 Final panel interviews: 30 June 2026 Offer and recruitment checks: July - August 2026 Co-opt at Board meeting: 10 September 2026 Formal vote at Annual General Meeting: 24 September 2026 Please keep these dates available upon application