Overview
Lead with Purpose. Shape the Future of Later Life. Are you ready to guide a dynamic, forward-thinking charity? We believe later life should be lived with dignity, joy, and opportunity. For nearly seventy years, we\'ve been supporting older adults in Merton with advice, practical help, and social connection. Now, as we navigate an ever-changing landscape and deliver on our ambitious strategic plan, we\'re seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to help us steer the next chapter.
Time Commitment: Approx. 2-3 days per month
Location: Merton (Board meetings and events)
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
About The Organisation
We\'re a \'small but mighty\' charity with a big impact. Our mission is simple: to provide quality advice and services that meet the needs of older adults in Merton. From befriending and activity programmes to practical home support and accredited advice, we help thousands of people each year to love later life. With an income of £1.2m, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and strong partnerships across health, care, and community sectors, we\'re proud of our achievements and excited about what is to come.
Why This Role Matters
As Chair, you\'ll lead a committed Board and work closely with our CEO to ensure the charity thrives in a challenging environment.
You will
* Shape strategic direction: Drive delivery of our three-year plan, focusing on outreach, sustainability, and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
* Champion collaboration: Strengthen partnerships across health, care, and voluntary sectors to reduce inequalities and improve lives.
* Ensure strong governance: Uphold charity law and best practice, ensuring financial resilience and effective administration.
* Be a visible leader: Represent Age UK Merton externally, inspire stakeholders, and help diversify income streams for long-term sustainability.
What Makes This Opportunity Inspiring
* Impact and Purpose: Your leadership will directly improve the lives of older adults in Merton.
* Strong Foundations: Accredited for quality advice and befriending services, with a clear strategic plan and committed team.
* Exciting Growth: We\'re expanding outreach and engagement, co-designing services with clients, and building a sustainable future.
* Collaborative Culture: Trustees and staff share values of quality, integrity, kindness, inclusivity, and collaboration.
Ideal Candidate
Essential Skills And Experience
* Previous Board-level experience, ideally as Chair or Trustee.
* Strategic vision, financial acumen, and strong leadership skills.
* Ability to build relationships and represent the organisation publicly.
* Commitment to Age UK Merton\'s mission and values.
Desirable
* Understanding of adult social care or health sectors.
* Knowledge of Merton and its communities.
Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the charity\'s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, we will host a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the outgoing Chair. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 11th February 2026 and we will send you a link.
Application Deadline: 9th March 2026
Interviews: w/c 13th April 2026
How To Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to the charity on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk and request a candidate pack in the first instance.
For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala on 07563 030595 or seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability, gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
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