Job Description
Organisational Context
We are a long-established local charity, inspired by our Christian ethos, supporting children, young people, and adults across Worcestershire. Through housing, childcare, youth work, and community-based services, we respond to real local needs with compassion and integrity, striving to deliver high-quality, transformative support that helps people grow, rebuild, and thrive.
We are seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees at YMCA Worcestershire to help guide the organisation in delivering its charitable purpose and creating lasting, positive change across our communities. This opportunity comes at a meaningful moment, as our long-standing Chair steps down after dedicated and valued service, leaving a strong foundation on which to build the next chapter.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Chair
* Provide strong, inclusive leadership to the Board and the organisation, ensuring a clear strategic direction is set and maintained in relation to financial stewardship, service delivery, and the effective and responsible use of charitable resources
* Chair Board meetings effectively, fostering a culture of open discussion, constructive challenge, and well-informed decision-making
* Guide and support the Board in the development and oversight of policy, ensuring it aligns with the organisation’s mission, values, and strategic priorities
* Ensure that decisions made by the Board are clearly understood, appropriately delegated, and effectively implemented
* Act as a key ambassador for the organisation, representing it at external events, meetings, and stakeholder engagements as appropriate
* Work in close partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, maintaining regular communication to provide support, oversight, and strategic alignment on organisational matters
* Provide leadership in addressing challenges and opportunities within the organisation, supporting effective resolution and continuous improvement
Person Specification
* Experience of operating at a senior or board level, with a strong understanding of governance and strategic oversight
* Previous experience of chairing meetings, boards, or senior groups, or the ability to demonstrate the skills required to do so effectively
* Understanding of the roles and responsibilities of trustees within a charitable context
* Knowledge of, or interest in, sectors relevant to our work (e.g. housing, youth services, childcare, or community development)
* Ability to provide clear, confident leadership to the Board, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and constructive challenge
* A genuine passion for the organisation’s mission and a commitment to creating lasting, positive change in communities
* Alignment with our core values of quality, being transformative, compassion, and integrity
* Respect for, and willingness to support, the organisation’s Christian ethos and how it informs our work
* Ability to commit sufficient time to the role, including preparing for and chairing Board meetings, maintaining regular contact with the CEO, and attending key events where possible
Application process
Please apply by sending the following to Dominique Needles via email at Dominique.Needles@ymcaworcestershire.org.uk by 25 May 2026:
* A covering letter of no more than two pages outlining your motivation for this role and relevant experience; and
* A full CV showing positions, responsibilities held and achievements relevant to the role of the Chair.
Should you have any specific questions about this opportunity, please contact Dominique Needles via the above email.
We sincerely appreciate your interest in this opportunity and the work of YMCA Worcestershire.