You will lead the Board in ensuring strong governance and strategic direction for our charity. You'll work collaboratively to champion our mission, ensures accountability, and enables the Board to function effectively and with integrity.
What difference will you make?
As Chair of the Board, you will have a transformative impact on the success and sustainability of The Paradise Cooperative. Your leadership will ensure that the charity remains aligned with its values and mission while maintaining strong governance and legal compliance. By guiding strategic decision-making, you will help shape the future of a grassroots organisation that champions urban agriculture, community cohesion, and environmental education. Your oversight will directly support the Executive Director to deliver meaningful, community-focused outcomes, while ensuring a clear separation between strategic governance and day-to-day operations. You will be a visible advocate and ambassador, helping to grow the charity's profile, and secure the support it needs to thrive. Your role in fostering a strong, inclusive, and skilled Board will further strengthen the charity's ability to adapt and innovate in response to changing needs. Ultimately, your contribution will ensure The Paradise Cooperative continues to deliver lasting impact for the communities it serves—connecting people to nature, supporting sustainable urban practices in a vibrant, evolving landscape.
What are we looking for?
What We Are Looking For Essential
* Demonstrated commitment and passion to the values and purpose of The Paradise Co-Operative.
* Previous trustee/NED or Chair experience.
* Strong understanding of governance, strategy, and the legal duties of a charity trustee.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
* Sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build consensus. Desirable
* Knowledge of or interest in urban agriculture, education in nature, or co- operative/community operating models.
* Experience of fundraising, charity finance, or stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities Specific to the Chair of Trustees 1. Strategic Leadership
* Lead the Board in setting the charity's strategic direction and ensuring alignment with its vision, mission, and values.
* Facilitate regular review of strategic objectives and ensure that plans are delivered effectively by the Executive Director and their team. 2. Governance and Board Management
* Ensure effective governance in accordance with the Charity Commission's guidance and relevant legislation.
* Chair trustee meetings, encouraging collaborative and inclusive decision- making.
* Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency across the organisation.
* Ensure the Board maintains appropriate skills, diversity, and succession plans 3. Support to the Executive Director
* Provide guidance and support to the Executive Director, ensuring a clear distinction between strategic governance and operational delivery.
* Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and at least an annual performance review with the Executive Director.
* Act as a sounding board and mentor while maintaining appropriate oversight. 4. Compliance and Risk Management
* Ensure the charity operates within its legal and regulatory framework, including safeguarding, data protection, and financial controls.
* Oversee the risk management process, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place. 5. Advocacy and Representation
* Serve as a public ambassador for Paradise Cooperative, raising the profile of the charity at key events, stakeholder meetings, and in the media, as required.
* Build and sustain strategic partnerships and relationships that support the charity's aims What will you be doing?
As Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Paradise Cooperative, you will play a pivotal leadership role in steering the charity's strategic vision, ensuring robust governance, and supporting the Executive Director in delivering public benefit through urban agriculture, nature-based education, and cooperative community models. This voluntary, unpaid position involves a time commitment of approximately 3 hours per week, with an initial term of 3 years, renewable based on performance and Board approval. You will lead the Board in shaping the charity's direction, ensure alignment with its mission and values, and uphold strong governance standards in accordance with Charity Commission guidance. As Chair, you will promote transparency, accountability, and diversity, and ensure that the Board maintains a high level of effectiveness and cohesion. Collaboration with the Executive Director is central to the role. You'll provide strategic support while clearly distinguishing governance from operations. You will conduct regular one-on-ones and an annual performance review, offering mentorship while maintaining necessary oversight. You'll also be a key public representative for the organisation—acting as an ambassador, advocating for its mission, and building strong partnerships that enhance its reach and impact.