Role Profile

Introduction

The Board Chair is responsible for ensuring good governance through the Board and its Committees, providing support, guidance, and challenge to the members of the

Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

Principal Duties as a Board Member

Board members are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation, developing and committing to its vision and strategic objectives, and ensuring its continuing financial viability in accordance with the constitution, the law, and regulatory requirements. Day-to-day management is the responsibility of the Chief Executive and other members of the ELT.

Main Responsibilities as a Board Member

  • Strategic Leadership: Develop and share the organisation’s vision, uphold its values, participate in strategy and policy development, set and monitor objectives, evaluate opportunities and risks, and stay updated with sector issues.
  • Good Governance: Ensure efficient management, integrity of financial information, compliance with frameworks, policies, and procedures, and uphold Health and Safety responsibilities.
  • Effective Meetings and Decision Making: Prepare for meetings, consider reports, attend meetings regularly, debate respectfully, and ensure decisions are made in the best interests of the organisation.
  • Working with Employees: Work effectively with employees, be involved in the appointment and dismissal of the Chief Executive and ELT members and ensure appropriate succession planning.
  • Performance, Development, Communication, and Relationships: Attend training, participate in appraisals, maintain good working relationships, use information technology proficiently, act as an ambassador, and demonstrate commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Additional Duties of the Chair of the Board

  • General: Ensure the efficient conduct of the Board’s business, monitor governance arrangements, and ensure statutory, regulatory, and constitutional obligations are fulfilled.
  • Agenda Planning and Reporting: Establish meeting agendas with the Chief Executive, ensure quality of reports, and ensure relevant senior staff are available at meetings.
  • Meeting Management and Decision Making: Ensure meetings are properly convened and constituted, guide meetings through agenda items, encourage participation, create consensus, and oversee urgent decision-making procedures.
  • Working with the Executive: Establish a constructive relationship with the Chief Executive, hold regular briefings, plan and balance the executive’s workload, delegate authority, ensure professional advice is received, and lead the annual appraisal of the Chief Executive.
  • Internal and External Communication and Relationships: Play a proactive role in communications, represent the organisation at events, maintain relationships with Board members and key stakeholders, and act as an ambassador for the organisation.
  • Board Member Performance and Conduct: Undertake annual reviews of Board member performance, address individual issues, ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct, and resolve cases to maintain organisational probity.