The client Board delivers advocacy services focused on upholding the rights of people with disabilities and providing an independent, confidential, free advocacy support service for individuals wishing to make complaints or address patient safety incidents. The organisation benefits the community at large by integrating disadvantaged individuals and promoting their full participation in society through representative advocacy. These services aim to help people have their voices heard, make their own decisions, and remain at the centre of complaint or incident review processes to support learning and quality improvement.
The client Board must serve the interests of those supported by the services, comply with funder requirements and relevant legislation, and pursue value for money while adhering to principles of clarity, governance, fairness, and value for money. The Chair is expected to demonstrate strong alignment with organisational values including independence, autonomy, equality/citizenship, respect, and empowerment. Candidates for the Chair position should have robust knowledge and experience in non-profit governance, company law, and sector knowledge, with a strong commitment to human rights, diversity, and disability rights.
The Chair will provide leadership to the Board’s function, oversee strategic plans, and support effective Board functioning. Responsibilities include chairing Board meetings, ensuring effective management of the Board agenda (in consultation with the Company Secretary and relevant leaders), promoting a culture of openness and debate, promoting good governance, ensuring the Board receives accurate and timely information, and facilitating effective communication with relevant stakeholders. The Chair may act as a figurehead or spokesperson where required (for example, with funders) and will provide supervision and support to the National Managers, alongside general trustee duties and compliance responsibilities.