Role of the Chair
The Chair is responsible for leading the Board of Trustees and ensuring that it operates effectively, in line with charity law and best practice governance standards.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Board Leadership
• Chairing Board meetings effectively and inclusively
• Setting agendas in partnership with the Chief Executive
• Ensuring trustees receive accurate and timely information
• Promoting a culture of openness, respect and constructive challenge
2. Strategic Oversight
• Ensuring clarity of mission, vision and values
• Overseeing development and delivery of the strategic plan
• Monitoring organisational performance and impact
3. Governance and Compliance
• Ensuring compliance with charity law and regulatory requirements
• Overseeing risk management and safeguarding frameworks
• Supporting trustee recruitment, induction and development
4. Relationship with the Chief Executive
• Acting as line manager and critical friend to the CEO
• Supporting performance appraisal and succession planning
• Serving as a sounding board and ambassador
5. External Representation
• Representing Catalyst at key stakeholder events
• Supporting fundraising and partnership development where appropriate
• Acting as an ambassador for Catalyst’s mission and values
The expected commitment is approximately:
The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Catalyst is seeking an exceptional individual to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
This is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic leadership to a committed Board and to work in close partnership with the Chief Executive to guide Catalyst through its next phase of development.
The Chair plays a pivotal role in ensuring:
• Strong governance and regulatory compliance
• Clear strategic direction
• Financial sustainability
• Effective Board performance and culture
• Constructive support and challenge to the Executive team
We are seeking a Chair who brings:
Essential
Desirable
Term of Appointment
The Chair will serve an initial term of three years, renewable in line with Catalyst’s governing document.