Are you an experienced leader with time to spare for the benefit of young people in Doncaster?

We are seeking a voluntary Chair of Trustees to bring strategic leadership and strong governance expertise to our board.

This role offers a unique opportunity for an accomplished professional to guide a charity that has been making a meaningful difference in the community for almost 170 years.

As Chair, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of YMCA Doncaster, overseeing our governance structures and working closely with the Chief Executive and trustees to develop and implement strategic plans that deliver measurable outcomes.

Your senior leadership experience, ideally within charitable or other not-for-profit sectors, will be invaluable as you ensure that we meet our regulatory and compliance obligations whilst also encouraging a collaborative and high-performing board.

You will meet regularly with the Chief Executive, offering support, development and guidance to ensure the charity’s operational success.

Most importantly, your role will also include chairing board meetings, monitoring progress, and ensuring that all decisions are aligned with our charitable objectives. You will play a key part in maintaining accountability and encouraging a culture of transparency and trust across the organisation.

Your ability to foster a constructive relationship with trustees, the CEO, and other strategic stakeholders will be vital in achieving our goals. We are looking for someone who not only understands governance structures but can also inspire and lead with confidence, helping us to strengthen our impact in the community.

If you are committed to YMCA’s values and have the time and expertise to contribute at this strategic level, we would be delighted to hear from you. This is a rewarding opportunity to shape the future of YMCA Doncaster and ensure we continue to provide valuable services that reflect our Christian heritage.

 

The type of person we are looking for is as follows:

  • An understanding and enjoyment of the work of YMCA, with an aspirational enthusiasm to encourage and support the work of YMCA Doncaster in fulfilling its charitable objectives.
  • Experience of service on charitable Board(s) and/or governance experience in another relevant organisation(s).
  • Experience of developing and/or understanding of governance structures, procedures, and establishing terms of engagement, to enable fulfilment of charitable objectives, including accountability and support of the work of the CEO and Trustees.
  • Significant senior leadership team experience with a focus on achieving outcomes, and overseeing and working with a CEO, individual Trustees, and other strategic stakeholders as appropriate.
  • Time to regularly meet (typically monthly) with the Chief Executive to support, develop and appraise their outputs and outcomes, including progress updates against Board actions and strategic meeting planning commensurate with the role of Chair.
  • Time where needed to sign financial or other documents.
  • Supportive and warm to the Christian heritage of the YMCA.

 

The purpose of the role of Chair includes the following:

  • Oversee and work with the Chief Executive on strategic organisational planning, developing governing structures that facilitate and encourage input from trustees and empower the CEO and leadership team.
  • Work with the CEO and Board of Trustees to develop strategic planning, working with a focus on outcomes and with measurable indicators.
  • Chair board meetings and monitor the implementation of Board decisions.
  • Hold a casting vote on any decisions where votes for and against are equal.
  • Ensure that the board operates within, and fulfils, its role regarding governance, compliance and oversight.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks including those of the Social Housing Regulator, Charity Commission and Companies House.
  • Ensure that the induction, education and development of the Board is appropriate to the needs of the charity.
  • Ensure that the conduct and competence of the CEO and trustees are understood and concerns addressed and resolved wherever possible.
  • Refer all other operational disciplinary and/or grievance issues to the appropriate member of staff, with CEO as responsible for operational matters.
  • Approve urgent expenditure in accordance with the Financial Control Policy.
  • Ensure that the work of YMCA Doncaster is always respectful of its Christian heritage.

For general information about our Board, please click here.


If you would like to visit us before applying for the position of Chair, or to arrange an informal discussion, please reach out to our Chief Executive at louise@ymcadoncaster.org.uk

To apply for the role, please click here.