Chair of the board of Trustees

The Abbeyfield Fareham Society is a charity that provides 'home from home' sheltered accommodation for active older people in Fareham on a non-profit basis. It is currently home to 17 residents, and prides itself on having a family oriented character, within lovely surroundings and within a few minutes’ walk to the town centre. 

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Chair to lead our Board of Trustees of our local Abbeyfield House in Fareham. As Chair, you will provide strategic direction, uphold high standards of governance, and ensure the charity meets its objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

•  Strategic Leadership: Lead the board in setting the strategic vision and monitoring performance.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure the charity complies with legal requirements and best practices.
• Board Development: Lead, support, and mentor Trustees, including overseeing recruitment and succession planning.
• Relationship Management: Act as a critical friend to the House Manager and other staff, fostering a collaborative culture.
• Ambassadorial Role: Represent the charity to Abbeyfield England, other stakeholders, partners, and the public. Regular attendance at Abbeyfield England meetings.
• Property Care and Maintenance: Supervision of the on-going support and maintenance of the charity’s property, to ensure its long term robustness.

Skills

•  Previous board or senior leadership experience (ideally in the non-profit sector). Experience of property maintenance and development would be an advantage.
• Skills: Good planning, financial oversight and governance skills. Property maintenance and development skills would also be an advantage
• Attributes: Leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment: Ability to devote necessary time to board meetings and ongoing strategic support. (approximately 2/4 days per month).

The Chair will be able to work flexibly both in terms of location, days and hours but will need to visit Abbeyfield for meetings etc. There is a need to attend occasional meetings with Abbeyfield England held in other locations is the South