Chair of Trustees - North Herts & Stevenage CVS

Shape Communities. Leave a Legacy.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to become the next Chair of Trustees at North Herts & Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Services (NH&SCVS). This is a rare opportunity to provide strategic leadership to a dynamic, growing charity at the heart of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.

As Chair, you will play a pivotal role in enabling the Board to guide the organisation through its next phase of growth and impact - championing communities, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring we remain resilient, ambitious, and values-driven.

About the Role

As Chair, you will lead the Board of Trustees, working in partnership with fellow Trustees and the Chief Executive to:

• Set and steward the strategic direction and long-term vision of the organisation

• Ensure strong governance, accountability, and financial sustainability

• Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and engaged Board

• Act as an ambassador for NH&SCVS, building relationships and influence across the sector

You will be joining a committed Board and leadership team, helping to steer an organisation that plays a vital role in supporting communities across North Hertfordshire and Stevenage.

About Us

NH&SCVS is a well-established and ambitious infrastructure charity, dedicated to strengthening local communities by supporting the organisations that serve them. We provide expert support to VCFSE organisations, helping them to thrive, grow, and operate sustainably.

Alongside this, we deliver a range of impactful programmes that directly improve lives across Hertfordshire.

Our Impact in Action

Our work spans a diverse portfolio of projects, including:

• GoVolHerts – connecting people with volunteering opportunities

• Reach Out Hertfordshire – reducing hospital admissions through community support

• Community Transport – enabling access to vital healthcare appointments

• Breakaway Playschemes – supporting children with additional needs • Staying Connected – tackling digital exclusion

• Age-Friendly: Live Longer Better

• Living Well – supporting prevention through lifestyle approaches

Together, these initiatives demonstrate our commitment to tackling inequality, strengthening communities, and improving wellbeing.

Why This Role Matters

As Chair, you will:

• Help shape the future of local communities

• Work with the Board to make effective, strategic decisions

• Influence how the VCFSE sector evolves and collaborates

• Enable an organisation that is growing in scale, ambition, and impact Trustee Duties (Collective Responsibility)

All Trustees share equal responsibility for the governance and oversight of NH&SCVS. This includes:

• Setting and safeguarding the organisation’s vision, mission, and values • Ensuring compliance with the governing document, charity law, and relevant legislation

• Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries

• Overseeing financial sustainability and stewardship of resources

• Monitoring organisational performance, impact, and risk

• Contributing to effective decision-making and collective leadership

• Upholding principles of good governance, integrity, and accountability

Trustees act collectively, and decisions are made as a Board. No individual Trustee, including the Chair, holds greater legal responsibility than others.

Additional Responsibilities of the Chair

In addition to their responsibilities as a Trustee, the Chair plays a key role in enabling the Board to function effectively. This includes:

• Providing leadership to the Board and ensuring its effectiveness

• Planning and chairing Board meetings to support inclusive and constructive discussion

• Working in partnership with the Chief Executive, offering support and appropriate challenge

• Ensuring the Board maintains focus on strategy, impact, and sustainability

• Supporting the recruitment, development, and appraisal of Trustees

• Acting as an ambassador for the organisation

• Supporting strong governance processes and good practice

Addendum: Co-Chairing Arrangements

In line with the organisation’s Articles of Association, the role of Chair may be undertaken on a Co-Chair basis. Where Co-Chairs are appointed:

• Responsibilities of the Chair may be shared and agreed between the Co Chairs

• Co-Chairs will work collaboratively to provide leadership to the Board

• Clear communication and role clarity will be maintained

• Both Co-Chairs remain jointly responsible for fulfilling the duties of the Chair role

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Chair who brings:

• Strategic leadership experience and the ability to guide organisational development

• Strong understanding of governance, ideally with prior Board or Trustee experience

• Experience of working within or alongside the VCFSE sector

• Emotional intelligence and the ability to support inclusive Board dynamics

• The ability to build partnerships and influence across sectors

• A strong commitment to our mission, values, equity, and inclusion We would particularly welcome experience in areas such as fundraising, organisational growth, HR, or scaling a small charity.

Time Commitment

• Quarterly Board meetings (in person, Hitchin – evenings, approx. 2 hours)

• Preparation for Board papers

• 6-weekly committee meetings (online, approx. 1 hour)

• AGM (September)

• Annual trustee away day

• Regular Chair–CEO meetings What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to lead a respected and impactful charity

• A chance to shape strategy and support meaningful social change

• Personal and professional development at Board level

• The opportunity to build strong networks across sectors

• The satisfaction of making a lasting difference in your community

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At NH&SCVS, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and deepen impact. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where governance and leadership reflect the communities we serve.

Ready to Lead? If you are a values-driven leader who wants to make a tangible difference, we would love to hear from you. Email us your CV and a covering letter detailing what interests you in becoming a trustee and your relevant skills. Applications closing Friday 1st May.

Join us in shaping stronger communities—and a stronger future.