Chair of Trustees

About VASE

We're embarking on an ambitious journey, bringing together two established organisations - Tandridge Voluntary Action (TVA) and Voluntary Action Reigate and Banstead (VARB) - to create an innovative and more effective support organisation. This merger represents a strategic reimagining of how we serve our communities.

As a trustee, you'll play a crucial role in governance and strategic direction. Working alongside fellow Board members and our staff team, you'll help establish VASE as a cornerstone of voluntary sector support across East Surrey. You'll have the opportunity to shape policy, guide strategic decisions, and ensure we deliver lasting impact across our communities.

About the role

In addition to the generic duties of all trustees, as VASE’s first Chair you will also focus on the organisation’s strategic development and building the governance capacity of the inaugural board of VASE. This will be very much a hands-on role, requiring in the first six months at least 2-3 hours per-week of activity and engagement and thereafter approximately 5-10 hours a month.

As Chair you will be responsible for Governance, including:

1. Leading the Board and organisation enabling it to define and fulfil the Vision, Mission and Values of VASE;
2. Ensuring VASE complies with its regulatory and legal obligations;
3. Facilitation of and supporting the development of the organisation’s strategy and business plan;
4. Ensuring, procuring, and scrutinising the management of the organisation’s resources including ensuring adequate on-going funding;
5. Providing line management of the Chief Officer including ensuring that there are minimal negative impacts on business as usual during the transition;
6. Ensuring, alongside the Treasurer, that VASE manages its financial resources, is solvent and committed to efficiency and effectiveness;
7. Alongside the staff team act as an ambassador for VASE and its work;
8. Spearheading an organisation that is inclusive, supports equity and diversity;
9. Ensuring timely reporting to core funders and that their objectives for VASE are agreed and met;
10. Ensuring that any additional funding secured for specific projects is properly resourced and does not detract from core activities and objectives.

What skills do I need?

• Ideally you will have experience of acting as a Chair or working directly with a Board/Management team in the community and voluntary sector;
• A broad understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and regulatory requirements of managing a charity;
• Have a passion for charities, volunteering and for East Surrey;
• Have an interest and/or experience in one or more of the following community, voluntary, faith or social enterprise sectors;
• Have good strategic, business acumen with the ability to think creatively;
• The willingness and capacity to devote the necessary time and effort;
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in service delivery and the workplace;
• Be numerate and understand good financial management;
• Have experience or insight into people management;
• Be a clear and good strong communicator with a willingness to speak your mind and experience of public speaking;
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. The role holder will be supported via membership of the Association of Chairs. 

We're seeking trustees who bring strategic vision, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to community action to work alongside some existing trustees. We value diverse perspectives and experience in areas such as finance, legal, HR, digital transformation, or voluntary sector leadership.

Additional Information

VASE is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups in the voluntary sector.