Supporting People to Have a Voice
The Advocacy Project is seeking an exceptional new Chair of Trustees to help guide the next chapter of our work supporting people to have their voices heard and respected.
For more than 25 years, we have worked alongside people who may be marginalised or at risk of exclusion, helping them understand their rights, make informed choices, and have a say in decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. Last year alone, we supported over 30,000 people through our advocacy, user involvement and participation work.
Through wise counsel, strong governance and supportive leadership, our new Chair will help guide the organisation through its next chapter and support both the Board and staff team in achieving our ambitions. A great Chair brings not only experience and sound judgement, but also kindness, encouragement and a genuine belief in the difference our work can make.
Katherine Shaw, Chief Executive Officer
Chair Our Board and Help Shape Our Future
As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to our Board of Trustees, working closely with our Chief Executive to ensure strong governance, clear direction and a continued focus on the people we support. This is an opportunity to lead an organisation with a strong track record of impact while helping to shape its future development and influence.
A strong Chair plays a vital role in helping a charity fulfil its purpose. The Association of Chairs describes the Chair as the person responsible for leading the board, building an effective relationship with the Chief Executive and ensuring trustees work together to provide clear strategic direction and oversight. Effective leadership at board level helps create the conditions for charities to thrive, navigate challenges and maximise their impact.
Chairing a charity can also be a highly rewarding leadership opportunity. As well as contributing to a cause they care about, Chairs develop skills in governance, strategy, leadership and influence.
Impact
Recent research from Acevo’s ‘Board Behaviours‘ report shows that strong relationships between Chairs and Chief Executives are one of the most important factors in effective board performance, with 83% of Chairs rating that relationship as strong.
Join Us in Creating Lasting Change
We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to participation, inclusion and social justice. Applications are welcomed from people with leadership experience in charitable, public, private, community or campaigning organisations, as well as those with the judgement, integrity and collaborative approach needed to lead an effective board.
We are particularly keen to hear from people whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diverse communities connected to our work.
If you are passionate about ensuring that everyone has a voice, choice and control in decisions that affect their lives, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: 4 January 2027
Time commitment: Approximately 1.5 days per month.
Find out more and apply: View the full recruitment information.