We have an exciting opportunity to join this thriving and dynamic organisation as the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Role purpose

We are seeking a Trustee to be responsible for Chairing the SARSAS Trustee Board. This is an exciting opportunity to help SARSAS realise it’s vision of a world without sexual violence.

The purpose of this role is to lead the Board of Trustees for SARSAS, providing strategic and governance oversight and direction for the sustainability of the organisation and its work for the benefit of its service users.

About SARSAS

At SARSAS we provide support for people affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives. Listening, believing and supporting them through provided vital support to people of all genders through our Helpline, counselling, group work and specialist support services.

We believe that a world without sexual violence is possible. We campaign for people affected by sexual violence because everyone deserves to live free from abuse and its impact. We are unflinching in our commitment to calling for change, in raising awareness, and in our drive for all voices to be heard. We challenge misconceptions about sexual violence and abuse through training and campaigning. We lobby both locally and nationally to promote the needs of survivors.

About the role

Key accountabilities

• Work in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, and the Board of Trustees to ensure that the SARSAS has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and that the charity, the Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer are focused on achieving these.
• Ensure, that the Board of Trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.
• Help the Chief Executive Officer to achieve the charity’s mission.

Duties and tasks to fulfil the key responsibilities

Work in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chair and the Board of Trustees to ensure that SARSAS has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and that the charity, the Trustees and the Chief Executive Officer are focused on achieving these.

• Ensure that the Trustees govern SARSAS in the long-term interests of its service users.
• Ensure SARSAS has a clear mission and vision and that there is a common understanding of these by the Chief Executive Officer and the Trustees
• Ensure that policies set by SARSAS support the vision, mission and strategic priorities and objectives.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, future development and sustainability.
• Ensure that the SARSAS Trustees consider and approve the methods for measuring objectively the progress of the charity in relation to its vision, mission, strategic objectives/priorities and business plans.
• Ensure that the Senior Leadership Team reports regularly to the Board of Trustees on progress towards the strategic objectives, business and annual plans.
• Ensure that the Chief Executive Officer’s annual objectives support the achievement of the strategic objectives/priorities.
• Ensure that the Chief Executive Officer receives regular, constructive feedback on her performance in managing the charity and in meeting her annual and longer-term objectives.
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Ensure that the board of Trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity

• Ensure the charity is legally compliant and works towards best practice in relation to Charity Commission standards and the Rape Crisis England & Wales National Service Standards.
• Manage governance and risk.
• Ensure that the Board of Trustees’ delegated authority is recorded in writing. 
• Ensure that the charity’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for, audited and publicly available.
• Facilitate effective Board meetings and decision making and monitoring of implemented decisions.
• Act between meetings as necessary and in accordance with policies.
• Lead on Trustee recruitment, induction, and development, ensuring right skills mix and ensure the Board of Trustees regularly reviews the charity’s governance structure and the board’s performance.
• Ensure the Board of Trustees conducts its responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner.

Help the Chief Executive Officer to achieve the charity’s mission

• Ensure that the Chief Executive Officer’s performance is reviewed informally at regular one-to-one meetings throughout the year and more formally annually.

About you

Key competencies

• Experience of leadership within a board/committee setting.
• Ability to think strategically, plan and set direction.
• Experience of line management/supervision.
• Decision making and risk management.
• Experience of partnership working.
• Commitment to equality and diversity.
• Understanding of and commitment to the feminist agenda and sexual violence.
• Commitment to best practice in governance and service delivery.
• Ability to build and secure trust and value from relationships.
• Ability to achieve through collaboration and team working.

Role details                           

• Appointment by interview
• Appointment for an initial three-year term (with re-election up to a maximum of three consecutive years) 

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

At SARSAS we strive to create a workplace that reflect the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We want to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates diverse voices. We actively encourage applicants with protected characteristics to apply.

We are committed to taking an inclusive approach to recruitment and selection whilst ensuring there is no discrimination in our processes and that our team and prospective employees are treated fairly, with respect and without bias. Reasonable adjustments to the interview process can be made to accommodate additional requirements. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any specific adjustments needed to enable participation in the recruitment process.

How to apply

Closing date for applications is Midnight on Monday 27^th May 2023.

Interviews will be held on Friday 7^th June. Please ensure you are available for an interview on this date.