Chair of the Board of Trustees (Voluntary Role)

Status: Voluntary / unpaid
Time commitment: Approximately 1–2 days per month
Location: Hybrid / flexible
Expenses: Reasonable travel and associated expenses reimbursed

About Disability Resource Centre

Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is a leading disabled people's organisation, led by disabled people, run by disabled people and working for disabled people.

For more than three decades, we have championed independence, equality, rights and opportunities for disabled people and people with health conditions across Birmingham, Solihull and the wider West Midlands.

Our work spans information, advice and advocacy; cost-of-living support; independent living; health and wellbeing; employment and skills; and community development.

The Opportunity

Following more than 20 years of service, our current Chair is stepping down from the position. We are seeking an inspiring, values-led individual with lived experience of disability or a long-term health condition to provide strategic leadership to our Board and help shape DRC's next phase of development.

The successful candidate will initially join the Board as a Trustee and Chair-designate, providing a supported pathway into the Chair role. The outgoing Chair will remain a Trustee for the remainder of their current term and provide mentoring and support during the transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the Board.

• Ensure effective governance and compliance.

• Lead the Board in setting vision, strategy and priorities.

• Enable informed and effective decision-making.

• Ensure appropriate scrutiny of performance, impact and risk.

• Promote accountability, integrity and ethical leadership.

• Represent the charity externally as an ambassador and advocate.

• Chair meetings effectively.

• Promote inclusive participation and robust discussion.

• Lead Trustee recruitment, development and succession planning.

• Maintain a productive and supportive relationship with the CEO.

• Provide support, guidance and challenge.

• Conduct the annual CEO appraisal.

• Ensure effective financial oversight and support long-term sustainability.

• Ensure major risks are identified, monitored and mitigated.

• Foster a high-performing and inclusive Board culture.

• Encourage diversity of thought, experience and perspective.

• Promote collaborative working between Trustees and the Executive Team.

About You

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• Strategic Leadership – Ability to shape organisational direction and guide strategic decision-making.

• Governance Expertise – Strong understanding of governance, risk, safeguarding and trustee responsibilities.

• Lived Experience Leadership – Use personal disability experience to strengthen authenticity, representation and user-led decision-making.

• Inclusive Leadership – A strong commitment to accessibility, equality and inclusion.

• Board Development – Ability to support, develop and strengthen Boards and Trustees.

• Financial Oversight – Ability to understand charity finances, audit, reserves and sustainability.

• CEO Support and Oversight – Ability to build an effective and accountable relationship with a Chief Executive.

• Stakeholder Engagement – Confidence in representing the organisation and building strategic relationships.

• Accessible Communication – Ability to communicate clearly, diplomatically and inclusively.

• Change Leadership – Ability to lead through growth, change and uncertainty.

• Commitment to User-Led Values – A commitment to ensuring disabled people's voices shape decisions.

• Understanding of Disability Rights and the Social Model of Disability – Ability to apply these principles strategically and consistently.

• Effective Chairing – Ability to facilitate meetings, encourage participation and achieve effective decision-making.

• High Ethical Standards – Demonstrates integrity, accountability and transparency.

• Time Commitment – Able to commit sufficient time to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

• Other – Knowledge of Birmingham, Solihull and the wider West Midlands and its diverse communities and/or of the health, social care, adult education and employment markets within which DRC operates.

Support and Development

We will provide:

• Comprehensive Trustee induction.

• A structured Chair development programme.

• Mentoring from the outgoing Chair.

• Support from fellow Trustees, the Vice-Chair and Chief Executive.

• Governance and leadership development opportunities.

• Reasonable adjustments and accessibility support throughout recruitment and appointment.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with lived experience of long-term health conditions and individuals from under-represented communities.

We are committed to making the recruitment process and role accessible. Reasonable adjustments will be provided upon request.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• An up-to-date CV; and

• A supporting statement of no more than two pages explaining why you are interested in becoming Chair, how your experience meets the requirements of the role, and what you would bring to DRC.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet members of the Board and Executive Team.

Further Information and Support

For further information about the role, or to discuss reasonable adjustments or accessibility requirements, please Victor via:

Email: vebiloma@disability.co.uk

Mobile: 07747 215658

Please note: this is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable travel and associated expenses will be reimbursed.