New Forest Mencap is seeking a Chair of Trustees to lead our Board, drive our vision, and champion people with learning disabilities. This is your chance to make a lasting impact on our community. What difference will you make? As Chair of Trustees, you will have a profound impact on the future of New Forest Mencap. Your leadership will help us continue and expand our vital services, from social clubs and life skills workshops to advocacy and employability support. By shaping our strategy and ensuring strong governance, you will enable us to reach more people with learning disabilities, empower their families, and build a more inclusive community. What are we looking for? Person Specification As an organisation we are particularly keen to ensure that our Trustees are fully representative of the community in which we work and we would warmly welcome applications from people with a diverse range of background, ethnicity, gender, culture and physical ability. Essential Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities. Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims. Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues. Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise. Desirable Leadership skills exercised through a period change. Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity fundraising. What will you be doing? Role Summary Our Board of Trustees work to improve the lives of people with a learning disability, exercising good governance and following all necessary policies and procedures. The Chair of Trustees will Provide leadership and direction to the board of Trustees and enable the Board to fulfill their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations. Work in partnership with the chief executive, senior staff members and support the employees, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation; and to optimise the relationship between the Board of Trustees and the staff. Facilitate the Board of Trustees in stimulating well-rounded and carefully considered strategic decision-making. See further details in the candidate pack attatched.