< Back to board positions

Board Chair

United Kingdom

Voluntary Action North Somerset

Organisation Type

Charity/NfP

Industry / Sector

NGO / NFP / Other Charitable

About The Organisation

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond.

With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.

VANS has laid solid foundations under the previous Chair’s tenure, with a strong local reputation, passionate people and now gathering momentum.

The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:
• Strategically-focussed, well governed and meets its goals
• Investing in building VANS and financially resilient
• Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond

This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.

Position Description

This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. You’ll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership, focus on achieving growth, and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve.

Following a period of growth and change, there is clear ambition to move further towards a more strategic and robust operating model, strengthening internal structures to deliver and support greater external impact.

As Chair, you’ll play a key role in:

  • Keeping the Board focused, effective and forward looking
  • Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive
  • Ensuring clear governance, decision-making, and delivery

This may require someone comfortable and willing to move between strategy and hands-on support, particularly in the early stages. It will suit someone able to work in a changing environment, who is willing to invest time and leadership where it’s needed most. The exciting opportunity here is to leave a legacy of sustainability and impact.

Selection Criteria

We’re open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair, or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident, thoughtful and effective leadership.

We’re particularly interested in people who can:

  • Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture
  • Build strong, effective relationships across a Board and executive team
  • Balance support and challenge in a constructive way
  • Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability

Experience of the voluntary sector, health or place based working would be valuable, but it’s not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.

How to Apply

Find out more HERE

Deadline: 9am on Wednesday 17th June
Interview dates to be confirmed