Chair to the Board of Trustees

Cambridge Cyrenians

Cambridge Cyrenians support people in Cambridge who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, empowering them to fulfil their potential, whatever their background or past.

We do this through short and long stay, flats and shared houses, and a “homes not hostels” approach where people have a secure and consistent long-term home. Our diverse accommodation offer means we can support those in employment, women, ex-offenders, and older people.

Established over 50 years ago, we are proud of our proven track record of excellent services which enable those most in need in Cambridge to achieve positive outcomes.

We currently provide accommodation and support to over 150 individuals and each year we help around 25-30 people to transition out of our supported accommodation and into independence.

With rough sleeping increasing and the numbers of people requiring accommodation and services at an all-time high, the need for Cambridge Cyrenians is as great as ever.

Our vision

To enable anyone at risk or experiencing homelessness, no matter their background or past, to have an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential.

Our mission

To support and empower those who are homeless or vulnerable to homelessness and to make a positive difference to the quality of their lives.

Our values

Pioneering – Leading in new and innovative ways of supporting homeless people and finding solutions to the challenges of homelessness. 

Inclusive – Open to all; valuing and respecting people for their differences. 

Flexible – We are continually looking at ways to be innovative, to find solutions that will improve the quality of the lives of our service users. 

Empathetic – We strive to understand and share the feelings of others. 

Respectful – We believe in tolerance, acceptance, valuing diversity and treating each other as equals. 

Empowering – We believe in bringing out the best in people; equipping them to make their own decisions and reach their potential.

Role description 

The Chair leads the board, ensuring that they govern Cambridge Cyrenians effectively, making sure that Cambridge Cyrenians has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, providing support and challenge to the Director. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity enabling Cambridge Cyrenians to grow and thrive, and achieve our mission.

Chair role 

Strategic leadership 

·       Provide strategic leadership and direction to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Cambridge Cyrenians achieves its vision and mission.  

·       Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks.

·       Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability. 

·       Work in partnership with the Director and senior management team to ensure organisational objectives are met. 

·       Provide professional support and guidance to the Director and appraise their performance on an annual basis.

Governance 

·       Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of Cambridge Cyrenians and that the relationship between the board and Cambridge Cyrenians staff and volunteers is effective. 

·       Encourage positive change where appropriate, address and resolve any conflicts within the Board.

·       Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively, and which also reflects the wider population. 

·       Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership.  

·       Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees.

·       Plan and chair meetings of the Board of Trustees, including the AGM, effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process. 

·       Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented. 

·       Oversee the drafting and delivery of the business plan. 

What we are looking for  

Personal qualities 

·       Demonstrate visible passion and commitment to helping vulnerable people that align with Cambridge Cyrenians strategic objectives and cause. 

·       Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role.

·       Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively. 

·       Ability to listen and engage effectively, be comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.  

·       Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity. 

·       Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

·       Ability to advocate - be able and willing to champion Cambridge Cyrenians work through personal networks, social media, and other channels. 

·       Ability to be responsive and respond in a timely manner to provide support to the Director and senior management team. 

·       A keen sense of strategic purpose.  

Knowledge and skills 

·       Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees. 

·       Broad knowledge and understanding of the charity sector and current issues affecting it 

·       Strong inclusive leadership skills, ability to inspire, support and motivate staff and volunteers and bring people together enabling them to participate on an equal footing. 

·       Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues will be an advantage.

·       Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders.

·       Experience of chairing meetings and events.  

Additional terms of office 

·       The charity’s Chair will serve a 3-year term which is electable up to a max of 6 years

·       Notice period of 6 months.