Board Chair

The Opportunity: Her Centre is seeking a dynamic Chair to help shape the future of our organisation and lead our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely with our CEO to drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support every woman in Greenwich who needs us. This is an exciting time of change, which you will be embarking on with our CEO. You will be joining a dedicated board that includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority, and lived experience. Our Work: Greenwich has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London. Last year alone, over 4,000 domestic offences were recorded in the borough: a shocking 35% higher than the London average. Demand for our services has risen sharply: in 2017, we received 321 acute high-risk referrals but by last year, this had more than doubled to 780. The most common form of abuse reported is physical violence (62%), followed by controlling and coercive behaviour (46%). However, the sad reality is that many women face multiple and overlapping forms of abuse, including sexual abuse and rape, threats to their children, financial control, and forced imprisonment. Last year, Her Centre supported nearly 1,000 women to find safety, seek justice, and rebuild their lives. We also help children who witness abuse recover from trauma and support teenagers facing exploitation or violence to recognise unhealthy relationships and build self-worth. Her Centre is a safe and welcoming space where all women are listened to and believed in an environment of trust and respect. Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026. Role Description: Board Chair Time commitment: 6-8 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid and currently held every two months Location: Hybrid, in-person meetings at ClockHouse Community Centre, Defiance Walk, London Purpose of the role: The Board Chair is responsible for leading the board, ensuring its effectiveness in enabling the HER Centre to provide best-in-class service to HER Centre users, providing strategic direction, and keeping the HER Centre as a leading agency supporting women, particularly those in crisis due to abuse. The Board Chair focuses the board on strategic matters, prioritising long-term goals and planning, including approving the annual business, financial, risk, and operational plans. The Board Chair also adheres to the Charity Commission's essentials of a trustee: 1. Ensure the HER Centre carries out its purpose for public benefit 2. Ensure the HER Centre complies with the governing document and law 3. Acts in the HER Centre’s best interest 4. Manage the HER Centre’s resources responsibly 5. Act with reasonable care and skill 6. Ensure the HER Centre is accountable 7. Reduce risk and liability Main roles and responsibilities: Maintain high standards of governance, fostering transparency and ensuring the HER Centre holds itself accountable to its service users and stakeholders. Ensure trustee awareness and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including those set out in the constitution and the Charity Commission’s guidance on trustee roles and responsibilities. Ensure that the trustee board annually reviews its structure, effectiveness, delegations and key policies, and implements agreed changes as necessary. Manage trustee relationships to foster a positive board culture, including ensuring the Board has the policies it needs. Liaising with the Board Secretary to arrange meetings and set agendas, and chairing meetings to ensure these are well run and focused on delivering the HER Centre's work. Line managing the HER Centre CEO, by supporting, positively challenging and holding them to account, including working with the Board to approve an appraisal of the CEO. Act as a link between trustees, staff and the Service User Advisory Committee Act as a HER Centre representative and spokesperson as required Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years. Training and Induction: You will receive an induction on the work of the HER Centre and meet the Trustees and staff. Payment and Expenses: The Board Chair is a voluntary role. Agreed, out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.