Chair of Trustees

We are a dynamic charity focused on a children's adventurous outdoor play site, in Twickenham.

We are looking for a new chair to help us achieve our future objectives.

What difference will you make?

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference, by leading a much-loved small charity to ensure it remains resilient and thriving for the next generation of children to call this amazing and inclusive parkland space their own. Marble Hill Playcentres is a true local institution, and the chair of trustees is a key role, bringing rewards, challenges and plenty of motivation to learn and develop, whether you are new to charity boards or already a seasoned trustee. Guiding the board to make good decisions, staying focused on the aims of the charity and keeping in mind the big picture are very important at MHPC, when trustees can get involved in the detail too. You will find that discussions are wide-ranging and draw on many parts of your life experience, often unexpectedly, from childhood play to gardening to DIY. Meanwhile stakeholder relationships will provide many reflections on your own style and attributes that will help you grow in confidence in this role and elsewhere in your life. You will also have the chance to contribute more practically and creatively from time to time - eg. dressing up as a ghoul at Halloween, making bunting or wheelbarrowing woodchip. Visibility of the chair along with other trustees on site give a tremendous sense of united purpose, and staff are always happy to see the chair taking an interest in the sessions they run, and chatting with families.

This is a rare opportunity from which you will take many personally fulfilling moments as well as professionally valuable examples of diverse transferable skills, whilst making a significant impact on a small charity.

What are we looking for?

Motivation and style
Altruistic, collaborative and empowering

Capacity to lead
Committed to organisational values and purpose

Able to see the bigger picture

Able to handle contentious issues and clarify complex situations

Willing to devote time within the organisation to identify issues and improve understanding

Able to build supportive relationships, and use positive influence to benefit MHPC

Personal attributes
Calm and confident

Reflective and open to different ideas

At ease with people of all life experiences

Flexible and pragmatic

Organised

Knowledge And Experience
Experience of working relationships, paid or unpaid, to develop skills and attributes as above

Knowledge of charity governance

Previous experience of boards, as a trustee, director, or advisor

Previous experience of strategic development and planning

What will you be doing?

For 50 years, Marble Hill Playcentres has provided children with a unique and exciting environment to play, create and interact with our distinctive towering rope swings, zip wire and outdoor play equipment in the beautiful landscape of Marble Hill Park in Twickenham.

The role of chair will include

• Chairing a committed board of trustees with diverse skills and attributes at monthly meetings
• Ensuring the board maintain a guiding strategy, while assessing risks and opportunities
• Maintaining a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with our landlord, English Heritage
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders including our contractor, Brilliant Play, our licensee on-site nursery, Little Ducklings, the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames, funders, local councillors and neighbours
• Acting as an ambassador and the public face of the charity.

Marble Hill Playcentres have been much loved resource in the community for 50 years - our adventure playground is unique in the borough. The trustees have embarked on a program of renovation and improvement at the site, as well as working with our contractor, Brilliant Play, to ensure our activities remain relevant and meet the needs of families in our local community. We are at a point where a new strategy is to be developed to reflect the current successes and ambitions for the charity, including new partnerships, services and site improvements. The current trustees are looking forward to fresh leadership and are ready to support the new chair in any way they can.