Chair

Volunteer Centre; Bradford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local non-profit organization is seeking a Chair to lead its board and drive the strategic direction of their important work in supporting individuals seeking sanctuary. This leadership role requires strategic vision and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The position is unpaid but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Applications are encouraged from those with lived experience of the asylum journey and under-represented communities. This is an exciting opportunity to shape governance and advocate for inclusivity.

Benefits

Reimbursement of reasonable expenses

Qualifications

• Experience leading boards and strategic organizations, preferably in the charity sector.
• Ability to foster relationships and support trustee recruitment.
• Commitment to advocating for under-represented communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the board in setting strategic direction.
• Ensure effectiveness and diversity of the board.
• Support and appraise the Director.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

Experience in the voluntary sector

Job description

• Do you have a passion for ensuring that people seeking sanctuary are welcomed, included and recognised for the valuable contribution they make and are able to participate fully in Bradford District?
• Do you have strategic leadership experience, ideally in the local voluntary sector, and a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion?

We would love to hear from you!

About the Role

With the planned retirement of our founding Chair, we are seeking someone to lead our board of committed and experienced trustees. This is a governance and leadership role, working in close partnership with our Director to shape the strategic direction of Bradford City of Sanctuary (BCoS) at a critical time locally and nationally.

This is a wonderful opportunity to consolidate and develop the charity’s work, champion the inclusion of people with lived experience in our governance and represent BCoS across the city and the wider City of Sanctuary network.

Time Commitment: Approximately 2–3 days per month, including formal and informal meetings, events, reading, and phone/email contact with the Director and trustees.
Remuneration: Unpaid; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the asylum or refugee journey, and from communities currently under-represented in charity governance.

About Bradford City of Sanctuary

Established in 2008 and registered as a charity (CIO) in 2015, BCoS is part of the national City of Sanctuary movement, which includes nearly 100 groups across the UK. We work with local organisations, groups, and inspiring individuals to ensure that people seeking sanctuary can access services that recognise and understand their needs and participate fully in the life of the city.

All our work is informed by our Advisory Group of people with lived experience of the refugee journey and supported by committed volunteers. We employ a small, dedicated team of three part-time staff: our Director, our Schools and Colleges Project Coordinator and our Administration & Communications Officer.

What the Chair Will Do

• Lead the board in setting and overseeing BCoS’s strategic direction.
• Ensure the board is effective, diverse and reflects lived experience in decision-making.
• Provide support, line management and annual appraisal of the Director.
• Ensure compliance with charity, financial and employment regulations.
• Foster positive relationships between trustees and staff.
• Support trustee recruitment, induction and development.
• Applications should include an up-to-date CV; an expression of interest demonstrating how you meet the key elements of the Role Description and Person Specification; and contact details of two referees who are able to comment on your ability to carry out this role. Please email [e-mail]
• Deadline for applications: 9am Monday March 2nd, 2026
• Interview date: Wednesday March 11th, 2026 at Touchstone, 4 Easby Road, BD7 1QX

For more information or an informal chat, please call Tina (Director) 074299 82634 or email [e-mail] (please note that Tina works part-time and may not respond immediately).