Volunteer Chair

People In Harmony; Greater London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A charity organization in Greater London is seeking a new Chair to lead the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance and inclusive leadership. The Chair will play a pivotal role in promoting the charity’s mission, advocating for mixed-race individuals and building relationships with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have board-level experience, strong governance skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This position is vital as the charity embarks on a new strategic five-year plan focused on growth and advocacy.

Qualifications

• Proven experience at board level in the charity sector or similar.
• Strong governance and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to inspire and support equal participation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Board in setting strategic direction.
• Ensure compliance with charitable objectives and legal requirements.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity.

Skills

Board-level experience

Strategic leadership

Governance skills

Financial management expertise

Excellent communication

Inclusive leadership

Job description

The Chair will hold the Board of Trustees accountable for PIH’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership and ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for effective charity governance. What difference will you make?

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction and ensuring effective governance.
• Ensure the Board operates within its charitable objectives and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and facilitate cyclical committee meetings, ensuring they are well-organised, inclusive, and productive.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Act as an ambassador for PIH, representing the charity at events and in the media.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders to further the charity's mission.
• Oversee the organisation’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure key risks are identified, monitored and mitigated effectively.
• Support fundraising and grant application efforts and help secure resources necessary for the charity's sustainability.

What are we looking for?

• Proven experience at board level in a senior strategic leadership role, within the charity sector or a similar environment.
• Strong governance, strategic planning, and organisational skills.
• An inclusive leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
• Financial management expertise and a broad understanding of charity finance issues.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Able to listen and engage effectively; comfortable with challenge and debate and can encourage that in others while promoting a collaborative board environment.
• Passionate about the mission of PIH and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Lived experience and understanding of the challenges faced by mixed-race individuals and communities is preferable.

What will you be doing?

People in Harmony (PIH) is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting mixed-race individuals, and interracial families, and couples. Established in 1972, PIH aims to promote positive experiences by challenging racism, prejudice, and ignorance. We provide information, support, and advocacy to our members and the wider community through education, celebration, and research.

We are seeking a new Chair at a pivotal moment in the Charity’s history. Following a strategic review, we are at the start of a five‑year plan focused on building capacity, strengthening governance, and establishing a strong operational structure. Concurrently, in the next 10 years we aspire to expand training, consultancy, and policy influence, positioning PIH as a leading national organisation for mixed‑race advocacy. As Chair, you will be central in delivering the organisation's strategy.