The Barbara Bus Fund is recruiting for a new Chairperson.
The Barbara Bus Fund (BBF) is a registered charity, which was set up in 1968 to help people who cannot get out or use public transport or a non-adapted car, because they have a disability that necessitates full-time use of a wheelchair.
Today the BBF operates a fleet of 15 specially converted vehicles from Stanmore, Aylesbury and North Wales.
The BBF is operated by a combination of paid and volunteer staff with head office at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.
The role of Chair is a voluntary position with the requirement to commit to one to two days per month, attend online meetings every 6-8 weeks and the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees, chair committee meetings and the AGM.
Previous trustee or charity experience is required, as is a commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Previous experience within the health, care or transport sectors will be a distinct advantage. However, other relevant experience and the right attributes will also be considered.
The BBF holds an annual meal to thank the volunteers and staff, and there are other periodic meetings and events throughout the year.
The Role
The Chair leads the Board of Trustees, ensuring that it governs the Charity effectively in service of the Charity’s vision and mission.
The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supports the board to work together well, and provides support and challenge to the Operations Manager. The Chair is an ambassador for the Charity.
Responsibilities and Main Duties
Provides strategic leadership to the Charity and the Board, ensuring that the Barbara Bus Fund achieves its mission.
- Plans and chairs board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
- Provides a report in advance of each committee meeting.
- Provides an annual report in advance of the AGM.
- Leads the Board to ensure that it fulfils its responsibilities for the correct and proper governance of the Charity.
- Optimises the relationship between the Board and the Barbara Bus Fund’s staff and volunteers.
- Works in partnership with the Operations Manager and staff team to achieve BBF’s mission.
- Acts as a spokesperson and figurehead for the Barbara Bus Fund.
Essential Attributes
- Experience of being a Trustee. You do not need to have been a Chair before, but previous experience of chairing committee meetings is desirable.
- A keen sense of strategic purpose.
- An inclusive leadership style with the ability to inspire, and support everyone to participate equally.
- Be able to listen and engage effectively; you are comfortable with challenge and debate, able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
- Advocate - be able and willing to champion the Barbara Bus Fund’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
- A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Be responsive. As a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that will require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to, and occasionally by return.
Desirable Attributes
- Experience of chairing committee meetings.
- Good financial acumen and the ability to read and interpret charity management accounts.
- Experience of working in a healthcare, health-related or transport role.
- Ideally located within 25 miles of the Barbara Bus Fund Head Office, Stanmore.
The Barbara Bus Fund supports a growth mindset and if all requirements have not been met, for the suitable candidate there is the opportunity to grow within the role with the support and guidance of the trustees and BBF staff.
Terms of Appointment
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses can be reimbursed.
- There is no set period of term however a commitment to a minimum of 3-years is preferred.
Time Commitment
The time commitment is estimated at one to two days per month. Trustees are in the minimum expected to:
- Attend 8 Committee meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely over Zoom, every 6-7 weeks.
- Attend the AGM (held with the May committee meeting).
- Respond to weekly emails from the Operations Manager, with the flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
- Attend meetings/events at the Barbara Bus Fund head office (no more than twice a year).
- Attend the annual Barbara Bus Fund volunteers’ meal, usually in January.
Safeguarding
The Barbara Bus Fund has a commitment and duty of care to safeguard all its users and assets. It is therefore necessary for the Chair to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
All Trustees, paid, and voluntary staff are subject to an initial then three-yearly DBS check, basic or enhanced, depending on their role.
Application Process
In the first instance, please send your CV with a covering letter to the Board of Trustees at [email protected].
If you progress, a telephone conversation with the Secretary of Trustees will be arranged, followed by a Zoom meeting with the Board of Trustees.
You will then be invited to an in-person meeting with the Secretary, Operations Manager, and other Trustees at the Barbara Bus Fund office.
Further Information
For further information about the role, please request the full Chair of Trustees Application Pack, by emailing [email protected].
For further information on the role of a charity trustee, please visit the Charity Commission website.
For further information about the charity, please visit The Barbara Bus Fund website.
Accessibility Statement
We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are barrier-free and as inclusive as possible for everyone. We particularly welcome applications from disabled applicants. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term health condition. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application process, such as apply in an alternative format, please let us know before you apply or contact our hiring manager through the details provided above.
