Chair of Trustees

WIG is supporting Auditory Verbal UK to seek a new Chair of the Board to build on strong foundations and help shape the next chapter of our impact. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a mission that changes lives: creating a world where deaf babies and children have the same opportunities as their hearing peers. The successful candidate will join ahead of October 2026, working alongside our outgoing Chair during a supportive and collaborative handover period.

As Chair, you will work closely with the CEO, Board Vice-Chair, Sub-Committee Chairs and fellow Trustees to provide thoughtful strategic leadership, champion strong governance, and guide the charity's long-term direction. We are proud of a Board culture built on trust, openness and shared purpose and seek someone who can nurture this while inspiring us to achieve even greater impact.

Your responsibilities will include:

Governance and Board Leadership

• Ensure the Board defines, agrees and remains focused on organisational purpose, values and strategy.

• Lead the Board in identifying key strategic priorities and major decisions, including financial direction.

• Ensure timely, well-informed decision-making that advances the charity's mission.

• Ensure compliance with charity law, company law and regulatory requirements, including guidance from the Charity Commission.

• Safeguard the organisation's reputation, values and integrity.

• Oversee governance effectiveness and lead periodic governance reviews.

• Ensure the charity operates within agreed strategy and budget.

Board Effectiveness and Culture

• Build a high-performing, inclusive Board team with diverse skills and perspectives.

• Facilitate open, constructive discussion, ensuring dissenting different opinions and perspectives are
  encouraged, heard and considered.

• Encourage proactive trustee engagement between meetings.

• Manage conflicts of interest transparently and appropriately.

• Review Board composition, succession planning and trustee development.

• Ensure trustees receive the information, support, and learning they need to fulfil their duties.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide clear strategic direction while empowering trustees and executive leaders.

• Maintain focus on long-term impact rather than operational detail.

• Design and chair annual strategy days.

• Help the Board navigate complex or sensitive decisions where consensus is difficult.

• Promote a strong safeguarding culture, ensuring appropriate policies, oversight and accountability are in place.

Partnership with the CEO and Senior Team

• Build a constructive, trusting relationship with the CEO as both partner and critical friend.

• Hold regular meetings with the CEO, Vice Chair, and the Chairs of the Finance & Risk and People Development Committees.

• Agree Board agendas and desired outcomes with the CEO.

• Support preparation for Board and strategy meetings and ensure effective follow-up.

• Conduct the CEO's annual appraisal.

• Ensure appropriate HR, organisational, and governance policies are in place as an employer.

External Representation

• Act as an ambassador for the charity.

• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders, partners and funders where appropriate.

• Advocate actively for the organisation's mission and impact.

To apply, please contact