Chair and Trustee for Cornwall VSF

Help strengthen the voice and influence of Cornwall’s voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

About

Cornwall’s charities, community groups and social enterprises make an extraordinary contribution to people’s lives. Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum (VSF) exists to strengthen that contribution, bringing organisations together, amplifying their voices and championing their role in shaping services and supporting communities.

We are seeking a Chair and new Trustees to help guide our next chapter and advance our vision of a voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector that is valued, connected, sustainable and skilled.

Working with our members and partners, including local government and the NHS, we want the VCSE sector to be an equitable partner in the design and delivery of services. These appointments offer the opportunity to influence that ambition while strengthening Cornwall VSF’s own resilience, sustainability and impact.

Chair

As Chair, you will lead an effective and inclusive Board, creating space for different perspectives, constructive challenge and clear collective decisions. You will build a strong relationship with the Chief Executive, combining support with appropriate scrutiny, and help the Board maintain its focus on strategic priorities, good governance and the needs of members and communities.

We are looking for a thoughtful, collaborative leader who can build trusted relationships, navigate complexity and bring people together around a shared purpose.

Trustees

Our Trustees bring independent judgement, insight and experience to decisions about strategy, resources, performance and risk. We particularly welcome expertise in one or more of the following:

• Charity finance and procurement.
• Legal compliance within the voluntary sector.
• Workforce development.
• IT and digital systems, including AI.
• Income diversification.

You will bring a commitment to Cornwall’s communities, an ability to think strategically and a willingness to listen, learn and contribute. Experience of partnership working, community leadership or the wider public service landscape would also be valuable.

A Board That Reflects Our Communities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those currently under-represented on boards, younger applicants and people working at grassroots community level. Previous Trustee experience is desirable but is not essential for Trustee applicants; induction, training and support will be provided.

Applicants must have a significant connection to Cornwall, through living or working here or involvement in the Cornish VCSE sector, and share our values of transparency, fairness, courage and care.

Commitment

The Board currently meets eight times a year: four formal Board meetings and four informal meetings for deeper discussion. Trustees also contribute to relevant committees, development sessions and the AGM. The Chair will need additional time to lead the Board and maintain regular contact with the Chief Executive.

Appointments are for three years, with the possibility of renewal for a further three-year term.

Find Out More and Apply

Link to the candidate information pack and application details HERE

For a confidential conversation, contact Anna Jay at Public Leaders Appointments: anna@publicleadersappointments.com.

Recruitment timeline:

Closing date: Thursday, 19 November

Trustee interviews (online): 2 – 4 December

Chair candidates (online or in-person): 27 November – 10 December

Chair interviews (in-person Newquay): Thursday, 10 December