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Chair of Trustees

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who shares our values and passion for supporting older adults in Merton. Whilst the new Chair will formally take up the role at Age UK Merton's AGM in November 2026, the intention is that they will join the Board of Trustees in spring 2026 to enable a period of transition with the current Chair.

Role description

As Chair, you will provide leadership and strategic direction to the Board of Trustees. Your regular responsibilities will include liaising with the CEO to set the agenda and agree the papers for Board meetings, chairing Board meetings, holding regular catch-ups with Trustees, and leading on Trustee recruitment and retention and Board development. In addition, you will also be the line manager to the CEO, holding regular meetings and undertaking the annual appraisal and objective setting. You will also sit on the Finance Committee (chaired by the Treasurer) and be responsible for determining complaints and grievances where a decision is appealed.

As a Trustee, you will have a number of core duties, including ensuring the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and relevant legislation; ensuring it pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document; ensuring the financial stability of the organisation; and ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

 Person specification

 Essential

  • Previous Board-level experience, either as a Trustee or in another non-executive capacity
  • Experience of chairing (either a Trustee Board or other professional experience)
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills
  • Willingness and capacity to devote the necessary time
  • Good independent judgment
  • A commitment to Age UK Merton and its vision, mission and values
  • An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship

 Desirable

  • Some experience or understanding of the adult social care or health sectors
  • An understanding of Merton as a place

To find out more and to apply

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. While we would especially welcome applications from people who live in our local area, this is not essential to success in the role.

Age UK Merton is using a specialist charity recruiter to support us in finding a new Chair, and all applications for the role will need to be directed through the recruiter. If you are interested in the role and would like to be notified when applications are being accepted, please contact our current chair (tobin@ageukmerton.org.uk).