Chair of the Board of Trustees

Help Shape the Future of Mental Health Support in North Kent

North Kent Mind is seeking an inspirational and strategic leader to become our next Chair of the Board of Trustees.

As a local independent mental health charity affiliated with Mind, we support people across North Kent and Medway through a wide range of services including counselling, crisis support, housing support, employment services, and children and young people's mental health programmes.

This is a unique opportunity to use your leadership skills to make a lasting difference to the lives of people experiencing mental health challenges in our communities.

About the Role

As Chair, you will lead our Board of Trustees and work closely with our Chief Executive to ensure North Kent Mind continues to deliver on its vision, mission, and strategic objectives.

You will provide governance leadership, support effective decision-making, and help ensure the organisation remains sustainable, impactful, and focused on the needs of local people.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and chairing the Board of Trustees
• Providing strategic leadership and direction for the organisation
• Provide line management and support to the Chief Executive on behalf of the board
• Ensuring effective governance and compliance with charity and company law
• Promoting strong collaboration between Trustees and the Executive Team
• Overseeing organisational performance against strategic goals
• Supporting succession planning, trustee development, and board effectiveness
• Acting as an ambassador for North Kent Mind where appropriate

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a committed and collaborative leader with:

Essential Experience and Skills

• Senior-level strategic leadership experience
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills
• Experience developing and driving organisational strategy
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build inclusive and productive partnerships
• Sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex or challenging issues
• A commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality
• A genuine interest in mental health and wellbeing
• Time and commitment to fulfil the responsibilities of the role

Desirable

• Previous Board or Trustee experience
• Experience within the charity, voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE) sector
• Understanding of charity governance and Charity Commission requirements
• Knowledge of mental health, health, or social care systems
• Strong local connections across Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, or Medway

Time Commitment

The Chair role typically includes:

• Bi-monthly Board meetings
• Monthly one-to-one meetings with the Chief Executive
• One Annual General Meeting per year
• One Board Away Day per year
• Attendance at relevant committee meetings
• Occasional representation of North Kent Mind at events and stakeholder meetings
• Engagement with trustees, staff, and wider Mind network activities

Meetings are a combination of face-to-face and virtual attendance.

Why Join North Kent Mind?

By becoming Chair, you will:

• Help shape the future of mental health services across North Kent and Medway
• Lead a committed and experienced Board of Trustees
• Support a respected local charity with a strong reputation for impact
• Access trustee induction and ongoing development opportunities
• Join the wider Mind Federation network
• Receive reimbursement of reasonable expenses
• Access trustee wellbeing support and Blue Light Card benefits

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.