Chairperson

The Chair of Trustees will provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees and centre staff ensuring that the governance and strategic direction of the charity is being fulfilled. The Chair will support and sometimes challenge the team and ensure the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the team to achieve our aim to continue to be an exceptionally well run and sustainable organisation so that we can make the greatest practical impact for people managing their MS.

Skills

Essential:

• Experience of working at a leadership level within a charity or organisation.
• Experience of charity governance and working as a Trustee.
• Commitment to the charity, its missions and values and drive and energy to implement positive change.
• Strong leadership, motivational, interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Great communicator and able to effectively write reports and chair meetings.
• Understanding of legal requirements for the charity and liabilities of being a Trustee.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to think strategically and know how to convert strategy into action.

Desirable:

• Financial background or understanding of financial management.
• Located within Sussex or commuting distance from the centre.
• Background in managing projects or working within a project delivery environment.
• Experience or understanding of MS, the effects of the condition and treatments on offer.
• Knowledge of challenges faced by charities
  

Benefits

Why Join Us?

As we have just celebrated our 40th anniversary, this role provides a unique opportunity to oversee and lead a vibrant, growing charity that has been supporting people living with MS since 1984. You will have the chance to make a lasting impact on our community, influencing strategy, finance, operations, and future plans. This is a pivotal moment to collaborate with a dedicated team of trustees, staff, and volunteers who are passionate about improving the lives of those with MS and other neurological conditions

We are a member of Community Works and NCVO -  Trustees are encouraged to undertake any training they may require.

A chance to give back and feel you are able to really make a difference to the lives of those living with MS within the Sussex region.

Practical Considerations

Travelling by car

Having travelled down the Old Shoreham Road (A270) or the coast Road (A259) and reached Southwick, there is a sign to the MS Centre on the corner of Croft Avenue just off Southwick Road. Drive along Croft Avenue and at the end turn left into the park (Southwick Recreation Ground).  Follow the road, turning right past the bowls club and keep going to the car park at the very end on your left and you will see the centre.

 Travelling by bus

There are a number of buses that stop near the Centre including the 60, 46 and 700.  For real time information on buses stopping near the Centre visit https://www.buses.co.uk/plan-your-journey to look at Brighton and Hove Buses. The 700 bus is operated by Stagecoach and covers the Brighton-Worthing-Littlehampton area. Once you have arrived you need to make your way to Croft Avenue.  There is a sign to the MS Centre on the corner of the avenue, just off Southwick Road. Go to the end of Croft Avenue and turn left into the park (Southwick Recreation Ground).  Follow the road, turning right past the bowls club and keep going to the car-park at the very end on your left and you will see the centre.

Travelling by rail

We are a 7 minute walk from Southwick rail station. You can check the times of trains on the Southern Railway website. Once you have arrived you need to turn left out of the station to make your way to Croft Avenue.  There is a sign to the MS Centre on the corner of the avenue, just off Southwick Road. Go to the end of Croft Avenue and a turn left into the park (Southwick Recreation Ground).  Follow the road, turning right past the bowls club and keep going to the car-park at the very end on your left and you will see the centre.

Taxis

Brighton and Hove Council provide information on wheelchair accessible taxis in their area. For information on wheelchair accessible transport (taxis, Dial-a-Ride etc) in the Adur area please visit the Adur and Worthing Councils website.

When do I need to be available?

Details	Need to be available for Board Meetings on Mondays at 2pm every 2 months and potential Finance committee meetings usually held 2 weeks prior to Board Meetings.

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Where does this role take place?

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