We are currently looking for a Voluntary Chairperson to head the Board of Trustees for a minimum one year or a maximum five-year term, and help guide our charity during an exciting time in its development.

Closing date for applications –

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses (BPCG) is a vibrant community garden situated in the centre of Brockwell Park. We are registered under the Charities Act and are a registered company limited by guarantee. The charity is committed to enabling a diverse range of local residents, schools and visitors to increase their knowledge, improve their wellbeing and to create greener communities. Our one-acre site is a thriving hub of volunteering activities and educational initiatives.

We are planning for a significant increase in our activities following the completion of ‘Brockwell Barn’ – an indoor space with teaching kitchen, classroom and toilet facilities. Securing and delivering this project has taken up a huge amount of time and energy, and now it is complete we hope to broaden and diversify our charitable outputs and continue to empower and upskill Staff and Volunteers.

Alongside this new development we also have significant change among the charity’s management. The current Chair is stepping down from the role – although will remain on the Board – as they have moved a significant distance outside of London, and for a grassroots organisation like BPCG occasional on-site check-ins are valuable for oversight. The current Treasurer is about to reach the end of their term and year, as part of the ongoing professionalisation of the charity, we hope to recruit an overall manager/director (previously an unpaid role). The new Chair will, therefore, have substantial opportunity to contribute to BPCG’s future.

Board Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership to the Board and ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity and increased benefit to our volunteers and users.
  • Chair Board meetings (normally 6 per year), working with the Secretary to ensure that accurate, timely and clear information is provided to Trustees, and that the Board as a whole works in partnership with Staff.

Coordinate and attend yearly training with the NCVO to help set goals, priorities and culture for the Board.

  • Ensure good and up-to-date governance through the timely creation/renewal of governance policies and share responsibility with the CEO for embedding these principles in the day-to-day work of Staff and Volunteers.
  • Work with Trustees, Staff and Volunteers to establish priorities and goals and then supervise the creation of a new 5-year plan for the charity’s development (2023-28).
  • Ensure that BPCG applies its resources in pursuance of its objectives; ensure that the Board reviews and develops BPCG strategy and policies, including the preparation and implementation of business plans.
  • Work with the Treasurer, Trustees, and Staff to ensure sound financial management and regulatory compliance.
  • Oversee the continued financial sustainability of the Charity, contributing strategy insights to the development of different income streams and project funding as appropriate.
  • Ensure that the performance of the Board is reviewed annually, maintain the focus and commitment of the Board (including renewal/succession planning and via training), and help oversee the appointment and induction of new Trustees.
  • To facilitate change and address conflict or differing opinions within the organisation.
  • Act in the best interest of and promote BPCG, representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.

Management Responsibilities

  • Line-manage the CEO on behalf of the Board and act as conduit between paid Staff and the Board, ensuring their needs are understood and addressed.
  • Support and appraise the performance of the CEO
  • Assist the CEO in organising and delivering training for Staff.

Experience required: candidate should be able to show experience in most of the following

  • Experience working as Chair, CEO or senior management in a charity, CIC or community group of similar size or remit to BPCG, or alternatively the chief management role in a small business of similar size.
  • Knowledge of the operating environment and requirements for a fully incorporated charity limited by guarantee in England.
  • Experience directing or creating organisational change, particularly in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Skills and attributes

  • Willing to volunteer for approximately 4-5 days per month.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
  • Commitment to community empowerment, group working and inclusion.
  • Self-motivated and highly organised.

Hours

This is voluntary position but requires a significant commitment of up to 5 days spread over a month – to be done for the most part at any time of day. However, an ability to do a small part of this during normal office hours would be very useful.

Looking after our visitors

BPCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers interacting with these groups to share this commitment. This position will be subject to satisfactory reference and DBS checks.

To apply, please send a full CV with a covering letter to The Secretary