Inspire Hounslow (IH) aims to help people in the London Borough of Hounslow by investing in projects which benefit them and their communities. IH aims particularly to help disadvantaged young people by supporting projects, enabling them to develop and grow by funding vocational training, cultural and sporting activities, inspiring them to succeed and live a fulfilling future.

Previously under another name, Inspire Hounslow successfully provided services to Hounslow Council for 10 years. The Board of Trustees decided that, as a charity, Inspire Hounslow would no longer be a service provider and should redefine itself to maximise the use of the available funds. Ever since, Inspire Hounslow has been investing in a multitude of small and large projects that will benefit generations to come. You can read more about the kinds of projects which IH funds here.

As IH looks towards the future, it aims to increase the number of grants provided to young people in Hounslow by making its brand more recognisable in the area and across London more broadly. The new Chair will be deeply involved with this strategy, and will provide leadership to the Trustees and charity officials to help Inspire Hounslow achieve its aims and improve people's lives.

The Chair will hold the Board to account for the charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each Trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support and, where appropriate, challenge the professional staff and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with other designated Board members.

In addition to the responsibilities of a Trustee, the Chair will be expected to:

• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the charity has maximum impact in the use of its funds to support the disadvantaged within the local community
• Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity
• Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives and provides a clear strategic direction for the charity
• Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability
• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, longterm interests of the charity and that the Board takes collective ownership
• Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
• Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented
  

The Chair will also be expected to act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity, and act as a spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate. This may involve representing the charity at external functions, meetings, and events, as well as maintaining close relationships with key members of local and regional government, the community and business sectors, and with other key agencies and influencers.

Inspire Hounslow offers an exciting opportunity for a new Chair to join its Board. This individual could come from a number of professional backgrounds, so long as they bring strong senior leadership experience. 

The Trust are open to hearing from those with legal, HR, finance, or general management experience, but candidates with expertise gained in other backgrounds are also welcome to apply. Whilst knowledge of grant giving and / or charity governance would be beneficial, it is not a requirement for the role. Candidates will be able to leverage their leadership experience as an ambassador for the charity in both public and private settings.

Above all, this individual will have a deep interest in Inspire Hounslow's work and ethos, and will be committed to the charity's mission to support young disadvantaged people. Inspire Hounslow welcomes applications from first-time Chairs, but candidates will likely have previous board experience.

Edward Locke, Chair
Charles Rees

Ceylin Kolsal Sarper

Allen Powley

Linda Leaney

Gill Chapman

Jacquie Foster

You can read more about the Board here.

Inspire Hounslow's Board of Trustees meet twelve times per year, at 7-9pm on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings happen in person but hybrid attendance is a possibility. In addition, the Chair will be responsible for setting up meetings, will have general oversight on grant procedures, and will engage in other Board activities and events on an ad-hoc basis.

The appointment is for an initial three-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board. This role is unremunerated but pre-agreed, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Candidates will either be Hounslow based, or based in Greater London with some connection to / knowledge of the Borough of Hounslow.