Resources for Autism (RfA) is seeking a new Chair who will bring leadership experience in the corporate, public or non-profit sector and will assist the charity in the development of its strategy for the next decade. (Deadline: 31st of March)
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Resources for Autism (RfA) was founded in 1997 by Dr Hartley Booth, OBE, as a response to families concerned about the lack of support and resources for people loving, living and caring for autistic individuals. With a small budget and one play group, the organisation started offering services to a small number of families in North London. 25 years later, it is now a medium-sized, bi-regional charity, supporting over 5,000 families with a turnover of £2.4m.
The approach to the charity’s work is guided by ethos of absolute acceptance of an individual as they are and from that place, the team works with the environment around the individuals (school, social care, parents, siblings) in order to shift the narrative around the individual from one of pathology to one of inclusion. Its mission goes beyond supporting autistic people and their loved ones and extends to creating services that are aware and inclusive of neuro-divergence. Its services include individual care packages, parent and sibling groups, music and art therapy, home therapy, behaviour support, play and youth clubs and adult services.
The impact of the pandemic was mixed on the Autism Community. For some, the reduced need for social contact provided some relief, whilst for many, the impact was distressing. Observing and adhering to rules correctly, adapting to changing rules and practising new infection control measures such as face masks and social distancing increased levels of anxiety in autistic people - which for some was paralysing. Structure and routine, which is a key anchor of wellbeing for autistic people, was lost during the pandemic. The charity responded immediately: it continued to support the community in both online and face-to-face ways, it established a Crisis Helpline running seven days a week, it delivered home isolation packs to every family / adult supported, and, despite all challenges, it welcomed over 200 new beneficiaries to the service.
Resources for Autism has a unique culture of kindness and dedication to providing the highest quality of care and is constantly developing new projects through active dialogue with the community on what is needed. In the year 2020-21 it supported more than 1,500 individuals on the autistic spectrum through its therapies and support. Looking ahead, RfA is poised for growth and looking to meet the ever-increasing demands for its services, with a waiting list of over 4,000 people. After a period of consolidation it hopes to develop its offering, perhaps exploring new revenue streams and new partnerships, and to increase its impact.
A quote from a beneficiary of the charity's services highlights its importance: “My child had selective autism until he joined your services. He started talking to your staff soon after he attended his play-scheme. He had several speech and language therapists before joining your play-scheme but none of them were able to make him talk at all. So when I saw him talking to your staff at the scheme, how surprised I was!!”
You can view RfA’s Social Impact Report 2020 here.
The charity is at an interesting point in its journey, emerging from the pandemic, with unprecedented demand and a process of developing its strategy with an aim to increase its reach to meet this demand. The new chair would bring their skills and expertise to shape that journey with the CEO and the Board.
As a partner to the CEO and other board members, the new Chair of Resources for Autism will provide governance, leadership and strategic support.
Key responsibilities of the Chair will include:
The new Chair will bring leadership experience from the corporate, public or non-profit sector and will be able to demonstrate their strategic leadership experience as well as an understanding of governance and board development. They will provide guidance as well as challenge the CEO in order to contribute to shaping its new strategy for the years to come. They will also have an alignment with and commitment to supporting social change and / or social innovation.
The charity would particularly welcome applications from individuals who are well connected with networks that would support the charity raise its profile, spread more awareness and become financially sustainable.
It is also desirable that the new Chair bring knowledge and experience of what it takes to grow an organisation with more formal structures in place by providing the CEO with the right tools, support and contacts to assist in the charity's fundraising activities. Above all, candidates will share the charity's vision to make a positive difference in people's lives.
This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board meets four times a year with Trustee subcommittee meetings (Operations and Fundraising) happening more regularly. The Board is open to virtual meetings but in-person engagement will be appreciated as well.
The deadline for consideration is 31st March 2022.
If you would like to register your interest in this role, please fill in the form below. A member of the Nurole team will be in touch ahead of the deadline to let you know whether it would be worth submitting an application and to discuss the process further.