Chair of the Board

Project Play support and advocate for children and families on the move in northern France - providing play, parental support and case work. As a grassroots organisation, we offer structured play sessions for children who are living in informal living sites and accommodation centres across Calais, Dunkirk and the surrounding area in the absence of any such state provision. Our sessions are designed to facilitate safe spaces which nurture key developmental skills, build self-esteem and have fun.

The organisation is governed by a Board of Trustees, supported by remote volunteers and consultants, and led by remote coordinators. On the ground, our ground coordinators lead a team of volunteer playworkers to implement activities.

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Role of the Chair

The Chair of the Board of Trustees provides leadership to Project Play’s Board, ensuring it operates effectively and in line with Project Play’s mission and values. The Chair will play a key role in fostering a collaborative environment within the Board and at all levels of the organisation. Supported by the Vice-Chair, the Chair will ensure that the Board provides good governance, serving to oversee the work, development and safe running of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

• Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring alignment with the association's mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Oversee the implementation of robust governance practices, ensuring the association complies with legal and regulatory requirements, including those set by the association Commission.
• Facilitate effective decision-making within the Board, balancing diverse viewpoints and fostering consensus.

Strategic Direction

• Collaborate with trustees and the operational team to develop, implement, and monitor the association’s strategic plan.
• Monitor progress and identify opportunities for growth and innovation, ensuring that decisions align with Project Play’s values and centre sustainability and relevance within the community served.

Board Management

• Chair Board meetings effectively, setting dates, supporting agenda writing and meeting facilitation.
• Support the recruitment, development, and performance evaluation of trustees, ensuring the Board possesses a broad range of skills and experiences.
• Provide guidance to trustees, ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities.

Safe Running and Risk Management

• Overseeing the upholding of the highest standards of safeguarding, child protection and risk management by providing accountability to the remote coordination team.
• In the case of a risk to the organisation being identified, work collaboratively with the Board to build a strategy for mitigation.
• Uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical conduct.

Support and Collaboration

• Work closely with the remote coordination team to provide guidance and support.
• Ensure a positive and constructive relationship between the Board and coordinators.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Support and encourage all members of the Board as they advocate for Project Play’s work, supporting visibility, networking and stakeholder engagement - at external events, within their own circles and in any other relevant, impactful spaces.

Role requirements

Governance and Leadership Experience

• Experience on a charity or business board.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership, governance, or committee roles, with the ability to chair meetings effectively, guide trustees, and ensure good decision-making.

Strategic Thinking and Oversight

• Ability to provide strategic direction, support long-term planning, and balance strategic oversight with the practical realities of dynamic context with finite resources.

Strong Communication and Relationship-Building Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills to build positive relationships across the organisation with trustees, coordinators, volunteers, and partners, and to act as an ambassador for the organisation when needed.

Financial Understanding and Risk Management

• A good awareness of financial oversight, risk management, and legal responsibilities of trustees, ensuring the organisation remains sustainable, compliant, and well-governed.

Commitment to Project Play's Mission and Values

• A strong commitment to our belief that all children deserve access to play and education and with an understanding of the challenges faced by small grassroots organisations.
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Term and Remuneration

• Term: The Chair is appointed for a term of one year, renewable upon agreement from the board. .
• The Chair must give at least 2 months notice if they wish to step down at the end of the year’s term.
• Remuneration: The role is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed in line with the association’s policies.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and letter of motivation to vicechair@project-play.org. Early applications are encouraged as they will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found.