Join Us as Our New Chairperson

Posted: 16th March 2026

We are a small but ambitious grassroots charity with a big heart and a growing impact. Based in Scotland, we support people of all ages to build confidence, develop new skills, explore their potential and create meaningful, self‑directed life pathways.

Our work is centred on empowerment: helping individuals identify what matters to them, overcome challenges, and take the next steps toward a future they can believe in.

Since our founding, CYD has grown organically in response to real need within our community. We support people facing a wide range of social, emotional, educational and practical barriers, offering compassionate, person‑led support at a pace that feels right for each individual. Our volunteers, trustees, partners and supporters play a vital role in this work, and together we are establishing a trusted and valued presence locally.

We are now entering an exciting new stage of development. Demand for our services continues to rise, and we are strengthening our governance, systems and partnerships to ensure we can grow sustainably and confidently. To help guide us through this next chapter, we are seeking a warm, inclusive and values‑driven Chairperson.

You do not need previous experience as a Chair—what matters most is your commitment, integrity and belief in the power of community.

As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board and support us in delivering our mission. You will help the Board work well together, foster a collaborative and inclusive culture, work closely with the Chief Executive, and act as a positive ambassador for CYD. This is a rewarding opportunity to help shape a charity that is still developing and full of potential.

If you are passionate about supporting people to thrive, eager to share your skills, and excited by the chance to help shape a small charity with big aspirations, we would love to hear from you.  Please email your CV and why you think you would be a good fit for CYD.

Chair role
• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that CYD achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Chief Executive and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and CYD’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for CYD.

What we are looking for – Essential
● Experience of being a trustee. You do not need to have been a Chair before.
● A keen sense of strategic purpose.
● An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
● The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
● Advocate – able and willing to champion CYD’s work through personal networks, social media and other channels.
● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
● Be responsive. As a small charity, things sometimes arise that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent. It is very helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.

Responsibilities of all trustees
● Support and provide advice on CYD’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
● Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
● Oversee CYD’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
● Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
● Review and approve CYD’s financial statements.
● Provide support and challenge to CYD’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
● Keep abreast of changes in CYD’s operating environment.
● Contribute to regular reviews of CYD’s own governance.
● Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect CYD’s interests, to the exclusion of personal or third‑party interests.
● Contribute to the broader promotion of CYD’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
  ● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
  ● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
  ● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
  ● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
  ● Willingness to lead according to our values.
  ● Commitment to The Nine Principles of Public Life in Scotland: Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability & Stewardship, Openness, Honesty, Leadership, Duty and Respect.

Terms of appointment – Terms of office
● Trustees are appointed for a three‑year term of office, renewable for one further term to a maximum of four years.
● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment (estimated at a half day per month)
● Attending six Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely and in person at a suitable location.
● Monthly scheduled meeting with the CEO with flexibility to respond swiftly to occasional ad‑hoc issues.
● Attending an annual half‑day strategy session.

 

Expires: 2026-06-30

Contact: info@createyourdream.uk