Richmond’s Hope provides support for children and young people aged 4-18 years who have been bereaved. The charity provides a safe space for children to work through their grief both verbally and non verbally, to preserve memories of the person who has died, to explore their feelings, to develop coping strategies and to understand the impact the bereavement has had on their lives.

As Chair of Richmond’s Hope, you will help govern the charity, ensuring we remain legally compliant, financially sound, and true to our mission. Trustees are not involved in day-to-day operations but provide strategic oversight and support to the leadership team. The Chair supports the CEO.

The term of office is three years with an option to serve a further three year term.

All trustees must have or be prepared to gain an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities inherent in the role and be eligible to act as a Charity Trustee.

Role description:

Leadership

• Leading the Board effectively
• Setting Board culture
• Managing trustee performance and development
• Ensuring effective decision making

Governance

• Monitoring risk
• Board succession planning
• Governance review
• Compliance oversight

CEO relationship

• Supporting and challenging the CEO
• Performance review
• Acting as a sounding board

Delegation and accountability

• External profile
• Representing the charity
• Supporting fundraising introductions
• Stakeholder engagement

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience serving as a trustee or non-executive director
• Experience chairing meetings and facilitating discussion
• Strong strategic thinking skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to the mission and values of Richmond's Hope
• Understanding of good governance

Desirable

• Previous Chair experience
• Fundraising or income generation expertise
• Finance experience
• Public sector, NHS or social care knowledge
• Legal or HR expertise

Richmond’s Hope was founded in 2003 in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh and is a charity that supports children and young people aged 4-18 who have experienced a bereavement. We offer tailored one-to-one support for children and young people once a week for an average of 12 weeks. Children and young people are seen in an age-appropriate space to suit their age and stage of development. The children who come to Richmond’s Hope have experienced the bereavement of a significant person in their life that has negatively impacted upon their physical and mental health.

The successful candidate for this position should have experience of working in childcare, education, health, play work or another relevant discipline.

Richmond’s Hope will provide a comprehensive induction and training programme which will include training in the methodology of Richmond’s Hope. Working as part of the staff team of Richmond’s Hope you will provide bereavement support to children and young people aged 4 to 18 years.

Applicants should have enthusiasm and vision for the work of the organisation, excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work as part of a team and on your own initiative.