10th February 2023
We are seeking a new Chair to pick up the mantle and lead a highly capable, successful and aligned Board and Executive Team into the next era. Our Chair plays an important role in helping us to continue to meet our founding mission. The new Chair will build on our success to date, and help us continue to build a sustainable financial future. They will have an interest in public health and the wellbeing of children and families.
Trustees can serve up to two terms, each of three years, in office before being required to step down. In December 2022, the charity announced that Pamela Goldberg, current Chair of the Institute of Health Visiting, would step down in 2023 when her second term expires.
The role of Chair of the iHV is a voluntary, unpaid, non-executive position. The overall purpose of the Chair’s role is to lead and oversee the work of the iHV Board of Trustees. The Board in turn is responsible for setting the strategic direction and the governance of the iHV.
The Chair will be a figurehead for the organisation and “champion” of the values, vision and mission of the Institute.
This opportunity is for a very special person who wants to do exceptional things at the Institute, which is a flexible and ambitious organisation, as demonstrated by its many achievements.
Candidate Profile
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
Professional
- Proven skills in chairing Board/Senior committee level meetings in industry, NHS/LA, or voluntary sector
- Experience in business/organisational leadership at senior level, ideally with a proven record of strategic leadership and business planning
- Financial management, funding strategies, funding sources and fundraising
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage with a wider range of audiences and stakeholders – effective media management
- The successful candidate will be credible in the world of health visiting, child and/or public health (a background in health visiting is not required – both our current and former Chair come from different sectors).
- Confident, engaging ambassador who relates well with multiple stakeholders
- The utmost integrity, diplomacy and ability to articulate the organisation’s strategic vision
- Professional credibility across a range of settings, ideally including national settings
- Experience of working in or with the charity sector is desirable
Personal
- Understands health visiting and its importance in public health
- Entrepreneurially minded – can think out of the box and see the bigger picture
- Commitment to improving the health of children, families, and communities
- A high level of emotional intelligence
- Resilient and able to handle conflict to reach consensus
- Visionary and leader of people – able to motivate staff and bring people together and with them
- Dynamic and inspiring
- Quick to learn; able to think on feet
- Open to input and new ideas
- Supportive of others – collaborative team builder
Expected time commitment and other requirements
Time commitment: 1 -2 days a month
The Board meets quarterly. It is important that the Chair is able to be available to the Chief Executive on a regular basis and for occasional consultations, generally by telephone or email with senior staff. The Chair should also be able to participate in occasional evening and daytime events such as conferences.
Appointment Process
The iHV will run a formal appointment process, producing a short list of those interested in this post, before inviting them to interview.
For application, please provide the following:
- A supporting statement: This should clearly set out why you are interested in this opportunity and how you meet each of the criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide evidence in each case (i.e., provide examples, facts, explaining what was achieved and how it helped your organisation’s goals).
- A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role.
- Details of two references, one of whom is able to testify to your current performance and suitability for this post, e.g., current employer. Please state whether you are happy for us to contact them as part of the appointment process.
Please send these to [email protected] by Monday 13 March 2023
The iHV aims to confirm its new Chair’s appointment following a handover period and the annual financial audit in July 2023.
Further details
If you would like further details, or to have an initial discussion before applying, either with Alison Morton (iHV CEO) or Pamela Goldberg (iHV Chair of the Board) please contact [email protected] directly to arrange an appointment.
