Chair of Trustees


Company:	Cherry Trees
Salary:	£0
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Guildford, GU4 7RS
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	9 Oct 2026
Closing date:	8 Nov 2026

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Summary

Job Advert

Chair of Trustees

Lead the strategic growth of an outstanding charity at a pivotal moment with a new home recently opened and ambitious expansion plans ahead, you'll shape how Cherry Trees reaches even more families who desperately need support.

About Cherry Trees

At Cherry Trees, we believe in "child first, disability second."

For over 40 years, we have provided home-from-home short breaks for children and young people aged 0–19 with complex disabilities. Our Ofsted-rated 'outstanding' service gives children a safe, stimulating environment where they can play, learn and build friendships.

We currently support more than 100 children and young people. With a new home recently opened and further growth on the horizon, this is an exciting time to join us.

What you'll be doing

Working closely with our CEO Sally Davies and fellow Trustees, you'll provide strategic leadership and governance oversight. You'll foster an effective, high-performing Board and act as a trusted adviser whilst maintaining clear boundaries between governance and operations.

Your key responsibilities:

- Lead an effective Board: Chair meetings, encourage constructive discussion and ensure decisions focus on strategic priorities

- Provide strong governance: Promote accountability, transparency and compliance, including effective safeguarding and risk management

- Shape our strategy: Lead the Board in reviewing the charity's strategic direction, ensuring alignment with our mission

- Work in partnership with the CEO: Build a constructive relationship, offering guidance and appropriate challenge

- Support financial sustainability: Provide effective financial oversight and help secure our long-term future

- Champion Cherry Trees: Act as an ambassador, building relationships with funders, donors and corporate partners

- Develop the Board: Support succession planning and maintain appropriate balance of skills and experience

About you

You'll combine strong leadership with a collaborative approach and genuine commitment to our charitable purpose.

You'll demonstrate:

- Experience operating at senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

- Confidence to lead meetings, facilitate discussion and support effective decision-making

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills

- Sound independent judgement and ability to provide constructive challenge

- Collaborative approach that encourages participation and teamwork

- Understanding of legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship

- Strong commitment to Cherry Trees' strategic objectives and values

Understanding of charity governance and finance would be advantageous but not essential.

Time commitment

Quarterly Board meetings (1.5 hours each) in February, May, September and December, held virtually or in person at our East Clandon or Passfield Common locations. You'll also participate in one sub-committee and attend our Annual General Meeting.

As Chair, you'll need additional time for Board leadership, preparation and ambassador activities.

Safer recruitment

Due to the vulnerability of the children we support, applicants will complete a short application form and undergo an Enhanced DBS check, which Cherry Trees will facilitate.

Ready to make your mark?

This is your chance to lead a charity with clear purpose, dedicated teams and ambitious growth plans. Your strategic leadership will directly impact our ability to reach more families when they need us most.

To discuss this opportunity, contact:

Tracy Adams: tracy.adams@cherrytrees.org.uk

Liv Corbishley: liv.corbishley@cherrytrees.org.uk

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