Chair of the Board

If you believe in a world where every young person has the confidence, independence, and skills to have real choices in life and work, and want to ensure support for underserved young people in our communities, this is the opportunity to lead the board of a charity who are filling the gap, bridging the gap and addressing the gap – WeMindTheGap.

Application closes on Monday 15th January 2024

Location: Hybrid, with occasional travel to Ty Avow, 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham LL11 1ND

Time commitment: Equivalent of 2-3 days a month.

Who we are

WeMindTheGap endeavours to ‘take the serendipity out of social mobility’ through our holistic in-person and virtual programmes that deliver real and lasting change to under-served young people across North East Wales and the North West.

Founded by our outgoing Chair Rachel Clacher CBE, WeMindTheGap’s holistic approach has proven measurable impact and has resulted in the charity growing significantly over recent years in terms of scale and ambition, all while allowing its young people and their experiences to speak truth to power. The charity now offers three distinct programmes: WeGrow, a 12-month programme of paid employment with five different employers, access to coaching, new skills and experiences, help with qualifications and support as our graduates move into the world of work. WeDiscover, created during the pandemic, is a ten-week virtual programme for young people who feel isolated and lack the confidence to make the next step into the world. Graduates from either programme automatically become a lifelong part of WeBelong and the support, connection and friendship that offers.

As champions of our young people, we are currently delivering ‘The Big Conversation’: a place-based research project that aims to get into the hearts and minds of young people aged 18-21, followed by work as a community to use those lessons and learnings to design, develop and improve even more accessible, relevant, attractive opportunities for them.

Our impact is significant: every £1 spent today on our original WeGrow programme generates a Social Return on Investment of £3.40 within 18 months and savings to the public purse of £2.60, and our young people’s voices are heard in both regional and national conversations about disadvantage, social mobility and skills.

About the role

As our current Chair comes to the end of their term, we are at a pivotal and exciting time that involves creating our new strategy for WeMindTheGap. We have successfully secured Shared Prosperity Funding for £1.2 million: this guarantees the delivery of a number of WeDiscover and WeGrow programmes, the development of WeBelong and the ability to pilot new initiatives in the coming two years. With proven impactful programmes and secured funding for the medium term, a dedicated and talented team, and solid relationships at regional and national levels, this is the time for us to make critical decisions, consider the many choices available, scale and grow our impact further. The new Chair will support us in playing an influential role, navigating the future strategic direction of the charity, and leading the Board of WeMindtheGap through a new, exciting and defining chapter of its journey. Handover to our new Chair will be during 2024.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Chair who is passionate about enhancing and developing the life chances of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, and who has leadership experience, primarily through periods of positive change and transformation. The new Chair will bring a strong understanding and knowledge of good governance and will be a commercial strategic leader with experience leading and building inclusive, collaborative, and strategic teams and cultures. Our new Chair will work alongside our board, and talented team, including our Chief Executive and will provide support and challenge alongside being a proud ambassador.

Including quarterly board meetings, annual strategy away day, regular meetings with our Chief Executive and Trustees, attending events and ad hoc discussion and preparation, we expect the likely time commitment to be the equivalent of 2-3 days a month.

This is an opportunity to lead a charity supporting our most disadvantaged young people to thrive and access real-life opportunities, at a time of exciting growth and change.

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Monday 15th January 2024.