The Organisation

For us, it’s all about making sure every child gets the help they need, when they need it, in the most efficient and compassionate way possible.

React (Rapid Effective Assistance for Children with potentially Terminal illness is a dynamic charity working to improve the quality of life for children with life limiting illnesses living in financially disadvantaged households throughout the UK. Our work is unrivalled by any other organisation and our passion and belief that every child should have comfort, dignity, and the opportunity to participate in life as fully as possible is our driving force.

We stand out for our unique approach in supporting families with children in need. Unlike other organisations, we offer prompt assistance, often within hours, without bureaucratic hurdles. Families aren't limited in the number of applications they can submit, and we consider almost all essential requests crucial for a child's health, streamlining the process by working closely with medical professionals to identify each child's specific needs, sparing families from lengthy application forms. We provide continuous support, 52 weeks a year, throughout a child's life.

The Role

We are looking for our next Chair, to lead an a dependable board of exceptional trustees, and contribute to propelling the charity forward into its next phase.

React takes immense pride in its accomplishments to date, yet it stands ready for a fresh wave of leadership and expansion, aspiring to broaden its impact. With solid financial footing and minimal overhead costs, there's a strong eagerness to diversify revenue streams, making it primed for further development. The foundation is laid for expansion, inviting a new strategic vision and direction. From its grassroots beginnings, the charity has fostered a wonderful atmosphere, with smooth operations, and a unique approach to support.

The Person

We are looking for an individual who can demonstrate a strong commitment to React, it's cause and future plans.

Personal Qualities

• Personal gravitas to lead the organisation
• Ability to develop a close working relationship with the Director
• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in an ambassadorial role
• Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment within the Board structure
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending matters out of office hours

Experience

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of external representation and delivering presentations where required
• Significant experience of chairing meetings and events

Knowledge and skills

• Broad knowledge and understanding of the health sector and current issues affecting it
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate and bring people together
• Proven commercial skills
• Understanding of charity governance issues
• Ability to understand financial statements and management accounts

Further Information

For further information about React and the extended role responsibilities, please download the Candidate Information Pack.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this fantastic opportunity, please provide the following with your application:

• An up to date CV with the details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior consent)
• A supporting statement which details how you meet the main criteria along with your motivations for applying

All applications should be sent to applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk. If you would like a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter at Russam & Trustees Unlimited on melissa.baxter@russam.co.uk / 07789 985229.

Closing date for applications: Monday 1st July 2024
Interviews with React: Week commencing 15th July (TBC)