The Organisation:
The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights at work, at home and in public life. Our vision is a society in which women and girls in all their diversity are equal and truly free to fulfill their potential creating a stronger, happier, better future for us all.

We’ve been advancing women’s equality since 1866 when at just 19, Millicent Fawcett collected signatures on a petition for women’s votes. She went on to lead the constitutional suffrage campaign and made this cause her lifetime’s work, securing equal voting rights 62 years later.

Today we continue her legacy of fighting sexism and gender inequality through hard-hitting research. Our national campaigns shape the debate and drive change - and they are only made possible through the support of our members. Be part of our movement for equality.

The Fawcett Society campaigns to:
•    Fight for equal pay. 50 years from the Equal Pay Act, women deserve the right to know what a male colleague doing the same work is paid if they suspect pay discrimination.
•    Secure equal power. Just 34% of MPs and 35% of councillors are women. We're campaigning to get more women in all our diversity into politics at every level.
•    Challenge attitudes and change minds. We are working to tackle gender stereotypes that hold back our children.
•    Defend women’s rights during Covid-19. We're campaigning to ensure that women are not left behind or their needs ignored during the crisis.

To find out more about our work please visit our website: https://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/

The Role:
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader seeking to make a contribution to a fast growing, influential gender equality and women’s rights charity with an ambitious agenda for change.
We are looking for a new Chair at this pivotal moment as we develop our new strategy. We will maintain focus on impact, the fundamental causes of women’s inequality and do more to centre the voices and experiences of women at the sharpest end of injustice.

Person Specification:
•    An experienced Chair who also understands the role and responsibilities of being a trustee
•    Ability to lead Fawcett towards clear outcomes
•    A proactive approach to problem solving together with the ability to inspire and enthuse
•    Diplomacy and influencing skills– leading Fawcett through growth and change
•    Analytical skills– bringing an innovative and entrepreneurial approach, retaining business focus whilst understanding the distinctive culture of a membership charity
•    Sound financial understanding in relation to charities
•    An ambassador for Fawcett, including participating appropriately in fundraising
•    Strong strategic thinking and development whilst balancing the boundaries between different leadership roles and functions
•    Excellent communicator and motivator reflecting the voluntary role of trustees and others who give their time and expertise to Fawcett pro bono. Confident with engaging with media if required.
•    Able to build and develop teams and facilitate collaborative and inclusive working through coaching and mentoring
•    Knowledge of women’s equalities and rights issues, with the passion, energy and drive to effect change in this arena

To read more about the role, please download our Candidate Information Pack.

Time commitment:
•    Time Requirements: of The Fawcett Society requires an average commitment of equivalent to 2 days per month. The Chair is appointed for an initial three year term with the option of a second term. The maximum term for all trustees (including the Chair) is six consecutive years.
•    Remuneration: Please note this a voluntary position, though appropriate expenses will be met

How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying for this role, please ensure you provide:

• A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements, and the details of two referees

• A supporting statement, addressing your motivations for applying, commitment to the vision and how your experience and knowledge matches the requirements of the role. This should be no longer than one side of A4.

All applications should be sent to applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk with your full name and The Fawcett Society in the subject heading.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter (melissa.baxter@russam.co.uk / 07789 985229).

Closing date for applications: Monday 9th January 2023. 
Interviews with The Fawcett Society: Thursday 2nd February 2023

We look forward to receiving your application.