Chair of Trustees – Mitie Foundation - Voluntary position

Purpose

To provide leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring effective governance, strategic clarity, and delivery of the Foundation's charitable objectives. The Chair acts as the key liaison between the Foundation and Mitie Group, safeguarding the charity's independence while maximising its impact and alignment with Mitie's social value goals.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Governance

• Lead the Board in setting the Foundation's strategy and ensuring that plans and activities deliver against charitable objectives.
• Ensure compliance with the Foundation's governing document, charity law, and Charity Commission guidance (The Essential Trustee – CC3).
• Maintain high standards of governance, integrity, and transparency in all decision-making and operations.
• Promote the Nolan Principles of Public Life – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

Board Effectiveness

• Chair effective Board and subcommittee meetings: ensure clear agendas, well-informed discussions, balanced participation, and timely decisions.
• Support the recruitment, induction, and development of trustees to maintain a diverse, skilled, and engaged Board.
• Oversee periodic Board effectiveness reviews and succession planning.

Relationship with the Executive

• Provide guidance, support, and constructive challenge to the Head of Foundation.
• Conduct an annual appraisal of the Head of Foundation and act as a sounding board on strategy, risk, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure there is a clear division of responsibilities between governance and day-to-day management.

Stakeholder and External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the Foundation within Mitie Group and externally with partners, funders, and beneficiaries.
• Build relationships that enhance the Foundation's profile, influence, and fundraising potential.
• Represent the Foundation at key events and ensure alignment with Mitie's wider social value agenda while safeguarding the Foundation's charitable independence.

Risk and Compliance

• Ensure the Board has appropriate oversight of risk management, safeguarding, and financial stewardship.
• Uphold the charity's responsibilities for equality, diversity, inclusion, and data protection.
• Ensure that conflicts of interest are declared, managed, and recorded appropriately, particularly where there are corporate linkages.

Skills and Experience

• Senior leadership experience, ideally at Board level within corporate, charitable, or public sectors.
• Strong understanding of charity governance, regulatory requirements, and the seven Nolan principles.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance corporate and community interests.
• Skilled in stakeholder management and partnership building.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and diplomacy skills.
• Experience of leading organisational change or transformation.

Commitment

• Attend approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year, plus ad-hoc subcommittee or stakeholder sessions.
• Prepare thoroughly for meetings and maintain regular contact with the Head of Foundation and trustees.
• Term of office: typically, three years, renewable once, subject to Board approval and performance review.

Collective Responsibilities (as a Trustee)

All trustees, including the Chair, share collective responsibility for:

• Upholding the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.
• Acting in the charity's best interests and managing resources responsibly.
• Ensuring impact measurement, accountability, and compliance.
• Supporting a positive culture of inclusion, learning, and integrity.