Chair

SPEAR works towards a clear, ambitious vision: communities where anyone facing or experiencing homelessness can quickly move into secure accommodation, receive effective support and work towards their hopes and aspirations.

For over 35 years, SPEAR has supported people across South West London who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness; particularly people with experience of rough sleeping. Their work enables people to move from crisis to stability by providing secure accommodation, holistic support and the opportunity to work towards a positive future. Its work spans outreach to people sleeping rough, accommodation and tenancy support, health and well-being services and longer-term interventions that address the underlying causes of homelessness.

Led by an experienced executive team and supported by a committed Board of Trustees, SPEAR works closely with local authorities, health services and other partners and continues to adapt its approach in response to rising need and a changing external environment.

They now seek a new Chair of Trustees to provide strong, values-led governance and to help guide the Board as it continues to develop its effectiveness. Working in close partnership with the Chief Executive, you will support clear decision-making, constructive challenge and a collaborative Board culture, ensuring SPEAR remains well-governed, ambitious and true to its mission.

Who we are

SPEAR was founded in the borough of Richmond and has grown into a multi-service homelessness charity working across Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton and Tower Hamlets, with ambitions to extend its reach further. Throughout its history, SPEAR has remained focused on enabling people experiencing homelessness to find secure accommodation and work towards a positive future.

They recognise that homelessness is rarely a single issue. Many of the people SPEAR supports face complex challenges linked to health, trauma, isolation and inequality. SPEAR responds by working alongside individuals, partners, staff and volunteers to provide services that meet people where they are and support long-term change.

Shaped by clear values, the organisation has a culture of collaboration, aiming high for the people it supports, treating everyone with respect, staying determined in the face of challenge and remaining open to learning and innovation in pursuit of better outcomes.

About the role

As Chair of Trustees, you will lead SPEAR’s Board and play a key role in ensuring the organisation is governed with integrity, clarity and purpose. This non-executive role focuses on governance leadership. You will help the Board work together effectively, creating the conditions for thoughtful discussion, shared responsibility and well-judged decisions. In line with core principles of effective Charity governance (e.g. as set out in the Charity Commission Governance Code) and Nolan Principles, you will promote high standards of accountability, openness and collective leadership, ensuring trustees understand their role and contribute at a strategic level.

Working closely with the Chief Executive, you will provide support and constructive challenge, maintaining clear boundaries between governance and management while fostering a strong, trusting partnership.

Your contribution will centre on:

• Leading the Board in line with best practice in charity governance and the Nolan Principles.
• Creating a respectful, inclusive Board culture that reflects SPEAR’s values.
• Supporting Trustees through an annual review of their contribution, encouraging reflection, development and effective participation
• Supporting clear decision-making, accountability and effective use of delegated authority.
• Helping the Board focus on strategy, risk, impact and long-term sustainability.
• Encouraging continuous learning and development at Board level.

This is an opportunity to help shape how the Board works together, supporting SPEAR to remain aspirational, determined and well-governed as it delivers its mission.

Who we are looking for

SPEAR is seeking a Chair who brings strong governance experience and a leadership style that reflects the organisation’s values.

You will bring:

• A deep understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of a Board and Chair.
• A clear working knowledge of principles of effective Charity governance and/or Nolan Principles and how to apply them in practice.
• Experience of leading boards in a way that is inclusive, calm and effective.
• The ability to chair meetings that encourage open discussion, respectful challenge and shared ownership.
• Sound judgement, integrity and a strong sense of accountability.
• A commitment to values-led leadership and to supporting others to contribute at their best.

Above all, you will demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively, listen carefully, ask good questions and help a board operate with confidence and clarity.

The Chair role involves a manageable but meaningful time commitment, averaging around one day per month.

This includes:

• Four Board meetings, plus a short AGM per year.
• Membership of committees, with three committees meeting three to four times annually.
• One half-day (currently Saturday) strategy away day.
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive, as needed, to support agenda planning, oversight and structured governance support.