Vice Chair - Access Dorset

We’re Access Dorset – an organisation run by and for disabled people, older people and carers. We are a community-rooted, user-led charity based in Bournemouth, working to improve the lives of disabled people, older people, neurodivergent people and carers by promoting inclusion, wellbeing and independence. We support over 100 people each week through a programme of social, recreational and life skills activities, alongside information, advice and support designed to strengthen connections, reduce isolation and build confidence and resilience. 
Access Dorset is looking to appoint a Vice Chair to work alongside and support the Chair, the Board and the wider Access Dorset team as the organisation continues to develop.

What will you be doing?

This is an important role at a time when the Board is rebuilding following a period of significant change and is beginning to establish its collective identity and voice. The Vice Chair will help the Chair to ensure that the Board works effectively, provides appropriate oversight and maintains a clear focus on the organisation’s purpose, strategy and future sustainability.

The Vice Chair will deputise for the Chair when required and provide supportive leadership to the Board, helping to create an environment in which Trustees can contribute fully and constructively. They will also work closely with the Chair and the wider team to ensure that Board decisions are followed through and that there is effective communication between Trustees, staff, volunteers and the Access Dorset community.

This is an opportunity for someone with leadership potential who is keen to develop their governance experience and play a significant role in shaping the future of a genuinely community-rooted organisation.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who can bring strategic thinking, good judgement and leadership potential to the Access Dorset Board. Previous experience as a Trustee or Chair is not essential; we are open to someone with transferable leadership or professional experience who is keen to develop their governance and leadership skills.

Ideally, you will bring:

• Strategic thinking 
• Leadership potential 
• Numerical literacy 
• A collaborative approach 
• Strong interpersonal skills 
• Commitment to Access Dorset’s values 

Experience of working within a Board, committee or other governance environment would be helpful, but is not essential. What matters most is the ability to contribute thoughtfully, work collaboratively and provide leadership and constructive challenge when required.

We particularly welcome applications from people whose perspectives and experiences reflect the diverse communities Access Dorset serves.

What difference will you make?

Joining the Access Dorset Board is an opportunity to use your skills, experience and perspective to make a meaningful difference in your community.

By volunteering as Vice Chair, you will play an important role in helping shape the future of a genuinely community-rooted and user-led charity, supporting our work to improve inclusion, wellbeing and independence for disabled people, older people, neurodivergent people, and carers.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Make a difference by using your skills and experience to support a charity tackling disadvantage and removing barriers to participation.
• Help shape our future by contributing to Access Dorset’s strategy, priorities and long-term development.
• Use your voice and perspective to help ensure that the organisation continues to reflect the needs and experiences of the community it serves.
• Develop your experience in charity governance, strategic leadership and organisational development, with support from a collaborative Board.
• Build relationships and make connections within the local community and with organisations and businesses that can help Access Dorset develop its work.
• Work alongside a committed team of Trustees, staff and volunteers in a warm, inclusive environment where different perspectives and lived experiences are valued.

For anyone looking to develop their governance experience, this is also an opportunity to learn, contribute and grow alongside an organisation that places its community at the heart of what it does.

Becoming a trustee is a meaningful and fulfilling experience, giving you the chance to influence positive change. You will be joining a friendly, inclusive team that believes in inclusion and values every contribution.

The Time Commitment

For the Vice Chair, the expectation will be 6-8 hours a month reflecting additional involvement between meetings in supporting the Chair and Board. 

 The time commitment will include attending Board meetings, reading papers in advance and contributing to occasional activities, working groups or discussions between meetings. Over the past 12 months the Board has met monthly, reflecting the recent financial and organisational challenges, partnership discussions and work to secure Access Dorset’s future sustainability. Moving forward into 2027, it is expected that Board meetings will reduce to once every two to three months. 

Meetings have been held in person and via teleconference during the daytime. The Board is open to consideration to moving towards evening meetings, to make them more accessible to people who are working or have caring responsibilities. A combination of online and in-person meetings is also likely, with some in-person meetings remaining important to support the accessibility needs of existing Trustees and maintain a strong connection with the Access Dorset community. 

How To Apply

Reach Volunteering’s TrusteeWorks team is supporting Access Dorset with the recruitment of new Trustees We want the application process to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. You do not need to apply using a conventional CV and written application. You can choose the format that best allows you to tell us about yourself and why you are interested in becoming a Trustee.

You could apply using:

• A CV
• Written responses
• A supporting statement or reference from someone who knows you
• A short video
• Your LinkedIn profile, where appropriate
• Or a combination of these

Whatever format you choose, we would like to understand two things:

1. Why would you like to become a Trustee of Access Dorset?
2. What skills, experience, knowledge or perspective would you bring to the Board?

Access Dorset will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates as the campaign progresses, so we encourage you to apply as soon as you are ready rather than waiting until the closing date.

If you would like an informal conversation before applying, please get in touch with the TrusteeWorks team. 

Deadline for applications: Monday 9th of November 2026 by 9am.