Position Description

Role Overview and Responsibilities 

The Chair of SLOW is entrusted with the vital task of leading the Board of Trustees and its Director to ensure it fulfils its legal and governance responsibilities while remaining true to the mission and values of the charity.

This is an exciting opportunity for an engaged individual to come into SLOW and utilise their extensive charity governance experience to help the charity on its strategic journey. As the Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in guiding and further developing the charity’s strategic direction and acting as an ambassador for the organisation. The Chair will be required to lead the Board to consensus-based decisions, as well as provide strategic and critical support to its Director. The Chair will ensure that the organisation continues to fulfil its objectives and work towards its goals and mission, while also promoting the highest standards of charity governance. The Chair reports to the Board of Trustees.

In this role, the Chair will be expected to fulfil the following responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership 

• Guide SLOW and its Board of Trustees to maximise impact in support for its members.
• Ensure Trustees fulfil their governance duties effectively.
• Oversee that the Board of Trustees operates exclusively within its charitable objectives and provides clear strategic direction.
• Facilitate regular review of major risks and opportunities, with systems in place for mitigation.
• Uphold sound financial health and accountability for the charity.

Governance 

• Ensure governance arrangements are effective and appropriate for the charity’s needs.
• Promote continuous development of the Board of Trustees’ knowledge and capabilities.
• Ensure the Board of Trustees maintains a balanced mix of skills, experience, and representation from the wider community.
• Operate within agreed policies adopted by SLOW.

External Relations 

• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the cause and SLOW.
• Represent SLOW at external functions, meetings, and events.
• Build and maintain key relationships with external stakeholders, including funders, government bodies and partners.

Efficiency and Effectiveness 

• Chair Board of Trustee meetings impartially and efficiently, ensuring objectivity in decision-making.
• Engage Trustees fully and encourage collective ownership of decisions.
• Foster constructive relationships between Trustees, Director and staff through a culture of open communication, collaboration and mutual respect.
• Collaborate with the Director to guide policymaking and ensure meetings are purposeful and well-planned.
• Monitor the implementation of the Board of Trustees’ decisions.

Relationship with the Director 

• Develop a strong and constructive working relationship with the Director, providing appropriate support and oversight.
• Support the Director’s professional development and ensure access to external professional support.
• Conduct annual appraisals and remuneration reviews for the Director in partnership with other Trustees.
• Maintain open, supportive communication channels for discussing challenges and concerns.
• Maintain oversight of SLOW’s affairs, in liaison with the Director.

The responsibilities listed are indicative, and the Chair is expected to undertake additional duties as reasonably required to fulfil the role.

Selection Criteria

Candidate Specification 

We are looking for a candidate who can demonstrate the following:

• A strong and visible passion and commitment to SLOW’s vision, mission and values in providing unique, impactful bereavement support following the death of a child.
• A convincing understanding of the nature of parents’ and/or siblings’ needs in bereavement – preferably, but not essentially, gained through lived experience.
• Experience operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation – capable of leading a Board and supporting an executive team to develop and deliver a strategic plan
• Excellent inter-personal and relationship-building abilities, comfortable in an ambassadorial role representing SLOW both internally and externally.
• The ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy, with a focus on listening and engaging constructively with diverse stakeholders, in what can sometimes be difficult or sensitive circumstances.
• The ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment across the organisation.

Desirable but not essential:

• Strong networking capabilities that can be leveraged for the benefit of SLOW.
• Experience in charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees.
• Experience chairing meetings effectively, ensuring that business is carried out to conclusion and that all voices are heard, and opinions considered.
• Expertise in financial and risk management and a broad understanding of charity finance and related issues.
• A thorough understanding of good charity governance and compliance requirements.

Term and Time Commitment 

The Chair, along with other Trustees, will serve a three-year term and may be re-appointed for additional terms by the Board of Trustees, up to a maximum of four terms (total 12 years).

The role does not carry financial remuneration, however reasonable expenses for travel may be reimbursed, in line with SLOW’s expenses policy.

As a small charity, this is a hands-on, actively engaged role in supporting the executive team and line-managing the Director, as well as chairing the Board of Trustees and attending sub-committees of the Board as appropriate. The workload varies and is in the order of 2-3 days per month. The below is an indication of how the Chair may spend their time:

• Board Meetings: Quarterly, 2-hour board meetings, currently alternating in-person meetings in Islington, North London and virtually via Teams.
• Strategy Awayday: 1 day per year.
• Attendance at Sub-Committee Meetings: Quarterly, 1 hour, virtually via Teams.
• Line management of SLOW’s Director: 1:1 calls, at least one hour per month, and ad hoc as required.
• Attendance at internal or external events to represent SLOW occasionally.

How to Apply

Application Process 

Please apply by sending a CV and covering letter of no more than two A4 pages describing your interest in, and suitability for, this role to recruitment@slowgroup.co.uk by midnight on 24 April 2026.

We aim to contact shortlisted candidates during the final week of April. There will then be two rounds of interview with members of the Board of Trustees, with those successful after the first round being invited to the second. Interviews will be in person or via video conferencing, as the situation allows. Those through to second round will also be invited to meet with the Charity Director.

Appointment in this role is subject to a satisfactory DBS and reference checks.

Formal appointment will be made by the Board at its meeting on 9 June 2026, which the successful candidate will be expected to attend in person (in Islington, North London).

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a Board of Trustees that reflects the diversity of the communities we work with and support. We believe that a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthens our governance and enhances our ability to make well-informed decisions.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and communities – particularly those who are currently underrepresented in charity leadership, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those with lived experience relevant to our work. We particularly encourage applications from people who have an interest in and understanding of bereavement and mental health.