Chair

Job or Trustee?

Job type

Salary

Hours

Closing date

Organisation

Chair of Trustees – Involve North East

Help guide a trusted voice in community insight and drive meaningful change across health, wellbeing and beyond.
We are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board as we enter an exciting new chapter. Our current Chair’s term is coming to an end, and we’re looking for someone who shares our values and ambition for impact.
Who We Are
Involve North East is an independent charity rooted in the region, with almost 30 years’ experience amplifying the voices of communities. We specialise in high-quality qualitative research that helps organisations understand the real experiences of people and use those insights to shape better services.
From patient pathways to women’s health, student wellbeing to autism support - we work where it matters most. In 2024 alone, our services supported the drawdown of over £14 million into the local health economy. We’re proud to be a small organisation with a big impact.
We work with NHS teams, councils, and voluntary sector partners - and increasingly, we’re being asked to bring our people-first approach into new areas like housing, poverty and accessibility. As Chair, you’ll be joining us at a pivotal time of evolution and growth.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a Chair who can offer steady leadership, thoughtful challenge, and a genuine passion for community insight. You’ll:
• Provide clear strategic direction to the Board
• Champion good governance and inclusive leadership
• Support and collaborate closely with the CEO and senior staff
• Guide the organisation as it grows its portfolio and partnerships
• Be an advocate for the power of lived experience in co-producing services
You’ll bring:
• A strong understanding of charity governance
• Experience chairing or leading at Board level
• A collaborative and curious mindset
• Knowledge of health, wellbeing, or related sectors
• Commitment to inclusion, independence, and impact
• Experience of partnership working with the public sector, VCSE or academia would be valuable
We offer:
• Be part of a successful charity, delivering excellence in participatory research
• A rewarding opportunity to lead us through and help us design the next phase of our development
• Work with a dedicated team of people committed to inclusive research
• Expand your networks in the public, charity and health sectors, and beyond

What’s Next?
To learn more about the role or have an informal conversation, please contact:
• AJ White, Chief Executive: AJ@involvene.org.uk
Our current Chair, Lynda Cox, is also happy to speak with potential applicants.
To apply, please send the following to AJ@involvene.org.uk:
• A CV, including two referees (we won’t contact them without your permission)
• A supporting statement outlining your interest and how you meet the criteria
Key Dates:
• Deadline for applications – 30/11/2025
• Informal meetings with candidates – December 2025 / January 2026
• Ratification by Board – 15/01/2026
• Confirmation of appointment – 30/01/2026