Chair

Chair Candidate PackWomen’s Aid Luton February 2026Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair at Women’s Aid in Luton. We aregrateful that you are considering contributing your time, skills, and leadership toour charity at such an important moment.Women’s Aid Luton works to support women and children affected by domesticabuse, helping them to find safety, rebuild their lives, and move forward withdignity and confidence. Our services are rooted in compassion, empowerment,and a deep understanding of the complex barriers faced by survivors of abuse.We work closely with our local community and partners to ensure that those whoneed us most are not left to face these challenges alone. The impact of domesticabuse can be devastating and long-lasting, affecting not only individuals butfamilies and communities as a whole. Demand for our services continues to grow, while the wider context for charitiesand particularly those supporting vulnerable women and children, remainschallenging. Strong, thoughtful governance is therefore more important than ever.The Board plays a vital role in providing strategic leadership, supporting the staffand volunteers, and ensuring that Women’s Aid Luton remains sustainable,resilient, and true to its mission. As Chair, you would help guide the organisationthrough both present challenges and future opportunities, shaping our directionand strengthening our impact for years to come.We see the Board as part of a wider community of people who care deeply aboutending domestic abuse and supporting survivors. We welcome you to bring yourexperience, insight, and values to Women’s Aid Luton and to join us in thismeaningful and rewarding work.Dear potential candidate,Tahera Aanchawan,Chair, WALAbout usWomen’s Aid Luton (WAL) is a a specialist organisation run by women forwomen and children. It was one of the first refuges established in England over50 years ago, and in the early years one refuge housed up to 10 families. We have now grown to five homes that can accommodate up to 24 women and21 children fleeing domestic abuse, as well as providing a telephone helplineand early intervention and community work.Our Vision is for all women exposed to gender-based violence and exploitation,and their children, to be safe and have access to appropriate intervention,support and advice in order to live free from fear and harm.Federation and PartnersWomen’s Aid was founded in 1974, or as we were then known, the NationalWomen’s Aid Federation. We brought together nearly 40 independent refugeservices and for the first time created a national network, which enabled womenand children experiencing violence and fear in the home to travel across thecountry to a place of safety. We also started to campaign for new laws andpolicies to protect women and children living with domestic abuse.Our roots are in the women’s rights’ movement, and the organisation is run bywomen for abused women and their children. We are proud to have been at theforefront of key achievements that have increased legal protection for survivorsand we have also raised public awareness of domestic violence and the sexism issociety that means that such abuse is minimised, ignored or misunderstood.What do we do at WAL?At Women’s Aid Luton, we believe that every woman and child we support ismore than their experience of abuse. Our approach is holistic, recognising thatsafety, healing, and empowerment are all interconnected. We don’t justrespond to crisis — we work with the whole person, understanding theiremotional, practical, social, and long-term needs.Our work is person-centred, meaning that each individual’s voice, choices, andgoals guide the support we provide. We take time to listen and to build trust,ensuring that every plan and pathway is shaped around what matters most tothe person themselves.We are also proud to take an asset-based approach, focusing on strengthsrather than deficits. We recognise and build upon the resilience, skills, andpotential that each survivor already holds, helping them to rediscoverconfidence, independence, and hope for the future.This approach is what makes us different. It underpins everything we do, fromfrontline support to partnership working and community engagement, ensuringthat our services truly empower women and children to rebuild their lives.“ I am very thankful for the support and for help during my darkest days. I amstarting to believe that I can be happy again.. “Zainab was living with her abusive husband and had attempted to leaveseveral times but was always persuaded to return by her family. Sheexperienced physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and had no access tomoney. A parent at her child’s school quietly gave her our helplinenumber. Zainab secretly purchased a phone and contacted us over thecourse of a week while walking her child to school.Over several calls, we:Helped her develop a safety planSecured safe accommodation in our refugeMade a referral to social servicesLiaised with schools and safeguarding professionalsSupported her to access legal aid and report the abuse to the policeZainab and her children are now safe in refuge and receiving the supportthey need.Please note: Zainab is not her real nameZainab’s StoryLead our next chapterWhy join us as Chair?Becoming Chair of Women’s Aid Luton is an opportunity to provide leadershipthat makes a meaningful difference to the lives of women and children affectedby domestic abuse. This is a pivotal role within a mission-driven charity, at atime when strong, compassionate governance is more important than ever.As Chair, you will help guide the organisation’s strategic direction, support theChief Executive and Board, and ensure Women’s Aid in Luton remains resilient,sustainable, and true to its values. You will play a key role in shaping thecharity’s future and championing its work within the local community.If you are inspired by the opportunity to support survivors, strengthen anessential local service, and help create lasting change, we would love to hearfrom you. Join us in shaping the next chapter of Women’s Aid in Luton.About the Chair RoleRole SummaryThe role of the Chair is to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees.  TheChair’s aim is to enable the board to fulfil their responsibilities for the overallgovernance and strategic direction of the organisation. The Chair will ensure that theorganisation complies with its governing document and any other relevant legislation orregulations and make sure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in itsconstitution. The Chair's role is to work in partnership with the Board of Management,supporting them to achieve their vision for the organisation.ObjectiveAll trustees are collectively responsible for the decisions and management of the charityand are jointly and severally liable for their actions; the Chair will hold the Board andExecutive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusiveleadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties andresponsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also supportthe Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely withthe entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives, developing and agreeingstrategic development of the charity and applying in day- to-day operations. They willact as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the ChiefExecutive. The Chair will lead trustee discussions on the manner in which the charitycontinues to provide public benefit and how such provision is monitored by the board.Principal Responsibilities Strategic leadershipProvide constructive leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charityhas maximum impact for its beneficiariesEnsure Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance ofthe CharityEnsure the Board operates within its charitable objectives and provides a clearstrategic direction for the CharityEnsure the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities,and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities andmanage and mitigate the risksEnsure the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity,with systems in place to ensure financial accountabilityAbout the role continuedGovernanceEnsure the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for theCharityEncourage positive change where appropriate and address and resolve any conflictswithin the Board of TrusteesEnsure the performance of the Board as a whole, and Trustees individually isreviewed on an annual basisLead on board developmentMaintain the trustees’ commitment to board renewal, and ensuring the Board ofTrustees incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience neededto govern and lead the charity effectively and which also reflects the widerpopulationDrive trustee recruitment and succession planningWork within any agreed policies adopted by the charityExternal RelationsAct as an ambassador for the charityAct as a spokesperson for the organisation when appropriateRepresent the charity at external functions, meetings and eventsFacilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholdersEfficiency and EffectivenessChair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringingimpartiality and objectivity to the decision-making processEnsure Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-terminterests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownershipFoster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and betweenthe TrusteesWork closely with the Chief Executive to give direction to Board policymaking and toensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities oftrusteesPlan the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required,for example annual general meetingMonitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented and take the casting votewhere necessary and required.About the role continuedRelationship with the Chief Executive and the Wider Management TeamEstablish and build a strong, effective and constructive working relationship with theChief Executive, ensuring she is held to account for achieving agreed strategicobjectivesSupport the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist betweenthe two rolesEnsure regular contact with the Chief Executive and develop and maintain an openand supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns,worries and challengesConduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the Chief Executive inconsultation with other Trustees where appropriateEnsure the Chief Executive has the opportunity for professional development and hasappropriate external professional supportAdditional InformationThe above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair will be expected toperform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. TheVice Chair acts for the Chair when the Chair is not available and undertakes assignmentsat the request of the Chair.Remuneration: The position of Chair is voluntary and not accompanied by any financialremuneration, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.Location: Remote - but willing to attend the Luton based office 2-3 times per yearTime commitment:4 Board meetings per year, quarterly sub committees and annual Strategy Session. Additionally, the Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with the ChiefExecutive and also represent the Charity at occasional events and meetings with keystakeholders.Terms of Appointment: The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can beextended for one further term for a maximum of six years.About youEXPERIENCE An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level  An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board ofTrusteesAn ability to network with both internal and external stakeholdersSensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issuesSignificant experience and success in leading groups of people in either aprofessional or voluntary capacity to achieve results. Experience of chairing meetings. Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people. Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with aview to maximising impact and benefit. Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity financeissuesSKILLS AND ABILITIES Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but alsocomfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices. Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision andengage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally. Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities. Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection. Capacity to support both Board and Executive development. An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the CharityATTRIBUTES Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfiltheir respective responsibilities. A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills. Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectivelyAbility to commit time to conduct the role wellhow to applyPotential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation aboutthe role, if you would like to speak to one of our trustees please email:Tahera Aanchawan, Chair: tahera@womensaidinluton.org To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter stating whyyou wish to join the organisation and how your skills and experience wouldadd value to the board. Please apply via the Reach Volunteering website - any questions pleasecontact us. Applications will be accepted until 9am Monday 9th March 2026.Thank you forconsidering supportingWomen’s Aid Luton asChairWomen’s Aid in Luton is a CharitableIncorporated Organisation.Registered Charity No.1160555.Our registered office address is:32 – 42 Duke Street Luton Beds LU2 0HHTel: 01582 876636.