Founding Chair of Trustees - Volunteer - #195209

The Amara Centre is seeking a Founding Chair of Trustees to help shape a new UK-based organisation improving access to cancer care and support for people affected by cancer in Ghana. Bring your leadership and governance experience to help build a charity with purpose and lasting impact.

What difference will you make?

As Founding Chair of Trustees, your contribution will help establish the strong foundations that will shape The Amara Centre’s future.

At this early stage, the organisation’s success will depend on creating effective governance, a clear strategic direction and a Board culture built on integrity, collaboration and accountability. Your leadership will help ensure that The Amara Centre develops in a thoughtful and sustainable way as it grows.

You will help guide important early decisions around governance, partnerships, fundraising, organisational development and long-term planning. Your experience and perspective will support the Board in building an organisation that is trusted by people affected by cancer, supporters, healthcare partners and wider stakeholders.

By helping to establish strong leadership structures from the beginning, you will contribute directly to The Amara Centre’s ability to provide meaningful support, amplify the voices of people affected by cancer, and work towards improving access to cancer care and support in Ghana.

This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by helping shape not only what The Amara Centre does, but how it operates and the values that guide it as it develops.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an individual who shares The Amara Centre’s commitment to improving access to cancer care and support for people affected by cancer in Ghana.

The ideal candidate will bring leadership experience, sound judgement and the ability to help guide a new organisation through its early stages of development. Previous experience as a charity trustee, board member, senior leader or in a governance role would be highly valuable, although we welcome applications from people who can demonstrate relevant transferable experience.

The most important qualities we are looking for are

Strategic leadership – The ability to think beyond immediate challenges, contribute to long-term planning and help shape the future direction of The Amara Centre.

Governance understanding – An appreciation of the responsibilities of trustees and the importance of accountability, transparency and effective decision-making.

Collaborative approach – The ability to work positively with the Founder and fellow trustees, encouraging discussion while providing constructive challenge when needed.

Commitment to our mission – A genuine interest in improving cancer care and support, reducing barriers faced by people affected by cancer, and helping create a more compassionate and accessible care experience.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be particularly beneficial

• Charity leadership or governance
• Healthcare or public health
• Cancer care, patient support or advocacy
• Strategic planning and organisational development
• Fundraising and partnership development
• Finance, legal or risk management
• Communications and stakeholder engagement
  
  

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals with a connection to Ghana, whether through personal heritage, professional experience, healthcare, community involvement or other meaningful links. Understanding the context in which people affected by cancer in Ghana experience care will be valuable to the Board.

We also value lived experience. Individuals who have personal experience of cancer, or experience supporting a family member or loved one affected by cancer, are encouraged to apply if they feel able to contribute this perspective.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is passionate about helping build a new organisation with strong values, thoughtful governance and a commitment to making a lasting difference.

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What will you be doing?

The Amara Centre is establishing its founding Board of Trustees and is seeking a Chair who can help shape the organisation during this important early stage of development.

As Founding Chair, you will play a central role in helping establish an effective and forward-looking Board, working closely with the Founder and fellow trustees to create the governance framework, culture and strategic direction that will guide The Amara Centre as it grows.

This is an exciting opportunity to help build a new organisation from the beginning. Our current focus is on developing strong foundations, establishing effective systems and preparing The Amara Centre to deliver meaningful support for people affected by cancer in Ghana.

Over the coming years, the Board will help guide important areas of development, including strengthening partnerships, developing sustainable fundraising approaches, supporting the delivery of practical cancer support programmes, and ensuring that the voices and experiences of people affected by cancer remain central to our work.

The Founding Chair will help create a positive and collaborative board culture, support effective decision-making, and provide leadership as the organisation moves from establishment into growth.

As a newly forming organisation, this role offers the opportunity to have a significant influence on how The Amara Centre develops. The Chair will not simply be joining an existing structure; they will be helping to create one.

We are building a Board that values thoughtful discussion, constructive challenge and shared commitment to improving cancer care and support. The founding trustees will work together to establish the standards and approach that will shape The Amara Centre’s future.

This role is particularly important because the early decisions we make will influence the organisation’s ability to build trust, develop partnerships and create lasting impact for people affected by cancer in Ghana.