Volunteer Chairperson required for a small charity with big ambitions! | Hastings and Rother Furniture Service - #151540

At the heart of everything we do at HFS is a belief that everyone deserves a decent home. We put beds in bedrooms, cookers in kitchens, and dignity in households not just by reusing furniture, but by restoring lives.

What difference will you make?

Being a Chair isn’t always easy, and the role is unpaid—but it can be incredibly fulfilling. You’ll have the chance to grow both personally and professionally, discovering new ideas, networks, and insights along the way. Our trustees hold ultimate responsibility for the charity and play a vital role in shaping HFS’s future. As Chair, you’ll bring your energy and expertise to guide that process—and in doing so, help drive forward our mission to support communities, tackle poverty, rebuild lives, and protect the planet. This is a real opportunity to make a lasting impact while gaining experience that’s as valuable as it is inspiring.

What are we looking for?

Principal responsibilities Strategic leadership Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for the Charity Governance Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees Encourage positive change where appropriate. Address and resolve any conflicts within the Board Efficiency and effectiveness Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees Work closely with the Chief Executive to give direction to Board policy-making and to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of trustees Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented Relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider management team Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives Support the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles Ensure regular contact with the Chief Executive and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges Liaise with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary

What will you be doing?

HFS is seeking a dynamic and empathetic individual to lead its Board of Trustees as Chair—bringing strategic insight, inclusive leadership, and a commitment to community transformation. Hastings and Rother Furniture Service (HFS) is a local independent charity that has been tackling furniture poverty across Hastings and Rother since 1988. Our mission is to alleviate poverty by providing low-cost, quality reused furniture and electrical goods to low-income households — helping people to create safe, comfortable homes while reducing waste and protecting the environment. We support individuals and families facing financial hardship, offering practical help through low cost 2nd hand furniture and essential household goods.. In doing so, we also divert significant volumes of usable items from landfill, promote reuse, and reduce CO₂ emissions — creating real social and environmental impact. HFS is a vital bridge between community generosity and local need, helping people across Hastings and Rother rebuild their lives with dignity. As Chair, you’ll Provide strategic direction and inclusive leadership to a committed board Work closely with the Chief Executive to shape meaningful policy and purpose Strengthen governance while championing innovation and impact Represent HFS with passion and integrity across community, funder and stakeholder networks Time commitment Around six board meetings per year, plus regular support to the CEO and occasional ambassadorial roles. We’re especially keen to hear from people who bring lived experience, strategic thinking, and a strong belief in equity and sustainability. Join us in driving forward a charity that’s practical, principled, and proud of the difference it makes. For more information and the application pack please contact us.