Chair of Trustees (volunteer role)
- Posted by Bradford City of Sanctuary (BCoS) on 9th February 2026
- Voluntary
- Part time
- Bradford
Established in 2008 and registered as a charity (CIO) in 2015, we are part of the national City of Sanctuary movement which numbers nearly 100 groups. In 2010 Bradford was one of the first cities to be nationally recognised as a ‘City of Sanctuary’; in 2021 Bradford Council achieved the Local Authority of Sanctuary Award.
We work with local groups and organisations, large and small, as well as many inspiring individuals to ensure that people seeking sanctuary can access local services that recognise and understand their needs, and to meaningfully participate in all aspects of the life of the city. We have excellent and long-established relationships across the city (see here). Critically, all our work is informed by our Advisory Group of people with lived experience of the refugee journey. We employ a small team of three outstanding and dedicated staff: our Director, our Schools and Colleges Project Coordinator and our Administration & Communications Officer. Each is part time.
We have an experienced, capable and harmonious trustee board with a diversity of relevant skills and experience. After 17 years, our founding Chair is due to retire in Spring 2026 and so we are seeking a successor to take forward our work, in close collaboration with the Director, staff and trustees. The board currently meets quarterly, with subgroup meetings in between.
At a time of rising tensions across the UK, fuelled by misinformation and distorted ‘truths’, the need for our work is greater than ever.
Role Description
Key Responsibilities of the Chair
- Strategic Leadership
- Lead the trustees in steering BCoS’s strategic direction in line with our charitable objects.
- Ensure BCoS remains alert to relevant risks and opportunities affecting our work.
- Governance and Compliance
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including charity, employment, and – in collaboration with the Treasurer – financial legislation.
- Ensure that the board monitors financial health and sustainability of the charity.
- Contribute to high-level financial planning and risk management discussions.
- Oversee policy review and development (with one trustee taking the lead on this).
- Board Development and Diversity
- Regularly review board composition, knowledge and capacity, ensuring timely trustee recruitment.
- Work to ensure the trustee board reflects a diversity of perspectives, including actively seeking, recruiting and supporting trustees with relevant lived experience to strengthen the board’s insight and decision-making.
- Facilitate regular board evaluation, ensuring that trustees are effective in their roles and supported in their development.
- Support induction and ongoing training of new trustees.
- Director Oversight and Support
- Provide line management and an annual appraisal of the Director, fostering a strong, effective, and harmonious working relationship.
- Negotiate and respect boundaries between the Chair and Director’s roles.
- Trustee and Staff Relationships
- Foster and maintain positive relationships between staff and trustees.
- Work with the Director to schedule and plan trustee meetings, ensuring the exchange of relevant information between trustees and staff..
- Additionalinformation
The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair of the Board will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role.
How to Apply
- Download the full Role Description and Person Specification at: https://bradford.cityofsanctuary.org/vacancies
- Applications should include an up-to-date CV; an expression of interest demonstrating how you meet the key elements of the Role Description and Person Specification; contact details of two referees who are able to comment on your ability to carry out this role. Please email these to chair@bradford.cityofsanctuary.org
- Deadline for applications: 9am on Monday 2nd March
- Interview date: Wednesday 11th March (pm) at Touchstone (see address in footer)
- For more information or an informal chat, please call Tina Brocklebank, BCoS Director, on 074299 82634 (Please note that Tina works part time and may not be able to respond immediately)
Job Details
- Hours: 2-3 per month - 0.5 hours per week
- Closing Date: 02/03/2026
- Payment Schedule: Other
- Job Salary: Voluntary
- Contact Name: Will Sutcliffe
- Contact Email: chair@bradford.cityofsanctuary.org
- Phone Number: 07505 053149
- Interview Date: 11/03/2026
Supporting Documents
About Bradford City of Sanctuary (BCoS)
Established in 2008 and registered as a charity (CIO) in 2015, BCoS is part of the national City of Sanctuary movement, which includes over 100 groups across the UK. We work with local organisations, groups, and inspiring individuals to ensure that people seeking sanctuary can access services that recognize and understand their needs and participate fully in the life of the city.
All our work is informed by our Advisory Group of people with lived experience of the refugee journey and supported by committed volunteers. We employ a small, dedicated team of three part-time staff: our Director, our Schools and Colleges Project Coordinator and our Administration & Communications Officer.
- c/o Touchstone Centre, 4 Easby Rd, Bradford BD7 1QX
- Website (opens in new tab)
