Chair of Trustees

Chair of Trustees

Citizens Advice West Surrey | West Surrey | Voluntary

Could you provide the strategic leadership to help shape the future of Citizens Advice services across West Surrey?

We are looking for an experienced and values-driven leader to join Citizens Advice West Surrey as Chair of Trustees. This is an exciting opportunity to help guide a newly established charity through a significant period of change, strengthening local services and ensuring communities continue to receive the advice and support they need.

About Citizens Advice West Surrey

Citizens Advice West Surrey (CAWS) is a new charity being established as the parent organisation for four existing local Citizens Advice charities:

• Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne
• Citizens Advice South West Surrey
• Citizens Advice Surrey Heath
• Citizens Advice Woking

Together, these organisations supported over 24,000 people with more than 91,000 advice issues in 2025/26.

The new group structure will bring these organisations together to create a stronger, more resilient and sustainable future for Citizens Advice services across West Surrey.

As local government, health services and funding arrangements continue to change, we are committed to working collaboratively, strengthening partnerships and ensuring people can access free, independent and impartial advice when they need it most.

About the role

As Chair of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, working closely with fellow Trustees, the Co-Chief Executives and subsidiary organisations to shape the future direction of Citizens Advice West Surrey.

You will play a central role in establishing the new charity, supporting organisational development and ensuring the Board maintains the highest standards of governance, accountability and financial sustainability.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Board of Trustees and supporting effective governance and decision-making.
• Helping shape and deliver the charity's strategic vision and long-term objectives.
• Working closely with the Co-Chief Executives and subsidiary Boards to achieve shared goals.
• Supporting organisational change, collaboration and sustainable growth.
• Ensuring effective oversight of financial performance, risk and regulatory compliance.
• Building strong relationships with local authorities, NHS partners, funders and voluntary sector organisations.
• Championing equality, diversity and inclusion across the organisation.
• Supporting the development of an effective, diverse and high-performing Board.

About you

We are looking for someone who can bring strong leadership, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to making a difference in local communities.

You will bring:

• Experience of strategic leadership and guiding organisations through change or development.
• A good understanding of governance, accountability and effective decision-making.
• Strong communication, relationship-building and influencing skills.
• The ability to support and constructively challenge senior leaders and fellow Trustees.
• Financial awareness and an understanding of organisational sustainability.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• A commitment to the values and purpose of Citizens Advice.

Experience of working with group structures would be beneficial, but is not essential.

Previous experience as a Chair is not required, provided you can demonstrate the leadership qualities, experience and values needed for the role.

We welcome applications from people from under-represented backgrounds and those with lived experience of the challenges facing Citizens Advice clients.

Time commitment and location

This is a voluntary, unpaid position, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

The role requires approximately five days per month, including:

• Around five Board meetings each year.
• Additional subcommittee and stakeholder meetings.
• Occasional staff, volunteer and organisational events.

Board meetings will predominantly take place face-to-face in West Surrey, with some additional meetings held online via Microsoft Teams.

Flexibility to attend daytime meetings is essential.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to help shape a new organisation at a pivotal point in its development.

You will have the chance to influence the future of local advice services, strengthen partnerships across Surrey and help ensure that people facing financial hardship, housing difficulties, employment issues and other challenges can continue to access vital support.

By bringing your leadership and experience to the Board, you will help build a sustainable and inclusive organisation that makes a lasting difference to communities across West Surrey.

How to apply

If you are passionate about supporting local communities and have the leadership skills to help guide Citizens Advice West Surrey into its next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short covering letter explaining your interest in the role to:

Becky Whale

Email:becky.whale@randscab.org.uk

Closing date: 30 November 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with members of the West Surrey Steering Committee. References and a DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

If you would like an informal conversation about the opportunity before applying, please contact Becky using the email address above.