Trustee

Chair of Trustees

Pursuing Independent Paths (PiP) | London | Voluntary

Could you use your leadership experience to help adults with learning disabilities and autism live more independent and fulfilling lives?

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Chair of Trustees to help guide Pursuing Independent Paths (PiP) through its next stage of development. This is an exciting opportunity to provide strategic leadership to a well-established charity, helping to shape its future and create more opportunities for the people it supports.

About Pursuing Independent Paths

Pursuing Independent Paths (PiP) is a London-based charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism to achieve their potential, develop independence and live life on their own terms.

Established in 1983, PiP has over 40 years of experience providing person-centred support. Today, the charity works with around 100 adults each year, helping them develop confidence, build friendships, learn new skills and access opportunities within their communities.

From its centre on Kensal Road, PiP delivers programmes across four key areas: Creative and Performing Arts, Employability, Health and Wellbeing, and Independent Living Skills.

The charity also runs community initiatives, including vocational training enterprises, the Fruitful Café and Gig Buddies, helping people build meaningful connections and develop practical skills.

With a strong financial position, an experienced leadership team and an established Board, PiP is looking to build on its success and expand its impact.

About the role

As Chair of Trustees, you will provide leadership to the Board, working closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Trustees to shape the charity's strategic direction and ensure effective governance.

You will play a key role in supporting PiP's continued development, strengthening its services and ensuring the voices of the people it supports remain central to decision-making.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Board of Trustees and ensuring effective governance and decision-making.
• Helping shape and oversee the charity's strategic direction and long-term objectives.
• Working closely with the Chief Executive to provide support, guidance and constructive challenge.
• Ensuring the charity meets its legal, regulatory and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Overseeing financial performance, organisational sustainability and risk.
• Supporting the development of a collaborative, effective and diverse Board.
• Championing the involvement of students in shaping the charity's services and future plans.
• Helping identify opportunities to develop services and reach more people.

About you

We are looking for a confident and collaborative leader who shares PiP's commitment to improving opportunities for adults with learning disabilities and autism.

You will bring:

• Previous experience serving as a Trustee on a charity Board.
• Experience of chairing a Board or committee.
• Strong strategic leadership skills and experience overseeing organisational development.
• An understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities of Trustees.
• The ability to understand and scrutinise financial information.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The confidence to support and constructively challenge senior leadership.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• A genuine interest in PiP's work and person-centred approach.

It would also be beneficial to have:

• Experience of working or volunteering in the charity or voluntary sector.
• An understanding of the challenges facing small and medium-sized charities.
• Knowledge of charity and local authority funding.

Time commitment and location

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

The role requires approximately one day per month, with flexibility to contribute both remotely and in person.

Board meetings take place four to six times per year, usually lasting around two hours in the early evening at PiP's centre on Kensal Road, London.

The Chair will also usually attend the Finance Subcommittee and may contribute to working groups covering areas such as strategic development and risk management.

There are opportunities to attend charity events, meet students and engage with the wider PiP community.

Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, with the opportunity to serve a second term.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of a charity that has been making a difference for over 40 years.

You will join a committed and experienced Board, working alongside a skilled leadership team to support PiP's continued growth and development.

Your leadership will help ensure that adults with learning disabilities and autism have greater opportunities to develop their independence, make their own choices and live fulfilling lives.

How to apply

If you have the leadership experience, strategic vision and commitment to help PiP achieve its ambitions, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages, outlining your interest in the role and why you would be a strong fit for PiP.

Email:DeniseL@piponline.org.uk

Contact: Denise Largin, Chief Executive

If you would like an informal conversation or to arrange a visit before applying, please contact Denise using the email address above.

Interviews are expected to take place during the weeks commencing 30 November and 7 December 2026.