Committee vacancies

Chair of Sustainable Wychwoods

About the Role

We are looking for a friendly, committed and community-minded Chair to help lead and support our group.

The Chair plays an important role in bringing people together, helping the committee work as a team and making sure everyone has an opportunity to have their say. You will help the group stay focused on what matters to the community, while supporting volunteers to share their skills, ideas and time.

This is a **voluntary, team-based role**. You will not be expected to do everything yourself or make all the decisions. Instead, you will help create a supportive environment where committee members and volunteers can work together, make decisions collectively and enjoy being part of the group.

If you care about your local community, enjoy bringing people together and feel comfortable helping a team move forward, we would love to hear from you.

What You’ll Be Doing

Bringing People Together

* Chair regular committee and general meetings in a friendly, fair and inclusive way.

* Help meetings run smoothly and ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute.

* Encourage quieter voices to be heard and ensure that no one person dominates the discussion.

* Help the committee have positive and constructive conversations, even when people have different views.

* Make sure meetings stay focused while allowing time for discussion and ideas.

* Help the committee reach clear, shared decisions and agree who will take actions forward.

* Help create an atmosphere where volunteers feel valued, listened to and supported.

Supporting the Committee and Volunteers

* Encourage committee members and volunteers to get involved in ways that suit their skills, interests and availability.

* Help people feel confident about contributing and taking on responsibilities.

* Encourage the committee to share tasks rather than relying on one or two people.

* Recognise and appreciate the contributions made by volunteers.

* Help build a friendly, respectful and supportive team.

* Encourage new people to become involved and help them feel welcome.

* Support the committee when challenges arise and help find positive, practical solutions.

Keeping the Bigger Picture in Mind

* Help the committee stay focused on the group’s aims and the needs of the local community.

* Encourage the group to think about what it wants to achieve and how it can make a positive difference.

* Support the committee in planning activities and priorities for the year ahead.

* Encourage the group to regularly reflect on its activities — what went well, what could be improved and what the community needs next.

* Help make sure that the group’s activities continue to be meaningful, inclusive and relevant.

Connecting with the Community

* Be a friendly and approachable representative of the group.

* Help build positive relationships with local residents, community groups, councils, voluntary groups and other organisations.

* Attend community meetings, events and activities where appropriate.

* Help raise awareness of the group and encourage people to get involved.

* Listen to feedback, ideas and concerns from the community and bring these back to the committee.

* Help identify opportunities for the group to work with others and strengthen its community impact.

Skills and Experience

You do not need to have been a Chair before. We are more interested in your willingness to get involved, support others and help the group move forward.

You will ideally have:

* Good communication and people skills.

* The ability to listen to different views and encourage respectful discussion.

* Confidence speaking in front of a group and helping meetings stay on track.

* Good organisation and time-management skills.

* The ability to encourage and motivate volunteers.

* A collaborative approach to decision-making.

* Good judgement and the ability to handle different opinions positively.

* The ability to build good relationships with a wide range of people.

* Confidence communicating with community partners and external groups.

* Basic digital skills, including using email and online meeting tools.

* A willingness to learn and ask for help when needed.

Experience That Would Be Helpful

The following experience would be useful but is **not essential**:

* Previous experience chairing meetings or leading a group.

* Experience volunteering in a community or voluntary setting.

* Experience as a committee member or trustee.

* Experience working with local community groups or residents.

* Experience organising community activities or events.

* Experience working with councils or other local partners.

* Experience supporting or coordinating volunteers.

The Person We’re Looking For

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who:

* Cares about the local community.

* Enjoys bringing people together.

* Is friendly, approachable and a good listener.

* Values the contribution of volunteers.

* Is respectful of different opinions, backgrounds and experiences.

* Can encourage others without taking over.

* Is dependable and willing to give their time.

* Is positive, practical and willing to get involved.

* Can help people feel included and valued.

* Believes that good community work is something we achieve **together**.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role. The time commitment will include attending and chairing regular committee meetings, preparing for meetings and occasionally representing the group at community meetings or events.

We understand that volunteers have other commitments, and the exact time commitment will be discussed and agreed with the committee.

Why Volunteer as Chair?

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in your community, meet new people and help shape activities that make a positive difference.

You will be joining a team of volunteers who share a commitment to the group and its community. You will have the opportunity to bring your own ideas and experience, while also helping others develop their confidence and get involved.

Please express your interest here and we'll be in touch.