Chair of the Board of Trustees Vacancy
Help shape the future of mental health support in South East and Central Essex
South East and Central Essex Mind is seeking an inspiring, compassionate and experienced Chair to lead our Board of Trustees.
This is an opportunity to use your leadership experience to make a meaningful difference. You will help guide a charity that supports people experiencing poor mental health, strengthens wellbeing and works to reduce stigma across our local communities.
The decisions made by our Board affect real lives. As Chair, you will help ensure those decisions are thoughtful, responsible and always grounded in the needs of the people and communities we serve.
About SECE Mind
South East and Central Essex Mind is an independent local mental health charity serving communities across Chelmsford, Castle Point, Rochford and Southend.
Our mission is to provide support and empower people living with poor mental health. Through our services, partnerships and community work, we help people find support, prevent crisis and move towards better mental wellbeing.
This appointment comes at an important point in our story. We have an outstanding and passionate CEO, a committed team and an opportunity to build on our foundations while increasing our reach and impact.
The Opportunity
As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board and help create the conditions in which our trustees, CEO and wider organisation can succeed.
You will work closely with the CEO while maintaining the independence and oversight expected of the Board. You will encourage constructive discussion, support effective decision-making and ensure trustees remain focused on SECE Mind’s purpose, values and long-term sustainability.
This is a chance to bring your knowledge, judgement and experience to a cause that matters and to help ensure that people across South East and Central Essex can access understanding and support when they need it.
Key Responsibilities
The Chair will:
Lead the Board of Trustees and support it in fulfilling its governance responsibilities
Chair effective, inclusive and well-focused Board meetings
Work with trustees and the executive team to shape and oversee the charity’s long-term strategy
Build a strong, open and constructive relationship between the Board and the CEO
Support and appropriately challenge the CEO and executive team
Monitor organisational performance against agreed objectives
Promote accountability, transparency and high ethical standards
Help the Board understand and oversee significant risks and opportunities
Ensure the charity meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities
Build positive relationships with partners and other key stakeholders
Support succession planning and the continuing development of the Board
Champion SECE Mind’s mission, values and commitment to the communities it serves
Who we are looking for
We are looking for someone who combines sound judgement with warmth, integrity and a genuine commitment to mental health.
You may already have experience as a charity Chair or trustee, or you may have held a senior leadership or governance position in another setting. Most importantly, you will understand how to lead collaboratively, bring out the best in others and keep an organisation focused on its purpose.
You are likely to bring:
Senior leadership or Board-level experience
A strong understanding of effective governance
Strategic thinking and confident decision-making
The ability to support, challenge and build trusted relationships
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
A collaborative and inclusive leadership style
High standards of integrity, accountability and professional ethics
A willingness to listen to different perspectives and encourage open discussion
A genuine commitment to SECE Mind’s mission and values
Knowledge of mental health, charity governance or the communities of South East and Central Essex would be valuable. We also welcome relevant experience gained in the public, private or voluntary sectors.
Role details
Role: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Location and meeting arrangements: Chelmsford, Southend and hybrid
Time commitment: Approx 8 hours a month
Term of appointment: 3 years
Remuneration and expenses: Non remunerated
Closing date: 12am 1st November 2026
Interview dates: November 2026
How to apply
Please send us:
Your current CV
A covering letter explaining why you believe you would be a good choice for Chair and what has motivated you to apply
Your covering letter should also highlight the experience, skills and perspective you would bring to the Board.
Please send your application to hello@secemind.org.uk by 12pm on 1st November 2026, using the subject line “Chair application”.
After the closing date, applications will be reviewed against the requirements of the role. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted with details of the next stage.
If you would value an informal and confidential conversation before applying, please contact Dr David Sollis, david.sollis@secemind.org.uk.
An inclusive appointment
SECE Mind values different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives. We want our leadership to understand and reflect the communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people who share our commitment to inclusion and better mental health for all.
Strong governance makes strong services possible. By becoming Chair of SECE Mind, you can help create an organisation that is resilient, ambitious and ready to support more people across our community.
If you are ready to use your leadership to make a lasting difference, we would be delighted to hear from you.