Description

Are you passionate about making a difference? Do you believe in standing up for justice and equality? Abused Men in Scotland (AMIS) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to serve as the Chair of the Board of Management and Trustees. This is an exciting time to join AMIS with the opportunity to lead the charity through a new and interesting phase of development.

Founded in 2010, AMIS provides Scotland’s only national specialist helpline, involving longer-term casework if needed, for men experiencing domestic or partner abuse. We support individuals aged 16+ who identify as men, and anyone with concerns about such men. AMIS also provides training for other services wishing to learn more about supporting male victims, and engages with policy makers to highlight the need for support provision for all victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Scotland.

About AMIS

AMIS currently employs seven members of staff (5.25FTE)
We are pleased to report that recently secured funding from the Tudor Trust, National Lottery Community Fund, and the Scottish Government’s Victim at the Centre Fund has effectively tripled AMIS’s staffing, and potential impact, for the next two years. We will therefore have greater stability, increased capacity and new services to better support those who need our help.

As an expanding organisation we have engaged with the Cranfield Trust to help us bring additional skills and expertise to the board; building our team to meet the demands of our new situation.

Ths is an exciting time for a new Chair to help build and lead a committed team, and guide our new projects to maximise the very real difference AMIS can make to the lives of men across Scotland who experience domesic or partner abuse, and to their families.

Further background information on the charity; its work, challenges and successes may be found in our Annual Report 2023, available from our website here .

The current AMIS board comprises eight trustees. At present board meetings are held in the evening every six weeks; and as AMIS is a small organisation trustees are expected to take on some management responsibility. The Chair is expected to communicate regularly with the CEO.

What will you be doing?

The overall role of the chair is to lead the Board as it sets strategic direction and oversees the good governance of the charity. You will be responsible for ensuring that the organisation is following correct governance and meeting its charitable obligations.

Key Responsibilities

Vision and leadership
• Provide leadership to the charity and its board
• Be aware of opportunities and risks applicable to the charity

Governance
• Ensure that governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the charity, within the agreed constitution and aligning with the purpose and core values of the organisation
• Develop, in partnership with the CEO, the knowledge and capability of the board trustees. the purpose and core values of the organisation
• Contribute to trustee recruitment

External Relationships
• Act as a spokesperson and representative for the cause and the charity at external events
• Maintain relationships with external stkeholders including media, government, funders, etc

Efficiency and effectiveness
• Chair meetings and manage the board effectively
• Maintain a productive working relationship with the CEO

Remuneration
The role of Chair is a voluntary position although reasonable expenses for travel, etc, may be claimed.

Location

This role can be carried out remotely although it may beneficial to be within travel distance of the head office, located in Dalkeith, to engage with trustees and employees. Meetings are normally held via Zoom, with options to join from the Dalkeith office also.

Time commitment

We anticipate the chair will need to commit 1/2 hours per week to the role, but this can be flexible depending on input and activity.
Application process
Please apply by sending your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you are applying for this position to contact@amis.org.uk by May 17 2024.
Following the closing date we will be in touch and will invite shortlisted candidates for an interview to understand more about suitability to join AMIS.
If you would like an informal discussion regarding the role or any more information then please email contact@amis.org.uk and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Organisation aims and objectives

Founded in 2010, Abused Men In Scotland (AMIS) provides Scotland's only national specialist helpline, involving longer-terms casework if needed, for men experiencing domestic or partner abuse. We support individuals aged 16+ who identify as men, and anyone with concerns. AMIS is committed to improving the lives of people across Scotland.

Restrictions

Experience required: We are looking for a Chair who has: • Experience in a board of management role, ideally in the third sector • The ability to effectively manage Board meetings both online and in person • A willingness to work effectively with press/ media when necessary • A professional and inclusive approach to promoting the needs of male victims of domestic abuse; including building and maintaining relationships with similar and related organisations, experts in the field, politicians, civil servants, etc.
Minimum age: 18