Chair of Trustees (Voluntary)

Organisation: Bath Community Transport

Location: St Martin's Hospital, Bath, BA2 5RP

Committee Meetings held at St Martins, other meetings held largely within the Centre of Bath

Commitment: An average of around 1 day p/month (inc quarterly evening board meetings)

Remuneration: Voluntary (all reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed)

About Us

Bath Community Transport is a dedicated local charity providing a vital lifeline to residents throughout BANES. We connect isolated individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities to social groups and essential medical appointments. We provide accessible transport to over 6,000 passengers every quarter - journeys that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

As we navigate a changing funding landscape, expanding costs, and growing demand, we are focused on future-proofing our operations and expanding our community partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Role

We are seeking an inspiring and collaborative Chair of Trustees to guide our Board and support our next phase of growth. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership and governance oversight. You will play a central role in raising our profile across Bath and North East Somerset, securing vital income, and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality, reliable services.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: guide the Board in setting long-term direction, governance, and financial strategy.
• Team Support: line-manage the Ops Manager who oversees daily operations and staff.
• Compliance & Governance: ensure strict compliance with charity law, financial regulations, and governing documents.
• Facilitate Meetings: chair quarterly board meetings to foster inclusion and ensure clear decision-making.
• Funding Relationships: lead high-level, strategic communications with local funding bodies and key commissioners.
• Community Ambassadorship: represent BCT at local network events, community forums, and public panels.

What we are looking for

• Leadership experience: senior management background in the charity, public, or private sector.
• Funder engagement: proven ability to build relationships, influence, and communicate effectively with funding bodies.
• Strategic acumen: capacity to navigate financial challenges, manage risk, and guide organisational growth
• Local insight: strong connection to the Bath area and genuine empathy for local transport challenges.
• Excellent communication: strong interpersonal skills to build consensus among trustees, staff, and volunteers.
• Commitment to Inclusion: understanding of the need for support of vulnerable, isolated, and disabled community members.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Prior experience as a Chair is helpful, but not essential. If you have the right strategic skills and values, we will support your transition into the role.

How to Apply/contact for more info etc - current Chair – Ian Jess using email to bct.buses@bathct.org.uk