Chairperson and Trustee for the charity Sage Counselling

Sage Counselling offers an affordable home visiting service for adults with mobility issue who are unable to access other counselling means without assistance or with great difficulty. We bring counselling to the client in their home or place of residence. Please visit www.sagecounselling.org.uk for more information.

Chairperson and Trustee Role

Sage Counselling is looking for a Chairperson & Trustee to steer our mission, champion our values, and ensure our clients receive the best possible support.

As Chair, you’ll lead our team of dedicated Trustees. You’ll bring both strategic vision and operational oversight to ensure we continue to deliver accessible, affordable, and life-changing counselling services.

  Strategic Role (Big Picture)

• Shape the Future – Work with Trustees to set our direction, align with our values, and ensure legal and ethical compliance.

• Spot the Trends – Keep your finger on the pulse of referral rates, finances, payment structures, and waiting lists.

• Champion Our Values – Ensure no one is excluded due to mobility or financial challenges.

• Ask the Big Questions – Challenge ideas, spark discussion, and inspire the best decisions.

  Operational Role (Day-to-Day)

• Hands-On Leadership – From finding venues to refining policies and shaping business plans.

• Clinical Support – Be ready to step in on complaints or legal matters alongside our Counselling Coordinator.

• Follow Through – Make sure decisions turn into actions by tracking meeting outcomes.

• Team Connection – Listen, engage, and boost morale with regular appreciation for your team’s hard work.

Leading from the Chair

• Keep meetings focused, inclusive, and productive.

• Ensure agendas and reports are sent in advance so everyone comes prepared.

Your Commitment

• Quarterly Trustee & Management Meetings: 9:00–10:00am (Trustees) & 10:15am–12:00pm (Management)

• Quarterly Evening Meetings: 6:30pm on a Wednesday

Yearly AGM and afternoon team building attendance at Sullington and Storrington Parish Hall from 9.30 - 4pm 

Support

• The outgoing chair, fellow trustees, and the management team will be there to support you. Clear operational procedures are already in place, giving you a roadmap as you settle in and make the role your own.

If you would like to know more about the roles or apply, please email Gina Howard at gina.howard2@sagecounselling.org.uk

What skills do I need?

Key Responsibilities

Provide clear leadership to the board, ensuring effective governance and decision-making.

Chair trustee and management meetings, encouraging inclusive, balanced, and strategic discussions.

Ensure the charity complies with legal, regulatory, and constitutional requirements.

Support and, where appropriate, challenge the committee to deliver the charity’s objectives.

Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring sustainability and proper risk management.

Promote the charity externally, building relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders.

Lead the board in setting the vision, values, and strategic direction of the charity.

Ensure safeguarding, confidentiality, and ethical standards are upheld across the organisation.

Personal Qualities

Commitment to the values and mission of the charity.

Integrity, impartiality, and ability to build trust.

Willingness to dedicate the necessary time and energy to the role.

Encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion within the board and management committee and counsellors

Skills and Leadership

Some experience in leadership and governance (charity, public, or private sector).

Understanding of trustee responsibilities and charity regulation.

Strategic thinker with the ability to prioritise and balance competing demands.

Strong communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.

Financial literacy, with the ability to oversee financial and risk management.

Awareness of the counselling/mental health sector, or a willingness to learn.

Experience of supporting senior staff.

Networking and relationship-building skills to act as an effective ambassador where appropriate.

When do I need to be available?

Details

Quarterly meeting of Trustees at 9am - 10 am Quarterly meeting of Management at 10.15am - 12pm Quarterly interim meeting for trustees and management 6.30pm Wednesday Yearly AGM and gathering in Sullington and Storrington Parish Hall from 9.30 to 4pm