Could you be Chair of our Board of Trustees?

It is with sadness that we approach the time to bid farewell to our Chair of Trustees, Iana Vidal. Over the past six years, Iana has supported the organisation through a period of great change and modernisation and we are looking for an inspiring leader to continue her hard work.

On this page, you can find more information about what the role of chair of trustees entails, who we are looking for, how to apply and what makes GFS special.

If once you’ve read the info on this page our recruitment pack, you’d like to talk about the opportunity more, please contact our CEO Laura on laura@girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk.

Why GFS?

GFS is at an exciting point in its journey. We have spent the last few years strengthening our offering, systems and strategic approach. There is a wealth of research that shows how real the need for our work is and the impact of the pandemic has brought that need into even clearer focus. GFS is now beginning to grow and push ahead to make a difference for as many girls and young women as possible.

As we move forward, we remain rooted in our unique history. We are built on a strong foundation of sisterhood and a commitment to supporting girls and young women and will celebrate 150 years of this in 2025.

Want to know more about us? Take a look at our current strategic plan. You can also get a feel for our day to day activities on our social media pages and hear what our current Chair has to say about the role below.

Why you?

In our recruitment pack, we outline all of the skills you need to be a great Chair of the Board. But GFS is an organisation with people at its heart, so it is also important that we are a good cultural fit.

If you are passionate about gender equality and giving as many girls and young women as possible the friendship and community GFS offers, we want to hear from you.

If you can see yourself working hard on strategic development and budgets, while still having the enthusiasm to spread the word about GFS far and wide, we want to hear from you.

If you want to be part of an incredible group of women who support, not only the girls they work with but one another, no matter the weather, we want to hear from you.

Here at GFS, we believe in supporting our volunteers to aim high just as much as our girls. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and welcome first time trustees with relevant experience.

How to apply

First, take a look at our full recruitment pack, including person spec and the time commitments, here.

If you’re still keen to apply, just send us your CV (including two referees), and a supporting statement along with completed copies of our diversity monitoring form and fit and proper persons declaration. You can email these to laura@girlsfriendlysociety.org.uk

The closing date for applications is Friday 13 November and interviews will be held via Zoom in the week commencing 23 November. it is hoped that the successful applicant will be able to begin a handover with our current chair on 5 December, taking full responsibility for the role in March 2021.

We look forward to hearing from you!