Volunteering

Chair of the Board of Trustees For Sage Counselling

For SAGE Counselling

Register your Interest

As Chair, you will lead our team of friendly and dedicated Trustees, bringing both strategic vision and operational oversight to ensure we continue to deliver an accessible and affordable counselling service to those who would otherwise not get the help they need.

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 list. • 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 for the AGM 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.

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. Also our Google workspace gives you access to a wealth of information about our activities, policies, meetings and much more.

Skills

• Proven leadership and governance experience (charity, public, or private sector).
• Understanding of trustee responsibilities and charity regulation.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to prioritise and balance competing demands.
• Good communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Financial literacy, with the ability to oversee budgets and risk management.
• Awareness of the counselling/mental health sector, or a willingness to learn quickly.
• Experience of supporting member of Sage Counselling
• Relationship-building skills to act as an effective ambassador.

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
• Integrity, impartiality, and ability to build trust.
• Resilience and sensitivity when dealing with mental health and safeguarding matters.
• Willingness to dedicate the necessary time and energy to the role.

About SAGE Counselling

Sage Counselling provides an affordable counselling service for adults with limited mobility. Limited mobility can be due to age, stroke or disablement and mental health issues such as agoraphobia or severe depression which makes accessing other counselling services difficult or impossible. We also see carers who would need to find alternative care while attending counselling away from home.
A counsellor will visit clients within their own home, hospital, care home or hospice. Sessions can be in person or remotely via telephone or online platform i.e. Zoom.

Details

• Yes - DBS check required
• Yes - Equality and Diversity Policy
• Yes - Expenses reimbursed
• Yes - Health and Safety Policy
• Yes - Is it fully accessible
• Yes - Ongoing support
• Yes - Suitable for physical or sensory impairment
  Yes, if the candidate can demonstrate experience of chair and trustee role and can perform the duties required.
• No - Suitable for Under 18's
• Yes - Training provided
• Yes - Volunteer induction
• Yes - Volunteer Policy
• Yes - Volunteers covered by insurance

Availability

Your Commitment • Quarterly Trustee & Management Meetings: 9:00–10:00am (Trustees) & 10:15am–12:00pm (Management) on a SATURDAY Both meetings will help you get to know all the team and your input would be valuable and appreciated in the both meetings. • Quarterly Evening Meetings: 6:30 – 7.30pm on a WEDNESDAY • Yearly attendance at the AGM in Storrington, West Sussex on a SATURDAY Availability at other times of your choice to prepare for meetings, consider agenda items, read the minutes and track actions, reply to queries or request for help and keep up to date with charity law and any other areas of interest.

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