FORWARD seeking to appoint Chairperson and Trustees

August 15th 2007

FORWARD is a dynamic non-government organisation led by African and African-descent women campaigning with passion against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child and forced marriages and related sexual rights violations. We work through our dedicated trustees and volunteers, professional staff and committed friends and supporters.

FORWARD is currently undertaking a review of its governance structure and is seeking to appoint a new Chair and Trustees at our AGM on 29th September 2007, for an initial period of one year. Trustees are required to join our Council of Management (CoM) to lead the implement our Strategic Plan 2007/10 to achieve our strategic goals and objectives.

We are seeking to appoint a dyamicchairperson and trustees who have the relevant experience, knowledge and skills to govern the organisation effectively. Any of these:

The 'hard' skills - Strategic vision, leadership, legal, financial, - monitoring and evaluation, health, human rights, international development and management in order to understand the complex decisions to be taken.

The 'soft' skills - Commitment to the organisation, understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, honesty, team working, diplomacy, problem solving, communications, asking challenging questions, strong arguments and decision making. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team, and making us smile after a long day of meetings.

Chairperson

To undertake this role you will have a proven track record of leading and supporting major change in a small/large and complex organisation. You will also need to: provide strong leadership and think strategically; communicate effectively and be an excellent ambassador representing FORWARD at the highest level.

Core skills: leadership, vision, strategic management ability at Board level, understanding of governance issues concerning not profit organisation and planning, communications and relationship management and supportive of Forward’s vision, mission, values and objectives.

Trustees

The role of the FORWARD Council of Management (COM) Members or trustees is to govern the organisation and provide overall policy direction to achieve its aims and objectives in the most efficient and effective manner, consistent with the organisation’s values and strategic plan. We are seeking applicants with experiencing of being a chairperson for a charity and/or chairing committees and meetings.

We would like applicants from candidates from diverse backgrounds, with experience as a trustee or non-executive director, together with knowledge of legal; finance; fundraising; provision of services that empower and support girls and women who have undergone FGM, forced or child marriage; charity or company law; marketing; business development; international development; and the media.

These roles are unpaid but travel and expenses will be paid.

Please visit our website on www.forwarduk.org.uk

Please send your CV to Antoinette Sallah-Phillips, Interim Chairperson at asallahphillips@btinternet.com or Yasmin Aktar at yasmin@forwarduk.org.uk.