Chair of the Board of Trustees | Caxton Youth

Peridot Partners; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist youth service organization in Westminster seeks a Chair for the Board of Trustees. This role involves providing strategic leadership and governance, ensuring the organisation's mission is upheld. The ideal candidate will have experience in senior board roles, strong negotiation skills, and a collaborative leadership style. The position requires commitment to inclusion and diversity, overseeing fundraising efforts, and leading board meetings. A time commitment of about 3-5 days a month is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience chairing or senior board or committee work.
• Deep commitment to the mission of the organisation.
• Experience leading an inclusive organisation through growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and chair board meetings effectively.
• Oversee succession planning for the board and management team.
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation.
• Support fundraising and partnership development.

Skills

Influencing and negotiation skills

Collaborative leadership style

Fundraising expertise

Organisational resilience

Diplomacy

Job description

Chair of the Board of Trustees – Caxton Youth

Caxton Youth is a specialist youth club in Westminster dedicated to learning‑disabled and autistic young people aged 11‑25. Our mission is to create inclusive spaces where young people can develop confidence, skills and independence.

Location: London SW1V 4JF
Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 2nd February 2026

About the role

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership, strong governance and a clear commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. The Chair will work closely with the Chief Executive to set direction, maintain financial sustainability, manage risk and ensure robust systems, policies and procedures are in place.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high‑performing board, chair board meetings effectively and support trustees to fulfil their governance duties.
• Oversee succession planning for the board, CEO and senior management team; ensure effective board composition, trustee recruitment and ongoing development.
• Act as a credible ambassador and advocate for Caxton, building strong relationships with partners, funders and key stakeholders.
• Support fundraising and partnership development to secure sustainable funding.
• Collaborate with the CEO to set long‑term strategic priorities and monitor progress.

Qualifications

• Experience chairing or senior board or committee work, with strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Deep commitment to Caxton’s mission, with a collaborative and organised leadership style.
• Experience leading an inclusive organisation through growth or change and/or significant fundraising expertise.
• Resilience, authentic diplomacy, and a constructive, critical friend approach.

Time Commitment

Four board meetings and four committee meetings a year, at least one strategy away day per year and regular 1:1s with the CEO. The Chair will be required to be available for 3 – 5 days over a month for this role.

Application

To view the role description and person specification, please go to the “How to Apply” tab above, fill in your details and download the role pack. For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners.

Equality and Diversity

Caxton Youth and Peridot Partners are committed to promoting equality and diversity. All information provided will be treated confidentially and held in strict confidence.