VASLan South Lanarkshire
Chair
Voluntary Position
Meetings held in Hamilton, ML3 0EW
VASLan (Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire) is the Third Sector Interface (TSI) for South Lanarkshire, supporting and representing a diverse local third sector of approximately 1,400 community, voluntary and social enterprise organisations. Through its work in community development, partnership building, sector support and advocacy, VASLan enables local organisations to thrive, strengthens the voice of communities and helps create the conditions for a more resilient, inclusive and connected South Lanarkshire.
The organisation is now seeking a new Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership and guide VASLan through an important period of organisational development, financial challenge and change. This is a pivotal governance role, responsible for ensuring effective Board leadership, clear strategic direction and strong oversight of the organisation’s work, while supporting VASLan’s long-term sustainability, influence and impact across South Lanarkshire.
Working in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and the wider Board of Trustees, the Chair will promote Board effectiveness, ensure robust governance and support informed, considered decision-making focused on VASLan’s strategic priorities. They will help the Board navigate the challenging financial climate facing both the organisation and the wider third sector, providing constructive challenge, supporting effective risk oversight and helping identify opportunities for collaboration, innovation and sustainable development.
As an ambassador for VASLan, the Chair will represent the organisation with confidence and credibility, building constructive relationships with public-sector partners, funders and wider stakeholders. They will champion the contribution of the third sector, bring an understanding of the Scottish policy landscape and the pressures facing voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises, and help ensure VASLan maintains its independence, impartiality and influence. A collaborative, solutions-focused approach, combined with the ability to build consensus and provide appropriate challenge, will be central to the role.
To succeed in this role, you will be an experienced leader with a strong understanding of third sector governance and the responsibilities of a Board of Trustees. Previous Trustee or Board member experience is essential, alongside experience of the third sector at a local, regional or national level. You will bring sound judgement, strategic thinking and the confidence to lead a Board through complexity and uncertainty, with prior Chair experience desirable. Ideally, and to support independence and impartiality, you will have no current membership or affiliation with VASLan.
This is an excellent opportunity for a committed and forward-thinking leader to help shape the future of South Lanarkshire’s third sector. Working alongside the Chief Executive and fellow Trustees, the incoming Chair will play a vital role in strengthening VASLan’s governance, supporting its long-term sustainability and championing the voice of local communities. With an established network of organisations, evolving strategic partnerships and significant challenges and opportunities ahead, the Chair will have a unique opportunity to help ensure South Lanarkshire remains a place where the third sector can thrive, innovate and make a lasting difference to people and communities.
Time Commitment:
The Chair will be expected to attend Board meetings every two months, undertake preparation in advance, and attend occasional additional meetings and key external events throughout the year, with reasonable travel expenses reimbursed.
How to Apply:
Please email us at recruitment@brucetaitassociates.com to request an information pack and job description. You are advised to get in touch well in advance of the closing date to give us time to consider your application and pre-interview the strongest applicants.
Closing Date: Thursday 31st December
Interview Date: January 2027
This search is being conducted exclusively for VASLan South Lanarkshire by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked extensively in and with the voluntary sector and academia and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.