Could you be the next Chair of the Board?
Closing date for applications: Friday 21st February 2025
Who can apply: Any member of PSA UK & Ireland
Background
Following the financial challenges as reported to the 2024 AGM, Nathan Littleton, who was due to leave the Board at the Speaking Business Summit, agreed to stay on as Interim Chair to help steady the ship until a permanent replacement could be appointed. Yvonne Emery agreed to serve as Interim Vice Chair alongside her role as Learning & Development Director. It was agreed that a period of six months would be a realistic estimate of when we would hope to be in a more stable position to appoint a new Chair.
While the situation is still uncertain and work is still required to restore our cash reserves, we’re happy to say that our financial position is much more stable and we are in a good position to appoint a new Chair.
About the Role
Purpose: To support the Directors of the Association in continuing to grow and develop the PSA for its members.
Note: This will merge the Interim Chair and Interim Vice Chair positions.
Although the current positions come to an end from 12th April 2025 we are looking to recruit someone by Friday 7th March to allow for a handover period and ratification.
The Chair usually serves a term of 3 years, and the role will attract a stipend of £500 per month between April and September 2025, followed by an increase to £1,000 per month from October 2025 if finances allow.
Time commitment is likely to be 2 days per week on average although this can increase during busy periods.
About You
You will likely be a Professional Member or Fellow of the PSA UKI, who understands the role and potential of the PSA and who is keen to help the organisation grow and develop following the recent adversity we have faced.
You will have an understanding of the unique nature of our membership, the professional speaking world and the business challenges our members face.
Board level experience in a volunteer-led or membership organisation is highly desirable, but not essential.
This role is currently only being advertised internally, so please do not circulate this vacancy beyond the PSA.
Key Relationships: Board Members, Operations Manager, Support Team, Ethics Officer, Members
Duties
Leadership and Governance: The Chair provides overall leadership and direction to the association, ensuring that its activities align with its mission, vision, and strategic goals, and that it operates in a transparent, accountable and ethical manner.
- Co-ordinate the activities of the PSA with the Board and the support staff, to oversee the day to day running of the PSA.
- Support the Finance Director in ensuring the long-term financial stability of the Association.
- Overall budgetary responsibility is shared with the Finance Director.
- Support the National President so they can focus on representing the PSA
- Support Convention planning alongside the National President, Operations Team and other Board Members – including budgetary planning.
- Assign teams to handle bespoke projects where required.
Meeting Management: The Chair presides over the board meetings which happen monthly online, ensuring they are conducted efficiently and effectively. This includes setting agendas, facilitating discussions, and ensuring that decisions are made democratically. The Chair will also arrange and chair the AGM.
Representation: The Chair represents the association to members in conjunction with the National President, and to outside bodies and suppliers as necessary.
Decision-Making: The Chair plays a crucial role in decision-making processes, guiding the board and committees in making informed, ethical, and strategic choices.
Conflict Resolution: The Chair helps to resolve conflicts within the board or association, promoting a collaborative and respectful environment.
Oversight and Evaluation: The Chair monitors the association’s activities, ensuring that objectives are met and that the organization remains compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.
Member Engagement: The Chair fosters engagement and participation among members, encouraging their involvement in the association’s activities and initiatives. The Chair also ensures that members are effectively served by the Board and Support Team.
Application Process
Applications are invited via the website with a closing date for applications of Friday 21st February 2025. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview, as well as having the option to talk to both the outgoing Chair Nathan Littleton and other Directors for a deeper insight into serving as Chair on the PSA Board.
If shortlisted, you will be required to make a 10-minute presentation to the Board at the online Board Meeting on Friday 28th February.
The Board will appoint someone to the position by Friday 7th March to allow time for ratification and for a handover period. The handover period will be from 7th March to 12th April and during this time we will reach out to the membership for ratification of the successful candidate being appointed to the post.
If you are interested, please apply using the form below by Friday 21st February 2025.
