SOS Children's Village

Chair

Appointment Brief April 2021

2

SOS Children’s Villages | Chair

Welcome Letter Dear Applicant, We are delighted that you have expressed an interest in the work of SOS Children’s Villages UK and in the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees.

This pack has been created to give you the essential information about us as an organisation and the global federation of which we are members. Our work focuses on raising funds in the UK which are committed to SOS Children’s Villages projects and programmes that operate worldwide, changing and benefiting the lives of children. Our ambition is not to bring them temporary relief, but to deliver the promise of a safe journey to adulthood.

While villages have been an important aspect of how we help children, the range of activity that we support has expanded extensively in recent years. The future will see new initiatives and the transformation of the interventions we are seeking to fund. In the UK we contribute to Federation thinking and the development of these approaches.

The primary role of SOS Children’s Villages UK trustees is to lead, challenge and support the UK Executive team. They are there to encourage and facilitate, while ensuring governance matters are carefully monitored. Our donors - whether individuals, corporates, or other types of organisation - expect the highest standards from us at all stages. There

has never been a more challenging time in which to perform these duties.

Looking forward there is no doubt that, like other UK charities, we must respond to these challenges with dedication and determination.

The next Board Chair will have the opportunity to play their part in this exciting and demanding future. The person who takes up this role will lead the trustees and guide the Executive Team to achieve ever greater success in raising funds to support children who have lost or are in danger of losing their families.

They must support our core values and be willing to engage in complex debates, as well as practical matters of organisation.

Most importantly, they must be ready to bring their own insights and experience to the strategic direction of SOS Children’s Villages in the UK, and to the delivery of its activities within the Federation.

Please consider the information in this pack carefully and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Yours, Michael Brewer Chair of the Trustees (Interim) SOS Children’s Villages UK

Appointment Brief | April 2021

3

Who we are SOS Children’s Villages is an international organisation working tirelessly to protect children worldwide. As a global Federation we have been supporting vulnerable children since 1949, and currently work in 136 countries and territories across five continents.

Other key areas that we work in are emergency response programmes and youth employability: working to support families and children in emergencies and providing young people with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their adult life.

We were founded as a unique and innovative alternative care solution. If a child is alone or unable to stay with their family, we provide them with a foster family or we care for them in a family-like environment in our SOS Villages and communities. But our work stretches much further than alternative care.

Finally, we engage in advocacy for children’s rights across 92 countries. We listen to children and young people, we encourage them to speak up for their rights, and we empower communities to protect them.

We recognise that by helping families out of hardship we can help them to stay together.

That’s why our Family Strengthening Programmes are an essential part of the work that we do. Working with families to find jobs, access food and housing support, and providing parenting workshops and family counselling, all help to build a brighter future for families.

4

SOS Children’s Villages | Chair

All of the work that we do comes back to our vision of a world where every child has a family, a community, and chance to grow up feeling cared for and loved.

Our Mission Every child has the right to fulfil their potential through the love, care, and support of a family, and we ensure that no child, no family anywhere is left behind.

Our Vision A world where every child has a family, a community, and a chance to grow up feeling cared for and loved.

Appointment Brief | April 2021

5

Strategy and Ambition SOS Children’s Villages have existed in the UK for 50 years, yet we remain largely unknown within the general public. In 2018 we reorganised the organisation into three main functions: fundraising, brand and communications, and finance and IT, to better focus on our strategic goals.

SOS Children’s Villages UK faces an everchanging environment both within the charity sector nationally and in the international arena. The Chair is instrumental in leading the drive for the most effective strategy to meet our goals within this challenging context.

2021 is the final year of our existing three year strategic plan. Working with a high performing executive team, our new Chair will have the opportunity to lead the Board of Trustees in shaping and overseeing a new strategic plan that will consolidate the gains of the last three years, adapt our work to a new COVID impacted world and achieve the next stage in our growth plans within the UK and the global Federation.

For more information about SOS Children’s Villages UK Trustees please see our website.

6

SOS Children’s Villages | Chair

We currently have six strategic goals in our Strategic Plan 2018 - 2021.

1. To expand the reach and impact of our support for children without parental care or at risk of losing parental care and their communities. In particular, to support our target groups in Zambia and The Gambia through family like care and family strengthening programmes; in Africa and South-east Asia through support for young peoples’ training and employability to improve livelihoods and in emergency and crisis situations worldwide to protect the most vulnerable children, 2. To identify and develop programmes for funding that best deliver our mission in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages International and have the greatest appeal to donors and potential donors, 3. To Increase and diversify SOS Children’s Villages income from

the UK, building sustainable and more predictable income channels while spreading the risk of fluctuations in income and building unrestricted income,

4. To improve our accountability to all of SOS Children’s Villages UK’s stakeholders, including donors, supporters, our regulators and the UK public and to ensure that our beneficiaries remain the centre of everything we do,

5. To improve SOS Children’s Villages UK’s brand profile and legitimacy, positioning the organisation as a thought leader and expert in alternative childcare and attracting donors to our mission, 6. To build a high performing organisation and culture to deliver SOS Children’s Villages UK’s mission.

Appointment Brief | April 2021

7

Financial Structure Income At SOS Children’s Villages UK our money comes from a wide range of sources. Whilst the biggest source of income comes from child and village sponsorships from our generous donors, we also receive funds from legacies, gift aid, trusts and foundations, corporate partners and more.

In 2019 we raised £4.56 million in charitable income, 78% of our funding came from the UK public. Their generous contributions enable us to remain financially resilient as we invest in the future stability of our organisation and increase our impact.

In 2020, despite anticipating a loss of income due to the global pandemic, we were able to maintain effective and robust fundraising avenues. This meant we were able to meet our commitments to our international programmes.

6% 8% 10%

5%

TOTAL INCOME 2019 £4.56M

53%

17%

8

SOS Children’s Villages | Chair

CHILD AND VILLAGE SPONSORSHIPS

53%

LEGACIES

17%

GIFT AID

10%

INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

8%

TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS

6%

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS

5%

INSTITUTIONAL DONORS

<1%

OTHER INCOME

<1%

Expenditure Our expenditure is split between a variety of different programme areas. The money that we raise funds children and their village communities, family strengthening programmes, emergency responses, education, and youth employability, as well as covering our fundraising and support costs.

In 2019 our expenditure was £5.05 million. The largest proportion of this went towards supporting the children’s village communities. However, in line with the Federation’s Strategy 2030, we are planning to increase our expenditure on family strengthening programmes and youth employability.

This aims to move our focus toward the prevention of family breakdown and the provision of long-term, sustainable solutions to the drivers of family separation.

2% 2% 2%

11%

12%

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 2019 £5.05M

38%

16% 17%

SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND VILLAGE COMMUNITIES

38%

SUPPORT COSTS (incl. admin & comms staff, premises and IT)

17%

FUNDRAISING COSTS (incl. exceptional investment)

16%

EDUCATION AND YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY

12%

FAMILY STRENGTHENING

11%

GOVERNANCE

2%

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

2%

RAISING AWARENESS WITH POLICY MAKERS

2% Appointment Brief | April 2021

9

Corporate Partnerships Officer

Supporter Care Officer

Individual Giving Acquisition Manager

Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager

Senior Development Manager

Supporter Care Manager

Senior Supporter Care Officer

Head of Corporate Partnerships

Director of Individual Giving

Director of Fundraising

Grant Fundraising Manager

Programme Manager

Fundraising Officer

Senior Grant Fundraising Manager

Head of Programme Funding

CEO

Organisation Chart

Digital Communications Assistant

Management Accountant

Finance Officer

Infrastructure Manager Head of Digital

Junior Creative

Director of Finance and IT

Director of Communications and Brand

Office Manager

Role Description Objectives To lead a Board comprising up to eight Trustees governing SOS Children’s Villages charitable mission and activities in the United Kingdom, in line with charity law and the guidelines set out by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

To work in partnership with the Chief Executive to assist in achieving the organisation’s mission.

To ensure there is a clear vision, mission and strategy for the organisation and its long-term success.

To liaise with, and maintain a positive and constructive relationship with, the SOS Children’s Villages Federation.

Appointment Brief | April 2021

11

Specific Duties •

• •

• • •

• •

• •

12

To ensure Trustees act together as a Board to:

○

Contribute to the strategy development for SOS Children’s Villages UK (SOS UK) ○ Consider and approve the charity’s strategic objectives and annual budget ○ Oversee systematic and prudent accounting for financial activities ○ Direct annual auditing and publication of accounts and statutory reports ○ Monitor progress towards SOS Children’s Villages UK objectives and the implementation of Board decisions ○ Ensure a robust risk management process that ensures the major risks to the Charity achieving its objectives are identified and managed To supervise establishment of sub-committees and working groups as appropriate for the business and priorities of the Board

To take the lead on ensuring the Board regularly reviews its role and performance, Trustees comply with their duties, and receive feedback on their individual performance annually To develop and promote a collaborative team environment with a commitment to promoting equality and inclusion

To lead the recruitment of new Trustees, supported by the executive team in a consistent, transparent and fair process ensuring a right mix of experience and skills

To support and hold the Chief Executive to account on behalf of the Trustees, leading on their annual appraisal and salary review

To act as a link between Trustees and staff in consultation with the Chief Executive, ensuring a good working relationship between Trustees and Executive To participate in meetings with the SOS Federation as required, participating in the Federation’s decision making processes

To act as a communications channel between Federation and Trustees as required

SOS Children’s Villages | Chair

As a Trustee, the Chair also has the following statutory duties: •

To ensure the organisation:

○ ○ ○

•

•

• • •

Complies with its governing document and with charity law Pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document Applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives

To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance

To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation as an entity in its own right and as part of an international federation, maintaining public trust and confidence in the charity To understand and respond to the interests and expectations of sponsors, donors and other givers To ensure effective, efficient administration and the financial stability of the organisation To protect and manage organisational property and suitable investment of the organisation’s funds

Person Specification The Chair should have a strong level of empathy with the SOS Children’s Villages UK mission and excitement for the potential for the charity in the UK.

Essential Qualities • • • • • • •

•

Interest in and commitment to SOS UK’s objectives

Experience of leading a team of highly skilled and motivated individuals and the ability to maintain those motivation levels

Understanding of the role and responsibilities of Trustees and charity law The ability to work with the Chief Executive to maintain the appropriate balance between management and governance Experience in chairing governance meetings so as to allow all voices to be heard and engage An open-minded approach to defining challenges and solutions

Excellent communication skills across a wide range of audiences: donors, corporate partners, senior sector colleagues, SOS UK staff and the media Experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives

• • • •

A proven track record of sound judgement, effective decision making, impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences Willingness and ability to commit the time demanded by the role

Availability for informal meetings and consultation with individual Trustees and the Chief Executive

Availability and willingness to attend meetings with the SOS Federation, in the UK or overseas

Desirable Qualities • • • •

Previous experience as a Chair or organisational leadership

Experience of international development and/ or children’s rights Experience of international organisations and federated structures Experience of acting as an ambassador and / or spokesperson

Appointment Brief | April 2021

13

Terms Term of Appointment •

The Chair is formally elected by the Board for a three year term which can be extended by a second term to a maximum of six years

Time Commitment • •

• •

• •

14

Four Board meetings per year which are currently timed as follows: March, July, October and December Additional Board meetings as convened to support organisational processes such as strategic planning and reviews, for a half or whole day; to a maximum of twice per year Approximately fortnightly meetings and/or discussions with the Chief Executive

Federation events and meetings, including with the General Secretariat of the SOS Federation (which may involve international travel once per year) Occasional meetings with significant donors or grant providing organisations to support the SMT in fundraising Occasional meetings with staff members to provide support or advice as required

SOS Children’s Villages | Chair

Safeguarding All staff and Trustees are DBS checked and required to sign the SOS Children’s Villages Code of Conduct.

Performance Anonymised feedback from the Board and SMT will be provided to the Chair annually by a Trustee nominated for this task.

Remuneration As for all SOS UK Trustees, the role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration.

Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Location SOS UK is based in central Cambridge. Board meetings are held at the offices when permitted, at other locations when appropriate; and online when face to face meetings cannot be held for any reason.

How to Apply To apply to become Chair of SOS Children’s Villages UK, please upload a copy of your CV together with a supporting statement (maximum two sides) via our recruitment partner Prospectus.

Please ensure that your application fully addresses the requirements for the role. So that we can ensure everyone can participate fairly in the recruitment process, please let us know if you will require any special provision should you be called for interview.

At Prospectus we believe passionately that truly inclusive organisations leads to increased social impact. We are committed to supporting our clients build more inclusive boards. To understand how we are performing, we ask that you kindly complete the brief equal opportunities questionnaire when you submit your application via our website. Please be assured that your responses are kept confidential, separate from your candidate record and are not part of any application you make.

We expect the interviews to be held virtually. If you will require any special provision as a result of any disability should you be called for interview, please do let us know.

Applications should be made via the Prospectus website: jobs.prospect-us.co.uk/jobs/details/hq00178360

Queries

Timetable

If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact our retained advisors Camille Revuelta or Emily Hayman via email:

Deadline for Applications: Sunday 23rd May

camille.revuelta@prospect-us.co.uk emily.hayman@prospect-us.co.uk

Initial Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 31st May

Staff Session and Final Panel Interviews: 25th, 28th & 29th June

Appointment Brief | April 2021

15

Created by the Prospectus Talent Attraction team.

Prospectus Ltd 20-22 Stukeley Street London, WC2B 5LR