Chair of Trustees

Hamilton Barber Recruitment are delighted to be supporting Real LIfe Options to recruit thier next Chair of Trustees Real Life Options is a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and older people to live fulfilling, independent lives. With over 30 years’ experience, 2,000 colleagues, and services across the UK, we are proud to deliver truly person-centred support that enables people to live the life they choose. As the current Chair prepares to retire after many years of dedicated service, we are seeking an inspiring and values-driven Chair of the Board to lead the Trustees through the next chapter of thierjourney. The Role As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring Real Life Options continues to fulfil its charitable objectives, maintains the highest standards of governance, and delivers high-quality, person-centred services. Working in close partnership with the Group Chief Executive Officer, you will help steer the organisation through opportunity and change, ensuring we remain financially sustainable, forward-thinking, and firmly rooted in our values. Key Responsibilities * Lead the Board in setting clear strategic direction and providing robust governance and oversight * Ensure the organisation meets its legal, regulatory, and ethical responsibilities * Foster a strong, inclusive Board culture with effective challenge, collaboration, and accountability * Support, mentor, and appraise the Group Chief Executive Officer * Act as an ambassador for Real Life Options with regulators, funders, partners, and the wider sector * Champion co-production and the inclusion of lived experience in decision-making * Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, quality, and person-centred practice About You You will be an experienced leader with strong governance credentials and the credibility to chair a complex, national organisation. You do not need to have been a Chair before, but you will bring: * Significant senior leadership and/or board-level experience * A strong understanding of governance, risk, and organisational oversight * The ability to build trusted relationships and lead with integrity * Strategic insight combined with empathy and sound judgement * A genuine commitment to inclusion, lived experience, and social impact Experience within the charity, social care, health, or public sector is welcome but not essential. What matters most is alignment with our values and purpose. Why Join Real Life Options? This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in a respected national charity at a time of growth and transformation. As Chair, you will help shape strategy, amplify the voices of people RLO support, and ensure Real Life Options continues to make a meaningful difference to thousands of lives