Chair of Trustees – The Counselling Partnership

• Voluntary | Approx. 6–8 hours per month
• Location: North Surrey / Hybrid (Walton on Thames base)

As The Counselling Partnership approaches its 25th anniversary and prepares for an exciting period of growth, we are seeking a new Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership and help guide the charity into its next phase. This is a meaningful opportunity to support accessible mental health services in North Surrey while working alongside a dedicated Board and team.

The Charity

Lead a small trusted local mental health charity at an important moment of growth.

The Counselling Partnership provides affordable, professional counselling to adults across North Surrey, and will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary next March. Our dual-impact model supports both individuals facing mental health challenges and trainee counsellors developing safe and effective practice.

The charity is entering a period of expansion in the scope and scale of mental health support to the local community. We are looking for someone who has big picture thinking to help provide strategic leadership and help guide the organisation sustainably into its next phase.

The Role

The Chair will work closely with the Board and the small team of staff to ensure:

· Clear strategic direction
· Strong governance and compliance
· Financial resilience
· Effective safeguarding oversight
· A positive and collaborative culture

The chair will also be required to:

• Represent the charity externally as a spokesperson (as appropriate)
• Plan, prepare and chair the board meetings quarterly and an annual AGM

About You

You will bring sound judgement, integrity, and a commitment to accessible mental health provision. Previous Chair or Trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

You may have experience in:

· Governance or senior leadership in the voluntary, public or private sector
· Strategy development and organisational growth
· Mental health, counselling or supporting individuals
· Networking and relationship building

Person Qualities

· Strategic thinker
· Calm and balanced decision-maker
· Strong listener
· Collaborative leadership style
· Strong interpersonal skills
· Can do attitude, prepared to roll sleeves up to support the small team

You must be eligible to serve as a Charity Trustee and Company Director under UK law and be willing to complete the necessary eligibility and declaration checks.

How To Apply

A covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification to recruitment@thecounsellingpartnership.org

Deadline for applications: 31 May 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in June with appointment anticipated in June, followed by a handover period before the current Chair steps down.

To arrange a confidential informal conversation about the role prior to your application please email recruitment@thecounsellingpartnership.org

We warmly welcome informal conversations.