Trust Links looks for new Chair of Trustees as dedicated Rick Olver retires after 5 successful years
We are seeking a new chair of trustees after Chairman Rick Olver steps down after 5 amazing years with us.
In the last 5 years, and with support of the trustee board, Trust Links has continued to grow and now supports more than 4,000 people per year in communities across Essex with our range of mental health projects. During the pandemic we offered support for isolated adults, and have also won a number of awards for the Growing Together therapeutic gardens and environmental features. We are now seeking a Chairperson who is passionate about our cause and wants to use their skills and experience to help us continue to make a difference to people’s lives.
Rick Olver, current Chair of trustees, said: “It has been a privilege to be the Chair for the last 5 years, but it is time for me to step down. We are looking to bring on board a new Chair with a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of people in Essex and to take us forward on the next steps in our journey.”
Matt King, Chief Executive officer said: “We are so grateful to Rick for his dedication, support and engagement with Trust Links over the last five years. We have seen considerable change, growth and challenges over that time, including the development of new sites and projects, dealing with the challenges that the COVID pandemic brought, and a significant increase in mental health demands over the last couple of years. I am keen to hear from anyone that might be interested in becoming our next chairperson, helping us move forward as a charity to work with more people, helping to grow communities and transform lives in Essex and beyond.”
Trust Links started in 2000 at the former allotment site on the corner of Fairfax Drive and Prittlewell Chase, which has been transformed into the award winning Growing Together community gardens. Over the last few years Growing Together projects have been developed in Shoeburyness, Rochford, Thundersley and Braintree and a new garden is under development in Basildon, which will open in October. Trust Links also runs courses and workshops to support adults with mental health challenges and have a range of projects and activities for children and young people of all ages, helping to boost wellbeing, confidence and engagement with education. Trust Links now employs 65 staff and has 129 volunteers who provide regular support.
What does Chairperson role involve?
Charity trustees are responsible for the effective governance of the organisation, leading the strategy and ensuring the charity is well managed. Trust Links has a strong group of trustees, with people from a range of backgrounds and experiences including finance, law, business, inclusion, mental health, education, strategy and governance. The Chairperson will be facilitating and chairing the board of trustees, line managing the CEO, and overseeing the development of the charity’s governance and strategic direction.
If you would like to find out more about the rewarding opportunity, just click here to view more information.
Visits to the charity’s projects will be part of the process where you will have the opportunity to meet with the CEO, trustees and staff.
To arrange an optional informal discussion with the current Chair or for more information about the Charity please call our CEO Matt King on 01702 213134 or email chiefexec@trustlinks.org.
Application deadline noon on 10th August 2022.
