Citizens Advice Bristol is an independent charity that has been offering free, impartial, and confidential advice to people in Bristol since 1977 whoever they are and whatever their issue. Our mission is to help people find a way forward. We support thousands of local residents each year across issues including debt, benefits, housing, employment, family law and immigration. We also use this experience, data and knowledge to campaign and influence for change locally and nationally.
We are a member of the national Citizens Advice network, sharing its values and principles while remaining locally governed and focused on the needs of Bristol’s communities.
The Opportunity
Following a successful period of stabilisation and positive organisation change, we are now seeking a new Chair to lead our Board of Trustees through our next period of strategic development and transition in an always challenging funding environment.
There are two pathways into the role:
– Chair: for candidates ready to take on full Chair responsibilities as of January 2026, with a thorough, structured handover and induction beginning in late 2025;
– Chair Designate: for candidates who would prefer to join initially as Co-Chair, with a longer handover and induction, and then stepping fully into the Chair role by autumn 2026.
This is a pivotal leadership role for someone committed to social justice, with the skills to provide strategic oversight, supportive leadership, and governance expertise.
Role Description
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure good governance, strategic direction, and oversight
- Ensure that board decisions are clearly recorded, communicated, and followed through Support, appraise and collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer
- Represent the organisation as needed in external relationships with partners and stakeholders
- Ensure the Board remains diverse, effective, and focused
- Promote a positive culture and inclusive environment within the board and organisation
- Oversee governance reviews, board development, and succession planning
Time Commitment
This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The time commitment is approximately equivalent to 1 day per week, although this varies over the course of each year, including: Quarterly board and subcommittee meetings (some evenings); Regular meetings with the CEO; Preparation time and ad hoc stakeholder engagement. The role will have access to governance support (including compliance matters, policy approvals, minute taking , record keeping and board scheduling)
Person Specification
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Leadership and strategic thinking skills
- Experience of governance (as trustee, director or executive)
- Commitment to our values of equality, independence, and compassion
- Understanding of the voluntary, public, or advice sector (desirable but not essential)
- Strong communication, facilitation and relationship-building abilities
- Confidence in working with external stakeholders and partners
We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in charity leadership. Whilst experience as a Chair is not essential, experience of working with or at board level is highly desirable.
What We Offer
- A meaningful leadership role making a tangible difference in people’s lives
- A collaborative, experienced board and dedicated staff team
- A good induction process and ongoing peer support
- A supported transition into the role, with flexibility around start model
- An opportunity to influence local policy and systems
- The support of the national Citizens Advice organisation, including access to training, resources and peer support
- Opportunities for shared learning across the Citizens Advice network
How to Apply
To express interest or arrange an informal conversation, please contact Andrew Leahy (Co Chair) andrew.leahy@citizensadvicebristol.org.uk and Felicity Brown felicity.brown@citizensadvicebristol.org.uk
To apply, please send your CV and a short statement (max 2 pages) outlining your interest and suitability to: trustee.recruitment@citizensadvicebristol.org.uk
Applications are welcome on a rolling basis and our target closing date is Tuesday 30th September 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews during October.
We are happy to make adjustments to the recruitment process to support accessibility needs—please get in touch if we can help.