Chair

We are looking for a Chair to lead the Development of the charity's long-term strategy

• 
  Board, oversee our strategic direction Working in collaboration with trustees, the CEO, and the
  Senior Executive Team to oversee the development of the
  ensure effective governance & inspire us.
• long-term strategic plan

Review delivery of the annual plan to achieve funding &

• project objectives, stakeholders to support the charity's strategic goals and

Ensuring effective governance funding requirements
Ensuring effective governance
• Providing support and leadership to ensure trustees fulfil

their duties and contribute to strategic decision-makingWorking with the CEO
• 
  
• Maintain a supportive team culture among trustees, Develop a productive working relationship

leveraging their varied experiences and networks for theAgree their annual objectives and provide support and
charity's benefit oversight to deliver them

• Supporting new trustees to develop their participation and

contribution Acting as a representative of the charity
• 
  
• Oversee the plan for trustee recruitment to ensure Be an ambassador, developing our network with decision

succession, diversity & relevant skills makers and other stakeholders as appropriate, The Board meets 4 times a year plus monthly meetings with New Dawn New Day is based in central Leicester and meetings
the CEO. are held at offices at 3 Museum Square, Leicester, LE1 6UF.

In addition to this you may also be required to participate in Renumeration
and/or lead working groups and attend events as required. The role of Chair is a voluntary position and therefore not
remunerated. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. For
It is estimated that the average time commitment for this role successful applicants living outside of Leicestershire, we will
will be 3 days per month. cover travel expenses and accommodation costs where
appropriate.
Board meetings are held quarterly usually in person but from
time to time also online. How to Apply

We seek an experienced leader and Knowledge...
• 
  advocate for social justice for women,
• Understanding of the work of small charities is desirable.

An understanding of the impact of trauma and familiarity
who can demonstrate a personal with trauma-informed approaches would be useful but full
commitment to our cause and approach training would be provided for the successful candidate

Skills and abilities
• 
  Experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.


• Proven success in in engaging teams to achieve results Strong relationship-building abilities.

Demonstrable experience of chairing meetings, facilitating Ability to network and connect with individuals from diverse

• discussions to an agreed agenda. backgrounds.

Working knowledge of management accounting principles Personal success in managing, motivating, and developing

• people.


• Ability to support both Board and Executive development.

Attributes
• Ability to assess and manage risk.

Inclusive and facilitative approach to ensure all voices are

• heard.


• Able to demonstrate sound judgement with confidence

Open to new ideas and different ways of working.

opportunity to make a difference to the At a time when marginalised women face unprecedented
challenges, we believe our work is vital. We have worked hard
lives of women who've faced tremendous to build and maintain our excellent reputation with our
challenges. current funders, (Ministry of Justice, Office for the Police
Commissioner, National Lottery), for high quality service
delivery and effective strategic partnerships.
During 40 years of operating in Leicester, we have evolved
into a specialist service for women with multiple unmet needs, We're searching for a Chair to steer us to a thriving future. If
and now work with over 400 women a year from across you have the passion, skills and personal qualities to lead us
Leicestershire. A strong focus of our work today is supporting on this journey, we would love to hear from you.
women referred to us through the Police and Probation
services. Sara Swire - CEO, New Dawn New Day

Our culture is based on the principles of inclusion, community
development and mutual empowerment and our structure is
committed to putting the women we support at the forefront of
everything we do.

We were founded in 1984 by a group of
women who pioneered one of the UK's
earliest community-led women's centres.
They were driven by a shared vision to
improve their lives and those of their
families, friends, and neighbours.

In 2024 our work is grounded in a trauma-informed, holistic,
and gender-responsive framework which aims to provide
access to a range of services aimed at tackling the root causes
that lead women into contact with the criminal justice system.
These include one to one support, alongside therapeutic and
educational programmes.

The trauma informed model we have developed recognises
the impact of trauma and adversity, on women's pathways to
becoming involved in the criminal justice system. It has the
potential to work at any stage of involvement in the system,
including prevention, early intervention, diversion and
rehabilitation, reducing the number of women entering the
criminal justice system.




Our approach for those who have
experienced trauma, is to provide a
gender responsive service delivered in
women-only space. Our experience has
shown that by providing a secure,
understanding and empowering
environment, survivors can heal, rebuild
their lives, and regain a sense of control
and agency over their well-being.


Addressing Stigma and Shame
Women may experience societal stigma and shame related to
their traumatic experiences, particularly in cases of sexual
assault, domestic abuse and involvement in the criminal justice
system. A women-only space helps mitigate these feelings by
creating a supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere,
fostering an environment where women can openly discuss
their experiences without fear of social stigma.

Reducing the need for community and custodial sentences
can deliver significant savings for scarce public services.

Connection with others is instrumental in aiding women's
recovery from complex trauma by providing a compassionate
and understanding support network.

In addition to providing accessible services, New Dawn New
Day also offers women the opportunity to feel a sense of
belonging and validation along with the chance to build
interpersonal connections through peer support, assuring
women that they are not alone in their struggles.

Sharing experiences with those who have faced similar
challenges can foster empathy, reduce isolation, and support
women to rebuild their lives and regain a sense of control and
agency over their well-being.




Why Women Only...?




Empowerment and Agency
Women-only spaces empower women by offering them a
sense of agency and control over their healing journey. In such
environments, women can actively participate in decisionmaking
processes, shaping the direction of their recovery and
regaining a sense of empowerment that trauma often strips
away.

Shared Understanding and Peer Support
Women who have experienced trauma often find solace in
connecting with others who have had similar experiences. A
women-only space fosters shared understanding, creating a
supportive community where women can exchange insights,
offer encouragement, and share coping strategies, facilitating
a sense of belonging.

Our Impact...


"When you walk into the centre it
feels like a huge hug. The energy &
atmosphere are so lovely...It's a safe
We supported Of women surveyed space & I can drop my walls"

442 98%


women during would recommend "What would I tell other women ?
2022/2023 us to other women Push yourself to attend the sessions
and watch the better person you
become "




"You meet the best people, friends
and support workers and they give
you the confidence to achieve and to
see things differently. ", Terms of Appointment
• A short CV setting out your career history, responsibilities in

All Trustees are appointed for a minimum period of 2 years. each of your roles and achievements.
This post is for an initial term which may be extended for one
further term of 2 years.
• A covering letter (maximum 2 sides) highlighting your


Vetting suitability for the role and how you meet the person
Due to the nature of our work, Trustees are required to specification.

undergo vetting with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• Details of two professional referees together with a brief

prior to confirming appointments statement of their relationship to you and over what period of