Role description
Chair of Gambling Lived Experience Network
Remuneration: Unremunerated, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed
Location: UK-wide, with national travel expected
Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month in the first instance and will include: Chairing board meetings and associated preparation (4-6 per year), additional time for CEO support, stakeholder engagement and board development.
Direct reports: Interim CEO
Purpose of the role
The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the Gambling Lived Experience Network (GLEN) delivers its charitable purpose with accountability, integrity and strong governance. Working closely with fellow Trustees and the Chief Executive, the Chair will lead the Board in navigating a complex and evolving external environment, while maintaining effective oversight of governance, risk and financial stewardship.
As a relatively young organisation, GLEN is still embedding its governance structures, systems and ways of working. At this formative stage, the Chair will play a pivotal role in supporting the organisation to mature - helping to shape a strong Board culture, clarify roles and responsibilities, and ensure that robust foundations are established to support sustainable growth.
At a time of organisational development and significant system change, the Chair will be central to balancing the urgency and influence required within a fast‑moving gambling harms system with thoughtful stewardship as the organisation scales. This appointment is critical to GLEN’s ambition to be a trusted, independent and influential voice within the sector.
Key responsibilities
The Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board and ensure the effective oversight of governance, risk and financial stewardship. The Chair will also support the Chief Executive while bringing external influence and credibility within a complex and evolving system.
Board Leadership and Governance
Provide effective leadership of the Board ensuring clarity of purpose, good decision making and collective accountability
Ensure GLEN fulfils its legal and regulatory responsibilities
Promote high standards of governance aligned to GLEN’s proportionate and developing governance framework
Ensure that appropriate systems are in places for financial oversight, performance reporting and risk management
Strategic Leadership
Lead the Board in setting and overseeing GLEN’s strategic direction and priorities, ensuring alignment between charitable objectives, the external system context and the charity’s evolving model of change
Support GLEN to remain strategically focused during system transition including the immediate priorities of:
Keeping the system focused on reducing gambling harm
Protecting what works well
Ensuring lived experience meaningfully informs decision making
Chief Executive Support and Oversight
Establish a strong and constructive relationship with the Chief Executive, providing support, challenge and performance appraisal
Ensure clear delegation, accountability and governance boundaries
Stewardship of Resources and Risk Management
Ensure robust financial oversight and the effective use of charitable funds
Contribute to the development of GLEN’s long term financial sustainability to plan and the diversification of income streams
Promote a proportionate risk-based approach that recognises the balance between innovation and influence and safeguarding and compliance
Board Development and Effectiveness
Work in partnership with the Chief Executive on the implementation of GLEN’s Board Development Plan to ensure the Board has the appropriate skills and experience to support the charity’s growth
Support ongoing Trustee development and ensure effective Board dynamics and inclusive participation in meetings
External Representation
Act as an ambassador for GLEN, representing the organisation with credibility and integrity
Support the development of strategic relationships with key stakeholders including funders, commissioners and partners
Uphold GLEN’s position as an independent voice within the gambling harms system
Values and Ethos
Uphold and promote GLEN’s values of honesty, integrity, hope and non-judgement
Champion meaningful and safe involvement of people with lived experience in both internal and external decision-making
Ensure commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Promote a culture of openness, respect and constructive challenge
Person specification
Essential Experience
Proven senior leadership experience operating at an executive or Board level
Strong understanding of governance, ideally within the Charity sector
Experience of leading organisations through growth, change or complex political environments
Experience of working in multi-stakeholders and/or policy makers
Experience of contributing to board development, including supporting the evolution of governance, board culture and effectiveness, particularly within a growing or early stage organisation.
A strong connection to social causes that impact people’s lives, particularly those affecting individuals and communities who experience stigma, exclusion or marginalisation.
Essential Skills and Abilities
Strategic thinker with system awareness
Strong leadership and facilitation skills
Politically astute and able to operate constructively in contested environments
Ability to balance support and constructive challenge
Sound judgement and decision-making
High levels of integrity and accountability
Independence and Conflict of Interest
Candidates should not have an existing direct connection to the gambling industry or derive an income through gambling services and activities.