03/09/2026
Chair of Stroud Hospitals League of Friends
Role description
This is a voluntary position, with reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed, but, it is a fulfilling one, with the potential to make a profound difference locally. Stroud Hospitals League of Friends is fortunate to have healthy reserves and have used those wisely over the years to enhance the two hospitals and Weavers Croft, and to support local healthcare organisations. Whilst the League of Friends is not a household name in Stroud, it is held in high esteem for its impact by many organisations with which it collaborates. The League of Friends has developed sound systems and nurtured excellent relationships with its partners.
As the Chair of the trustees you will lead the culture and strategic direction of Stroud Hospitals League of Friends. You will ensure that the charity trustee board functions effectively, meetings are led inclusively, and the board carries out its duties to ensure that we meets our purpose in line with regulatory and governance frameworks, and within our Constitution. You will ensure robust financial oversight, including the approval of budgets, major grants for hospital equipment, and statutory annual reporting. This will be aided by the financially qualified Treasurer, the experienced trustees, and our efficient and knowledgeable part-time administrator, with whom you will work closely.
Most importantly you will you will act as the principal face and ambassador for Stroud Hospitals League of Friends with NHS personnel, both clinical and executive, and with the leaders of our numerous partners, our members and volunteers, to work collaboratively with them to represent our interest and values and to foster strong working relationships to fulfill our aims.
Person specification
We welcome applications from a wide range of experience. The most important quality is that you are passionate about the Stroud area and the healthcare delivered to it by the NHS and other providers, principally local charities, to effect positive advances in healthcare provision for local residents and improve the clinical environment for patients, their families and staff.
• Experience in health, well-being or the wider voluntary sector would be helpful, though not essential
• Previous Chair or trustee experience would be helpful, or leadership and management experience, though not essential
• The ability to chair, plan, and facilitate productive board and committee meetings.
• Excellent communication skills and to be capable of tact and diplomacy where required
• Ability to work with confidence and effectively alongside clinical professionals, hospital executives, and dedicated volunteers and to foster strong working relationships
• Be confident in the role as the key representative for the League of Friends
• When required, along with trustees, recruit, induct, and support new Trustees, ensuring the board has a diverse and balanced range of skills.
How to apply
Please send a CV and a short covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) outlining why you feel suited to become Chair and your understanding of the role that the League of Friends plays in the hospitals and community, and of any challenges that a League of Friends might have to navigate. The closing date for applications is Wednesday 30th September 2026. Please send completed application to: [email protected]
Further information about Stroud Hospitals League of Friends can be found on our website (https://stroudleagueoffriends.org/)
If you have any specific queries or wish to have an informal chat about the role with our interim Chair, Roma Walker, then please contact [email protected].
