Applications for Chair of the EDI Board

The Chair of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Board will be a member of the Society and is appointed for the specialist knowledge, skills and experience they bring to the Society's Board of Trustees.   

The Chair of the EDI Board is a member of the Board of Trustees.  The Board of Trustees are collectively responsible for overseeing the running of the Society.

The Board is the final decision point for determining the Society's strategy and sets the policies by which the Society operates. The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Society's charitable objects, protecting the Society's assets and reputation, managing risk on behalf of the Society's membership and is ultimately charged with ensuring the long-term health and good running of the Society.

Trustees provide independent insight and challenge to the Society's management and staff, with the intention of ensuring that the Society is well-led, well-run, and delivers maximum value for members and impact in line with the Society's Royal Charter.

The Chair of the EDI Board is responsible for ensuring that:

• Strategic Leadership: there is clear direction on EDI matters within the Society, that policies and initiatives align with best practice and legal requirements.
• Governance & Compliance: the EDI Board operates effectively, adhering to its Terms of Reference and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
• Stakeholder Engagement: the EDI Board builds relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to advance the Society's EDI agenda.
• Accountability & Reporting: the EDI Board oversees monitoring and evaluation of EDI initiatives, ensuring measurable impact and continuous improvement.
• Advisory Role: they act as a critical friend to the Board of Trustees, challenging and supporting EDI-related decision-making.
• Cultural Change: the EDI Board promotes an inclusive and equitable culture within the Society, ensuring that EDI is embedded in governance, membership engagement, and operational activities.

The Chair of the EDI Board is not a delegate or representative of the EDI Board on the Board of Trustees. The primary duties and responsibilities of the Chair of the EDI Board are as a Trustee. All Trustees are responsible for the effective running of the society, including by:

• ensuring that the Society complies with its Royal Charter, Statutes and Rules, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• ensuring that the Society pursues its objects as defined in its governing documents, that it applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Society
• contributing actively to the Board of Trustees by giving firm strategic direction to the Society, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• challenging and questioning, in a constructive and respectful manner
• working closely with, and holding to account, the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team for delivery of the Society's strategy and operational plans, including budget
• acting in the best interests of the Society and safeguarding its reputation and values
• building and maintaining an interest in the Society's activities
• gaining the trust and respect of other Board members; listening sensitively to the views of others, inside and outside the Board
• building and maintaining positive working relationships with fellow Trustees, members of the Senate, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team.

To lead the EDI Board in the promotion and furthering of equality, equity, diversity and inclusion across the Society's work and the broader psychological professions. ensuring strategic aims, objectives and actions are monitored and assessed for effectiveness and impact. 

The Chair of the EDI Board will have knowledge of the Society and is likely to have served on one or more sub-committees of a Strategy Board, or other group(s) within the Society.

For this specific EDI role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Expertise in EDI: a strong track record of leading or advising on EDI strategies within organisations
• Leadership & Governance Experience: previous experience chairing a board, committee, or strategic group.
• Influencing & Advocacy Skills: ability to engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders, from senior leaders to grassroots members.
• Strategic Thinking: ability to shape long-term EDI objectives and translate them into actionable policies.
• Commitment to Collaboration: a demonstrated ability to work effectively with governance bodies, leadership teams and external partners.
• Understanding of Charitable/Professional Bodies: familiarity with governance frameworks relevant to charities or professional associations.

For the Trustee role:

Trustees will come from a range of backgrounds – and for the Board to have maximum effectiveness it will aim for diverse composition.  The common qualities that all Trustees would be expected to have, however, are:

• sound judgement along with the highest professional standards, reputation and integrity
• existing non-executive experience, with an understanding of strategy and corporate governance
• cultural/political sensitivity and regulatory understanding
• strong communication skills and the ability to work with others
• the ability to constructively question and challenge
• wider leadership skills and the ability to think strategically
• strong performance management and analytical skills

Trustees who are members of the Society do not need specific knowledge of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship prior to becoming a Trustee, but will be expected to complete the society's training and induction at the outset of their term.

Term 

The Chair of the EDI Board will be appointed for a term of up to three years.  A retiring Chair of the EDI Board may be reappointed, subject to the Society's Statutes and the Terms of Reference of the EDI Board.

1. The Society will advertise the vacancy on its website and in any Society publications and/or communications to Members.
2. All candidates will be asked to answer a set of questions relating to the role.
3. In certain circumstances, an individual may be disqualified from serving as a Trustee under the law or under the Society's governing documents. Candidates will be asked to confirm that they are not disqualified. The Society may carry out checks to ensure that candidates are not disqualified from standing.
4. The Society will ensure that all candidates put forward to the Governance, Board Effectiveness and Nominations Sub-committee are appropriately qualified.
5. The Governance, Board Effectiveness and Nominations Sub-committee will shortlist following a review of the anonymised answers to the application questions – in most circumstances aiming to meet no more than six candidates.
6. The Governance, Board Effectiveness and Nominations Sub-committee will interview all candidates on the basis of their application and against the person specification – identifying no more than four main topics to explore, based on the applicants' information.  A CV will be requested from all candidates prior to interview.
7. The Governance, Board Effectiveness and Nominations Sub-committee will make the final appointment decision based on the CV information and the interview. The President will notify candidates of the outcome.

This is a voluntary role. Expenses are paid in accordance with the Society's policies.

An indication of the expected time commitment is as follows: