Advertised from 20 February 2026

Role

Anderson Knight is delighted to be supporting Real Life Options in the search for an exceptional, values driven Chairperson to lead its Board of Management and guide the organisation through its next phase of development.

The Chairperson plays a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the charity fulfils its mission, maintains the highest standards of governance, and continues to deliver outstanding, person-centred services. Working in close partnership with the Board and the Group Chief Executive Officer, the Chair will provide strategic leadership, uphold accountability, and act as an ambassador for the organisation.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact within an organisation dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people to live full, meaningful lives.

Key Responsibilities

Board Leadership & Governance

• Lead the Board in setting clear strategic direction, providing effective oversight, and supporting high-quality decision-making.
• Ensure the governance of Real Life Options reflects the organisation’s Articles and Memorandum of Association.
• Foster a high-performing Board with the right balance of skills, experience, diversity, and succession planning.
• Promote a strong culture of transparency, compliance, accountability, and ethical leadership.
• Encourage constructive challenge and collective responsibility within the Board.
• Ensure all trustees meet their legal, regulatory, and fiduciary duties.

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Work in partnership with the CEO to shape, oversee, and monitor the organisation’s strategy, transformation plans, and long-term objectives.
• Ensure strong alignment between vision, performance, financial sustainability, and risk management.
• Provide oversight of major change and development programmes, ensuring decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of people supported.

Partnership with the CEO

• Build a strong, trusting, and constructive working relationship with the CEO.
• Provide support, guidance, mentoring, and performance appraisal.
• Hold the CEO to account for the delivery of strategic objectives and organisational performance.
• Offer counsel on complex, sensitive, or high-impact decisions.

External Representation & Advocacy

• Act as an ambassador for Real Life Options, building effective relationships with stakeholders, regulators, funders, commissioners, and sector partners.
• Champion the organisation’s mission, values, and the rights and voices of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

Championing Lived Experience

• Ensure co-production and lived experience are embedded in governance and decision-making.
• Promote the highest standards of safeguarding, quality, and person-centred practice across the organisation.

Effective Board Operations

• Chair Board and committee meetings effectively, ensuring inclusive participation and well-structured, purposeful discussions.
• Ensure the Board receives timely, high-quality information and reporting from the Executive team.
• Lead the annual Board evaluation and support ongoing Board development.

Application notes

Please download the recruitment pack below to find out more abut the role and how to apply.

Closing date: Friday 13th March

Interviews: Wednesday 18th of March  

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Gillian Pate at Anderson Knight Recruitment gillian@andersonknight.co.uk who is managing the process. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Real Life Options is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion at all levels of the organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of disability, candidates from underrepresented groups, and those who bring fresh perspectives to Board leadership.

We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure it is fully accessible.

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