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There is a huge variety of charities and non-profits across the UK, and as such, a huge variety in the chairing role too. Some organisations will already have a vice-chair role established, and some may be considering it. We have created a basic template role description for a vice-chair, which you can add to and adapt for your own organisation. The text in square brackets is for you to amend. At the bottom of the page you’ll be able to download the template in a Word document for you to use.

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Vice-chair role description

Vice-chair – [Insert organisation name]

Time commitment: The vice-chair will need to attend [X] board meetings per year, and is expected to have meetings with the CEO and other trustees when required, in addition to other relevant events relating to the work of the organisation. We estimate the time commitment to be [X] days per month.

Location: [X]

About the vice-chair role

The vice-chair role works with and supports the chair and the CEO to monitor the implementation of board decisions and the effective management of our affairs. In the absence of the chair, the vice-chair will provide leadership and direction to the board in order to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of [organisation name].

These responsibilities are in addition to the usual trustee role, which the vice-chair will be expected to fulfil. See our trustee role description for further information.

[If the vice-chair role is one where you expect them to take on the chair role when the current chair leaves, please make sure this is clear either here, or in the recruitment pack or process.]

Main responsibilities of the vice-chair:

• Deputise for and support the chair when necessary and assume any or all of the duties in the absence of the chair or as delegated by the chair. 
• Support the chair in the annual appraisal of board trustees, if required. 
• Liaise closely with the chair and assist them in overseeing conduct of [organisation name]’s business.
• Oversee the annual appraisal of the chair.
• With the chair, ensure that trustees understand the scope of their responsibilities.   
• Assist the chair to facilitate the effective direction of [organisation name] by seeking an appropriate combination of skills and experience among trustees and, if appropriate, by developing the use of appropriate committees of the board.
• Act as an informal mediator in situations where there are difficult board dynamics, including any tensions between the chair and other board members, or the chair and the CEO.

If stepping into the role of the acting chair, the vice-chair may have further responsibilities, including line management of the CEO on behalf of the board.