Chair

Chair Opportunity at Grief Encounter

Can you be a values‑driven ambassador for our charity? We’re looking for a new Chair for our Board here at Grief Encounter! Will championing our commitment to compassion, courage and community be your motivator? Then, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a rewarding opportunity to embed good governance practice where it matters. Guide us with your strategic thinking to lead our Board, guiding sustainable growth.

Do you want to make a meaningful difference to children navigating life after the death of someone close? Then together, we will create lasting change for grieving families with you as our Chair!

Who are Grief Encounter?

Grief Encounter was founded by Dr Shelley Gilbert MBE, and we work to offer a way through the anxiety, fear and isolation so often caused by grief. Bereavement is devastating at any age, but for a child it is life-changing.

We are an open-access charity, funded by the generosity of our supporters. We are here to help ease the pain and confusion caused by the death of a parent or sibling. Our services include one-to-one counselling, music therapy, grief relief kits and much more.

What matters to Grief Encounter?

Our vision is a world where no child grieves alone. Our mission? To give every child, young person and their families access to the best possible support following the death of someone close.

If you join us at Grief Encounter…

You will play a vital part in ensuring the charity remains financially resilient, forward‑thinking and able to support every bereaved child who needs us. You’ll be closely connected to the needs, hopes and challenges of families experiencing grief, becoming a valued member of a Board committed to compassionate, evidence‑based support.

This is a pivotal moment for Grief Encounter. The demand for specialist bereavement services for children facing the death of someone close has never been greater. Against this backdrop, the role of the board is more important than ever. You’ll help the organisation navigate a complex external landscape with clarity, purpose and ambition—particularly as we strengthen our fundraising and extend our reach.

As Chair, you’ll lead the Board with clarity and momentum—shaping strategic direction, ensuring strong governance, and supporting the CEO to deliver impact.

You’ll keep the Board focused on what matters, drive effective decision‑making, and champion Grief Encounter externally, opening doors for partnerships and fundraising so the charity can reach more bereaved children and families.

What do Grief Encounter look for in a Chair?

We are seeking a credible and compassionate Chair with proven board experience and the ability to lead meetings effectively.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong financial literacy, expertise in charity governance—especially during organisational growth or transition—and act as an ambassador for Grief Encounter.

They will bring inclusive leadership, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and a values-driven approach, able to build trust and represent the charity confidently with funders, communities and sector partners.

Please download our Candidate Pack for full details.

Time commitment: The overall time commitment is approx 2-3 days per month.

Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining Grief Encounter!

If you would like a call to discuss the role or any of the content of this pack in more detail, please email John Sanger to arrange a convenient time at [email protected]. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.