MK-ACT (Milton Keynes Women's Aid)
Job Description
Make a lasting difference to the lives of people affected by domestic abuse.
MK ACT (Milton Keynes Women’s Aid) is seeking a dynamic and committed Chair of the Board of Trustees, ideally with previous chairing experience, to lead our experienced and passionate Board at a pivotal point in the charity’s journey.
MK ACT is the leading domestic abuse charity in Milton Keynes. We provide crisis intervention services, refuge accommodation for families fleeing domestic abuse, and deliver the Fresh Start programme, which supports survivors while simultaneously addressing harmful behaviours in perpetrators.
About the Role
As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board and ensure the highest standards of governance. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership team, you will play a central role in shaping the future direction of the charity, including leading the development of a new refuge and strengthening our organisational resilience and financial sustainability.
A comprehensive handover from the current Chair will be provided to support continuity.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership: Lead the Board in setting strategic direction and maintaining effective governance.
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Culture & Collaboration: Foster a collaborative, inclusive Board culture where all Trustees contribute effectively.
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Financial Oversight: Provide oversight of financial performance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
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Ambassadorial Duties: Act as an ambassador for the charity, building strong relationships with stakeholders, funders, and partners.
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Values Champion: Uphold and champion the charity’s values: Dignity & Respect, Empowerment, High Quality, Cooperation & Collaboration, and Diversity.
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CEO Partnership: Support and appropriately challenge the CEO and senior leadership team, ensuring accountability and clarity of purpose.
What We’re Looking For
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Leadership Experience: Proven leadership at a Board or senior executive level.
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Chairing Expertise: Previous experience chairing meetings or boards is highly desirable.
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Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of financial governance and charity sector compliance.
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Risk Management: Experience in building organisational resilience and managing risk.
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Communication: A collaborative, inclusive leadership style with excellent interpersonal skills.
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Commitment: A strong dedication to tackling domestic abuse and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Job Data Table
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | MK-ACT (Milton Keynes Women’s Aid) |
| Location | Milton Keynes, United Kingdom |
| Locality | Milton Keynes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| City | Milton Keynes |
| Region | South East England |
| Job Type | Part-time (Voluntary) |
| Salaries | Unpaid / Voluntary |
| Experience Level | Senior Executive / Board Level |
| Travel | Hybrid (Local meetings in Milton Keynes) |
| Language | English |
| Benefits | Comprehensive handover, strategic impact, community contribution |
Skills & Competency Table
| Key Skill | Level |
| Strategic Leadership | Expert |
| Charity Governance | Advanced |
| Financial Oversight | Advanced |
| Stakeholder Engagement | High |
| Risk Management | Advanced |
Salaries Pay Calculator Table
| Annual Salary | Bonus | Total Compensation | Notes |
| £0 | £0 | £0 | This is a voluntary, unpaid position. |
Job Summary
As Chair of MK-ACT, you will lead the Board of Trustees for Milton Keynes’ primary domestic abuse charity. You will oversee strategic growth, including the development of a new refuge, and ensure financial sustainability. This 3-year voluntary role requires 2–3 days per month to empower survivors and drive systemic change.
FAQs
Is this a paid position?
No, the Chair of the Board of Trustees is a voluntary role; however, it offers significant professional and community impact.
What is the expected time commitment?
The role requires approximately 2 to 3 days per month for a term of three years.
Do I need to live in Milton Keynes?
Meetings are in Milton Keynes with hybrid options, but a local presence or connection to the area is beneficial.
What is the ‘Fresh Start’ programme mentioned?
It is an MK-ACT initiative that works to change the behaviour of domestic abuse perpetrators while supporting their partners.
What is the application deadline?
The closing date for applications is 12 February 2026, with interviews scheduled for 7 March 2026.
Expert Analysis
Leading a specialist domestic abuse charity like MK-ACT requires a delicate balance of high-level financial governance and deep empathy for the sector. As the organization embarks on building a new refuge, the Chair will need “capital project” awareness alongside traditional board-level strategic planning to ensure long-term resilience.
Location & Logistics Guide
Milton Keynes serves as a critical hub for social services in the South East. MK-ACT’s refuge and outreach services are central to the city’s safety network. Meetings typically offer hybrid options, facilitating participation for professionals balancing other commitments across the region.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Keynes
Career Path
A Chair of the Board role is a prestigious addition to a senior professional’s portfolio. It often leads to further Non-Executive Director (NED) roles in larger NGOs, public sector appointments, or advisory positions within national governmental bodies focused on social justice, domestic safety, and gender equality.
To apply for this job please visit uk.linkedin.com.