Dear colleague, 

Following on from our recent message, this Our Shared Future update invites applications for the first Chair of the Network Committee - a role of huge importance for the future of the Age UK Network.

Apply to chair the Network Committee

The last update provided key additional detail about the Network Committee, the new governance structure which will provide Network Partners with a greater level of influence over the way we work together than ever before – including how money is spent on Network-wide activity.

The Network Agreement and Shared Strategy are planned to be issued to Partners for signature this autumn. It is therefore important to start on some key processes to enable the Network Committee to be able to input directly into National Age UK’s budget and business planning for the next financial year.

With that in mind, applications to chair the Network Committee are now open until 5pm on Monday 29 July.

How to apply

As per the draft Terms of Reference shared last week, the Chair will be a current or recent CEO, Chair, or Trustee from a Local Partner. As the Network Committee is a sub-committee of the Age UK Board, the Chair of the Network Committee will also become a Trustee of Age UK’s Board.

To apply for this role, please email trudy.boyson@ageuk.org.uk by 5pm on Monday 29 July and provide the following documents:

• An up-to-date CV.
   
• A supporting statement (maximum two pages) that outlines why you would like to be the Chair of the Network Committee and an Age UK Trustee and evidence as to how you meet the essential criteria for the role.
   
• Details of your connection to the Age UK Network.
   
• A completed diversity monitoring form (see recruitment pack below).
   
• Please include details of any dates between Monday 12 August and Friday 30 August you would be unable to attend interviews.

Interviews will take place between Monday 12 August and Friday 30 August. You can download the recruitment pack below:

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If you want to know more about the role or selection process, please contact Age UK's Chief Network Officer Victoria MacGregor, via email: victoria.macgregor@ageuk.org.uk or sharedfuture@ageuk.org.uk.

You can also access the recording of the recent Our Shared Future webinar where more detail on the Network Committee was provided by clicking the image below.

How the Chair will be appointed 

We are committed to ensuring the recruitment process is open and transparent and provides the maximum opportunity for candidates from across the Network to apply for this important role.

As the Chair will also be a Trustee of Age UK, the final appointment will be made by the Age UK Board on the recommendation of the Nominations and Governance Committee.

In making that recommendation, the interview panel will seek advice and input from a Partner Panel. The Partner Panel will be facilitated and chaired by the Age England Association, supported by Age UK's Chief Network Officer, with the opportunity to participate being extended equally to Local Partners across England, Wales and Scotland. To avoid any conflict of interest, the panel participants will be required to declare that they are not a candidate.

It is hoped that the Chair will be appointed W/C Monday 2 September.  

The appointed Chair will have input into the recruitment of wider Network Committee members and finalising the Terms of Reference ​throughout this autumn. The process will also allow time for a smooth transition from the AEA and Our Shared Future Strategy Group to the Network Committee.

It is hoped that the first meeting of the Network Committee will take place in December 2024. 

Thank you!

Thank you for reading this latest update on Our Shared Future. If you have any questions, please do get in touch sharedfuture@ageuk.org.uk.

As these updates are sent to CEOs and Chairs only, please share this update with your wider trustee board.

With best wishes,