G1 Search is delighted to be partnering with Scripture Union Northern Ireland (SUNI) to appoint a new Chair of the Board.
This is a voluntary Board appointment and presents a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to contribute their skills, experience, and Christian faith to one of Northern Ireland’s most established and impactful charities.
For more than 100 years, Scripture Union Northern Ireland has been supporting children, young people, families, and churches across Northern Ireland. Through schools’ ministry, camps and missions, and ministry development initiatives, the organisation works alongside local churches to help children and young people discover and explore the Christian faith. As SUNI continues to deliver its ambitious strategy through to 2030, the incoming Chair will play a pivotal role in supporting governance, shaping future direction, and helping the organisation continue its mission of reaching children and young people across Northern Ireland with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Working closely with the General Director, Trustees, and wider leadership team, the Chair will lead the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities while ensuring the organisation remains focused on its strategic objectives, values, and charitable purpose.
This appointment offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation that reaches more than 12,000 children and young people each year through its programmes and ministry activities across Northern Ireland.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide effective leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, accountability, and strategic oversight
- Support SUNI in achieving its charitable objectives while ensuring compliance with relevant governance, regulatory, and legal requirements
- Chair Board meetings, facilitating constructive discussion, effective decision-making, and appropriate challenge
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the General Director, providing support, encouragement, and accountability
- Support the ongoing development of the Board, including trustee recruitment, succession planning, and skills development
- Review organisational performance and progress against strategic objectives
- Work closely with fellow Trustees, the Treasurer, and Board committees to ensure effective governance across the organisation
- Act as an ambassador for SUNI with churches, supporters, funders, and external stakeholders where appropriate
- Promote a culture of excellence, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout the organisation
Required Experience
- A mature Christian faith and active involvement within a local church
- Commitment to the vision, values, beliefs, and ethos of Scripture Union Northern Ireland
- Previous experience serving as a Trustee
- Experience chairing meetings and operating effectively at Board or senior leadership level
- Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
- The ability to provide strategic guidance, independent judgement, and constructive challenge
- A passion for supporting children’s and youth ministry
- The willingness and capacity to devote the time required to fulfil the responsibilities of the role
- Experience within charity governance, fundraising, finance, or leading organisations through periods of growth and development would be advantageous
What’s on Offer
- Opportunity to serve as Chair of one of Northern Ireland’s most respected Christian charities
- The chance to help shape the future direction of an organisation that reaches more than 12,000 children and young people each year
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact through governance, leadership, and strategic oversight
- Work alongside an experienced Board, leadership team, staff, and volunteers committed to advancing SUNI’s mission across Northern Ireland
- A meaningful opportunity to use your skills, experience, and Christian faith to support the next chapter of the organisation’s development
This is a voluntary, unremunerated position. The anticipated commitment is approximately 16 to 20 hours per month and includes attendance at Board and committee meetings, governance activities, stakeholder engagement, and regular liaison with the General Director and Treasurer.
The successful candidate is expected to join the Board as a Trustee during 2026 before assuming the position of Chair following the AGM in November 2026.
Interested?
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Christian leader who is passionate about governance, leadership, and helping children and young people explore the Christian faith.
If this opportunity aligns with your experience and calling, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
To apply, please submit an expression of interest, explaining why you are interested in the role (400
words max) by 7th August 2026.
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