Time Commitment: Approximately 2 days per month

At Adoption UK, we believe every adopted and care-experienced child, young person and family should have the opportunity to thrive. For more than fifty years, Adoption UK has been a source of support, understanding and connection for families across the UK. Through its communities, services, campaigning and advocacy, the organisation has become a trusted voice for adoptive families, adopted people, kinship carers and care-experienced children and young people, helping to shape policy, influence practice and drive lasting change.

Today, Adoption UK enters its next chapter from a position of strength. With a clear sense of purpose, a respected national profile and an ambitious vision for the future, the organisation is well placed to deepen its impact and extend its influence across the UK.

We are seeking an exceptional Chair to help lead that journey. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation that changes lives every day. Working in partnership with the Chief Executive and a committed Board of Trustees, you will help shape the future direction of Adoption UK, ensuring it continues to provide vital support for families while amplifying the voices and experiences of those it exists to serve.

The Opportunity

As Chair, you will provide leadership to the Board, guiding the organisation through its next phase of development and ensuring the highest standards of governance, accountability and strategic oversight. You will work closely with the Chief Executive to help realise Adoption UK's ambitions, supporting the organisation as it builds on its strong foundations and explores new opportunities to increase its reach, relevance and impact. You will also act as a passionate ambassador for the organisation, helping to strengthen relationships with partners, policymakers, supporters and stakeholders across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspiring and inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure the Board delivers effective governance, strategic oversight and accountability.
• Build a strong and constructive partnership with the Chief Executive.
• Lead and support the Board in shaping the organisation's long-term vision and strategic priorities.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing Board culture.
• Act as an ambassador and advocate for Adoption UK's mission and values.
• Ensure the voices and experiences of adopted and care-experienced people remain central to decision-making and organisational development.

Why This Role Matters

Adoption UK occupies a unique place within the sector. It combines practical support for families with national advocacy, bringing lived experience into conversations that shape policy and practice across the UK. As Chair, you will help ensure that the organisation continues to be a trusted source of support, a credible and influential voice, and a catalyst for positive change. You will join a talented Board and executive team with a shared commitment to improving outcomes for adopted and care-experienced children, young people and families, helping to shape an organisation whose impact is felt far beyond its own services.

For a confidential conversation, please contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson:

Emma French - emma.french@gatenbysanderson.com
Liz Dean - liz.dean@gatenbysanderson.com

Adoption UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board that reflects the communities it serves and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

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Recruitment Timetable

Closing date
Tuesday 17th November 2026

First Round Interviews
Tuesday 23rd November 2026

Final Interviews
Thursday 26th November 2026

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV along with a Supporting Statement addressing the person specification criteria, evidencing how you meet the criteria.
• Detail any employment or education gaps.
• Be ready to provide the names, positions, organisations and contact details for two referees; one should be your current or most recent employer. Referees will be contacted for those proceeding to final stages. We will always gain your permission before we contact referees.
• Let us know any difficulty you may have with the indicative timetable.
• Check that your contact details are correct before you submit.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email confirmation. If you do not receive, please email contactus@gatenbysanderson.com