The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT), a charity with 170 years of heritage supporting families within the UK fashion and textile industry, is searching for a new Chair of Trustees to guide the organisation through its next strategic period.

The voluntary position will see the successful candidate lead the Board of Trustees to advance FTCT’s mission of supporting financially vulnerable children whose parents work within the industry.

FTCT supports hundreds of industry families annually who are facing crises at home by funding grants for children’s essential items, including clothing and bedroom furniture to specialist items like mobility equipment and therapies.

The charity has strong, established partnerships with major industry players including M&S, NEXT, John Lewis and UKFT among others, and is a trusted source of support for industry families facing financial hardship.

Role and responsibilities

The incoming Chair will provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees, chairing quarterly meetings while ensuring robust governance and compliance standards. The role also involves leading strategic decision-making processes, including financial management, contributing to organisational stability and growth.

Candidate profile

FTCT is seeking a candidate with strong connections within the UK fashion and textile sector, either holding a current or recent senior executive position. The ideal candidate will also possess a comprehensive understanding of the UK charity landscape, with a proven commitment to governance best practices.

The position requires approximately 2-4 hours monthly commitment, including attendance at quarterly Trustee and Finance meetings scheduled for January, April, July and October.

The search process will operate on a rolling basis, with interviews conducted as applications are received. The position is voluntary, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Further information about the role, including a comprehensive information pack, is available here. The charity encourages interested candidates to make contact with any questions regarding the position.