The Local Branch Chair plays a crucial leadership role within the British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) by providing direction, coordination, and support to the activities and initiatives of the local branch in their country.
The Chair serves as the primary liaison between the local branch, the central BOVF organization, and external stakeholders, representing the interests of British Citizens residing overseas and advocating for their rights and concerns within the local community.
Key Responsibilities:
Details below outline the primary duties and expectations associated with this specific position.
Leadership and Direction:
- Provide visionary leadership to the local branch, setting strategic direction, goals, and priorities in alignment with the overarching Mission, Goals, Key Issues and objectives of the BOVF.
- Inspire and motivate branch Members, Key Supporters (activists) and Supporters (Stakeholders) to actively engage in advocacy efforts, community initiatives, and UK democratic processes.
Coordination and Communication:
- Facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the local branch, ensuring transparent decision-making, timely information sharing, and constructive dialogue among stakeholders.
- Serve as the primary point of contact between the local branch and the central BOVF organization, conveying updates, feedback, and requests for support as needed.
Representation and Advocacy:
- Represent the local branch in external engagements, community forums, and stakeholder meetings, articulating the perspectives, priorities, and concerns of British Citizens residing overseas.
- Advocate for the rights and interests of British Citizens within the local community, raising awareness, building alliances, and influencing decision-makers to address key issues identified by the BOVF.
Strategic Planning and Implementation:
- Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans, initiatives, and campaigns to advance the goals and objectives of the local branch and the BOVF as a whole.
- Collaborate with branch Officers and stakeholders to identify opportunities, assess risks, and devise effective strategies for achieving desired outcomes and impact.
Relationship Building and Engagement:
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with local stakeholders, including British expatriates, community organizations, government officials, and media outlets, to enhance support, collaboration, and advocacy efforts.
- Engage with Members, Supporters, and activists to foster a sense of belonging, participation, and ownership within the local branch, encouraging diverse perspectives and contributions.
Organizational Development and Governance:
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies contained within the BOVF Information Hub including procedures, and ethical standards, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance within the local branch.
- Utilize Corrective and Improvement Suggestions / Recommendations Form on website to ensure all locally produced resources are shared with other branches.
- Support the recruitment, training, and development of branch Officers, volunteers, and activists, fostering a culture of learning, growth, and inclusivity.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Demonstrated leadership experience in community organizing, advocacy, or related fields.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas, build consensus, and engage diverse stakeholders effectively.
- Strategic thinking and planning abilities, coupled with a results-oriented approach to achieving organizational goals and objectives.
- Relationship-building skills, including the ability to cultivate partnerships, negotiate agreements, and resolve conflicts diplomatically.
- Commitment to the mission and values of the BOVF, with a passion for promoting the rights and interests of British Citizens residing overseas.
- Flexibility, resilience, and adaptability to navigate complex and dynamic environments, embracing innovation and continuous improvement.
Note: This role description is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the position of Local Branch Chair within the BOVF. Specific duties and expectations may vary depending on the needs and context of individual branches.
