Lead a BBC-nominated charity bringing local news, entertainment and community connection to people with sight loss and other reading disabilities across Mid Devon. You'll chair a dedicated team of 50+ volunteers and help shape a service that's been a lifeline for over 40 years.
Every week, the Mid Devon Messenger records and delivers local news, quizzes, book reviews, interviews and music to people who can no longer read print — connecting them to the community around them. What began over 40 years ago as a talking newspaper has grown into something much broader: a free, volunteer-run weekly audio service that's become a genuine lifeline. In 2025, a listener nominated us for the BBC's Make a Difference Award.
As Chair, you'll lead a warm, committed team of more than 50 volunteers. You'll chair quarterly committee meetings and monthly communications meetings, work alongside our officers and team leaders, and act as the charity's ambassador to health and social care agencies, disability organisations and local sponsors.
This is a hands-on role. You'll get to know our listeners personally — and you'll help us keep growing. We're expanding beyond sight loss to support anyone with a condition that makes reading difficult, linking with stroke, Parkinson's, MS and dementia groups. You'll also liaise with social and activity groups — from indoor bowling to listening book clubs — because for many of our members, the Messenger is about far more than news.
We're looking for someone with strong interpersonal skills, a collaborative leadership style, and an interest in accessibility or community media. Experience of charity governance is helpful but not essential — what matters most is the energy and commitment to keep a much-loved local service thriving.
The role involves chairing four committee meetings and attending monthly planning meetings. You'll also maintain our membership of the Talking News Federation and oversee governance arrangements including the annual election of officers.
Key qualities and personal attributes
You care about keeping people connected to their community — particularly those living with sight loss, physical disability or cognitive conditions that make reading difficult. Beyond that:
You bring clear strategic thinking and the confidence to lead a small organisation, but you wear it lightly. You create an environment where volunteers feel trusted, valued and heard. You listen well, and you understand that in the voluntary sector, empathy isn't a soft skill — it's the engine. You're generous with thanks, because you know that recognition is what keeps a volunteer team strong. And you're available. In a charity this size, the Chair isn't distant — you're someone people can pick up the phone to.
You'll need to commit real time to the role and be present at meetings and events. But you'll be joining something genuinely rewarding — a charity where the impact is personal and visible.
Key experience and skills
You'll have previous experience in some or all of the following:
Leadership: A senior role in the voluntary, public or private sector — you know how to set direction and bring people with you.
Networking and advocacy: The confidence to represent the Messenger to service users, health and social care partners, local sponsors and the wider voluntary sector.
Charity governance: A working understanding of Charity Commission regulations, compliance and legal responsibilities — or the willingness to learn quickly.
Financial oversight: The ability to read financial reports, engage with budgeting and help ensure the charity's long-term sustainability.
Risk management: Experience identifying and managing reputational risk, handling crises, and maintaining a risk register.
Working patterns
This is a home-based role. You'll attend quarterly committee meetings and monthly communications meetings, currently held in Tiverton. Our recording studio is based in Tiverton Town Hall.
Expect to give around 3–7 hours per week, though the rhythm is flexible. Set meetings are pre-scheduled throughout the year and none last longer than 90 minutes. The AGM doubles as a social get-together.
Application process
Our greatest challenge isn't funding or volunteers — we're fortunate to have both. It's reaching the people who need us most. Many potential listeners are isolated and disconnected from their community, and when we do find them, the difference is immediate. That's the work this role exists to drive.
The closing date for applications is 31 May 2026, with interviews expected in mid-June.