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Role Title: Unit Chairperson
Organisation: Twickenham Sea Cadets (TS Saumarez)
Location: Teddington, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames

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About the Opportunity

Are you looking to make a lasting, transformative impact in your local community while gaining exceptional governance and executive leadership experience?

Twickenham Sea Cadets is seeking a volunteer Unit Chairperson to lead our Unit Management Team (UMT). Taking on the role of Chair at Twickenham right now is a particularly special opportunity: we are a life-changing organisation, and thanks to the collective effort of our team, we have consistently been recognised as one of the best Units in the country over most of the last decade.

We won the Canada Trophy in 2023, recognising us as the best Unit in the Sea Cadet Corps out of 450 units - the first time we have won it in our 94-year history. We were also 2025 recipients of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, one of just 17 charities in London in 2025.

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What We Do

Twickenham Sea Cadets is a unique community charity based on the River Thames. We are run by dedicated people who give their time so that enthusiastic young people can gain skills, confidence, and qualifications they simply cannot get anywhere else, setting them up for adult life and empowering them to thrive.

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The Role of Chair

As Chair, you will lead our experienced Unit Management Team (UMT) and Trustees, working in close partnership with our Commanding Officer (CO) to set our future strategic direction, maintain oversight of our financial, legal, and regulatory duties, and ensure our volunteers have everything required to deliver an outstanding Cadet experience.
Recent achievements under board leadership include:
Changing the Charity's legal structure and retiring our Property Trust.
Advancing Project Saumarez 2100, securing our long-term vision.
Completing major capital projects, including slipway works and the refurbishment of our flagship Whaler.

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Who We Are Looking For

There is no requirement to have prior Trustee experience. Our outgoing Chair stepped into the role at age 27, just 10 months after becoming a Trustee, with no previous governance experience.

We are looking for someone who can:

- Build a strong, supportive partnership with the Commanding Officer and fellow Trustees.
- Set clear ambitions and strategic direction for the Unit.
- Maintain effective governance oversight while supporting an experienced, proactive team.

Extensive guidance and support on policies, processes, and operational requirements are provided nationally by Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC), backed by an effective, established local Unit Management Team.

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Personal & Professional Benefits

Executive Leadership: Gain high-level governance experience, expand your network, and further develop your management skills.
Community Impact: Directly enable life-changing opportunities for local young people.
Autonomy: Enjoy the freedom to shape the role, set our future strategic direction, and leave a lasting legacy.

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How to Apply / Find Out More

To view the full role description or request an informal, confidential conversation with our outgoing Chair to talk through what the role involves, share experiences, and answer questions about time commitments, please get in touch via the platform contact link or email us directly at twickenhamseacadetschair@gmail.com.