Chief executive officer volunteer roles in leyburn, north yorkshire

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?  ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy. Join us!

What will you be doing?

In addition to the responsibilities of all board members, the Treasurer will: 

1. Support the Board to review and monitor ECU’s financial performance and sustainability
2. Ensure the Board receives timely, accessible and accurate financial information
3. Support the team to develop and maintain robust and proportionate financial policies, processes and risk management systems

What are we looking for?

• Commitment to ECU’s mission and values
• Commitment to the legal duties and responsibilities
• Financial management experience, policies, risk
• Qualifications
• Able to interpret, interrogate and communicate financial information
• Work as part of a diverse team, and devote the time 

Desirable - treasurer experience

What difference will you make?

We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue.

Before you apply

• Your interest in this role and what you could bring to it
• What would you want to learn and gain?

Interview 25 Feb in London (expenses paid)

Help lead the Real Farming Trust into its next chapter as Chair of the Board of Trustees

Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: Approx. 1-2 days/month, plus annual retreats and sector events

Be part of a movement for food justice and ecological transformation

The Real Farming Trust (RFT) is a pioneering UK charity whose purpose is to connect and support people who are transforming our food system through agroecology. Since starting the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) in 2010, the RFT has grown into a dynamic organisation with a turnover of ~£1M.

As the organisation enters a new strategic cycle through to 2030, it is seeking a new Chair to guide the board and support the executive team in delivering bold, systemic change in food and farming. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation at the heart of the agroecological movement, convening grassroots voices, shaping policy discourse, and investing in community-led solutions.

Why This Role Matters

As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership during a pivotal phase of growth and transformation and enable the charity to fulfil its purpose.
• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across programmes and governance.
• Support the Executive Directors and staff to foster a resilient, values-led organisational culture.
• Represent RFT externally, including speaking at the ORFC and other sector events.
• Guide the board through governance best practice and renewal.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a visionary leader with:

• Board-level chairing experience in the charity or social enterprise sector with a detailed understanding of the principles and practice of good charity governance.
• A values-led, inclusive leadership style - humble, strategic, emotionally intelligent.
• Deep commitment to agroecology, food sovereignty, climate justice, and equity.
• Experience in or knowledge of food systems, farming, and agroecology.
• The strategic skills and experience to lead a significant and growing national charity.

What You'll Gain

• A defining role in shaping the future of food and farming in the UK.
• The opportunity to amplify grassroots voices and drive systemic change.
• A platform to demonstrate inclusive leadership and transformative impact.
• Connection to a vibrant, mission-driven team and a national network of changemakers.

Recruitment Timeline:

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold its commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), the RFT will be hosting a Q&A webinar on Thursday 4th December from 11-12pm in place of individual informal calls with the Chair and Executive Directors. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar, and we will send you a link..

Application deadline: Thursday 15th January 2026

First round interviews - Online: w/c 9th February 2026

Final interviews - In-person (Oxford): w/c 16th February 2026

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to RFT on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited initially to submit a CV to to receive the candidate pack, which has the full application details and a link to the webinar.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Fabrice Yala at Charity People.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require any assistance or adjustment to make the application process work for you, please let us know.