Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us
For three decades, Forward Arts Foundation (‘Forward’) has been at the forefront of new poetry and now reaches an estimated 131 million people each year. We are a national charity working across the UK and online to widen poetry’s audience, honour achievement and support diverse talent. Through our two flagship programmes, Forward Prizes for Poetry and National Poetry Day, we work towards a better society where individuals and communities can develop their innate creativity, their agency and their understanding through the making and sharing of poetry.
Leadership and Management
Forward is led by its board of eight Trustees, chaired by Jamie Andrews. Jamie is Director of Public Engagement at the British Library and brings extensive experience as a trustee of several charities, including Oxford House. Other trustees are Forward’s founder William Sieghart CBE, responsible for the 2013 Sieghart Report on libraries and e-books; Kim Evans, former senior executive at BBC and Arts Council; Aoife O’Connor, poet and producer; Amelia Richards, culture and communications leader; treasurer and CFO Latinka Pilipovic; marketing manager Maya Ophelia and data scientist Mary Amanuel.
The organisation is led by Mónica Parle and Lucy Macnab, Co-Executive Directors. Both have experience as directors of writing organisations (First Story and Ministry of Stories). Mónica is an award winning writer and Lucy brings national policy and strategy design experience from Arts Council England. With joint accountability, they each work 0.5FTE. The team also includes Jay Bhadricha, Head of Programmes, and Annalise Peters, Finance and Operations Coordinator.
The team is supported by freelance specialists in education, communications, finance and fundraising.
We believe poetry is for everyone. Our approach to recruiting trustees is shaped by a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications for vacancies from D/deaf and disabled and black and minority ethnic candidates, as well as candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as they are under-represented in the arts, and we commit to review our processes to ensure that our organisation more closely reflects the society it serves.
Chair Role
The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity’s vision and mission. The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.
- Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board.
- Work in partnership with the Co-Executive Directors and Vice Chair.
- Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
- Plan and chair the board meetings with the Vice Chair and Co-Executive Directors.
- Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Forward.
What we are looking for
- Experience of being a trustee. You do not need to have been a Chair before.
- A keen sense of strategic purpose.
- An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.
- The ability to listen and engage effectively. You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
- Advocate - be able and willing to champion Forward’s work through personal networks, social media, and other channels.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Be responsive. At a small charity, things sometimes ‘come up’ that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to. It is very helpful to have a Chair who is available and responsive.
Trustee roles
We are also looking for trustees with expertise in any of the below and a belief that your skills will contribute to the strong and effective governance and growth of a small charity. We are especially looking for experience and networks in:
- Fundraising or philanthropy
- Governance/institutional/policy leadership
- Digital/data/design
- Education
- We’re also interested in applications from those under 30 or those seeking their first trusteeship, and offer support and guidance from an experienced ‘buddy’ trustee.
- Ideally, applicants should show interest in or understanding of the literature/arts sector and/or literacy and education.
Responsibilities of all trustees
- Support and provide advice on Forward’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
- Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
- Oversee Forward’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
- Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
- Provide support and challenge to Forward’s Co-Executive Directors
- Keep abreast of changes in Forward’s operating environment.
- Applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts to promote Forward’s work.
Essential qualities and attributes of all trustees
- Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
- Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
- A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
- Willingness to lead according to our values of wonder, play and openness.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
Terms and Commitment
Location: All board meetings may be attended online. We will try to meet face-to-face when we can. But trustees are welcome wherever they live.
We estimate you’ll need to commit around 30 hours over the course of a year. The board meets quarterly and we have a strategy day one afternoon a year. Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term, with a maximum of 2 terms.
Salary: Unpaid, travel expenses will be reimbursed if needed and where necessary.
Deadline for applications: 21 July
Interviews beginning w/c 28 July
To apply or find out more, contact Co-Executive Director Lucy Macnab explaining why you would like to be a trustee. If you are interested in being Chair, please make this clear. You may want to tell us what your previous experience is, and what knowledge and skills you have and what you would like to gain from the experience. Also someone we can talk to as a referee. We will accept applications in any medium.
For those applying for the chair role, you are welcome to have a call with Jamie Andrews, current chair, to find out more.
Forward Arts Foundation is a registered charity (charity number: 1037939) and a company limited by guarantee (company no: 02902864), registered in England and Wales.
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Growth Pillar Malawi
Growth Pillar is an innovative and holistic entity geared to catalyse sustainable development and foster both individual and community resilience to environmental, systems and technological change through on-going research, evidence-based strategic policy analysis, programmatic innovation, and provision of technical assistance and enabling resources.
We work with a diverse portfolio of clients including corporate enterprises, financial institutions, public sector bodies, non-governmental organizations, families, and individuals.
Our multidisciplinary team brings together extensive local and international experience, sector-specific expertise, and a deep understanding of the dynamics shaping both local and global contexts. We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, customized solutions through rigorous, participatory, and context-sensitive approaches.
Growth Pillar addresses complex and interrelated challenges through its integrated programs across research, entrepreneurship, agribusiness, and wellness. Here are the key challenges it solves:
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Lack of Data-Driven Decision Making and Strategic Policy Implementation • Insufficient use of evidence in decision-making: Many organizations and policymakers operate without solid data, leading to ineffective programs and missed opportunities. • Disconnect between policy and implementation: Even well-designed policies often fail due to poor contextual understanding or weak execution mechanisms. • Inefficient use of development funding: Donor and public sector investments can be wasted without clear targeting or robust monitoring systems.
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Entrepreneurial Barriers and Limited Business Growth • Early-stage business failure and stagnation: Many entrepreneurs struggle with refining their ideas, accessing funding, and building resilient models. • Lack of access to strategic guidance: Startups and SMEs often operate without experienced mentorship or market insights. • Youth unemployment and underemployment: Limited job opportunities leave young people disengaged and economically vulnerable.
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Agricultural Underperformance and Climate Vulnerability • Low agricultural productivity and outdated practices: Smallholder farmers often lack access to modern technologies and inputs. • Lack of climate resilience: Climate change threatens food systems, but many farmers are unprepared to adapt. • Underutilization of innovation in agribusiness: Traditional farming systems often lack access to digital tools and innovative approaches.
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Poor Mental Health, Well-being, and Social Support • Neglect of mental and emotional well-being: Individuals and teams frequently lack access to mental health support, leading to stress, burnout, and reduced performance. • Limited awareness and uptake of wellness services: Mental health remains stigmatized or under-prioritized in many cultures and workplaces.
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Fragmented Development and Siloed Sector Approaches • Lack of integrated, cross-sector solutions: Development efforts often operate in silos, leading to inefficiencies and limited impact. • Weak collaboration among stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and private entities often lack coordination and synergy. • Barriers to inclusive development: Marginalized groups frequently remain excluded from innovation, entrepreneurship, and social services.
Through our multidisciplinary team, we offer services in the following areas:
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Research, Policy, Innovation and Development: We drive impact through evidence-based research, strategic policy analysis, and innovative development solutions. We generate actionable insights across sectors such as health, agribusiness, human development, and entrepreneurship; empowering clients with data-driven and proven approaches that foster informed decision-making and sustainable growth.
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Entrepreneurship and Business Development: We empower entrepreneurs and businesses to grow, adapt, and thrive. We provide tailored support to refine ideas, overcome challenges, and scale sustainably. Through practical tools, expert guidance, and strategic insights, we help entrepreneurs successfully launch, manage, and expand their ventures in dynamic and competitive markets.
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Agribusiness and Agricultural Development: We support agricultural transformation through innovative, sustainable, and market-driven solutions. We help clients enhance productivity, adopt climate-smart and resilient practices, and unlock opportunities across the agribusiness value chain. Our services align with global food security goals, contributing to resilient farming systems and inclusive growth in rural and agricultural communities.
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Social, Health and Wellness: We promote holistic well-being by addressing the social, emotional, and physical health needs of individuals, families, and teams. We offer personalized support to improve mental wellness, strengthen relationships, and enhance productivity; by helping clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and lead healthier, more balanced lives at home, school, work, and beyond.
At Growth Pillar, we are driven by the belief that real change starts with people who care, people like you.
Volunteering with us is not just about giving your time. It’s about using your voice, your skills, and your passion to help build stronger communities, support meaningful causes, and be part of something bigger than yourself. Whether you are interested in research, entrepreneurship, agriculture, wellness, marketing, business development, social media management, human resources, etc., there is a place here for you to grow and contribute in ways that matter. You will be joining a team that values collaboration, creativity, and purpose. You will learn, connect with inspiring people, and work on real solutions to real challenges and make a tangible impact.
So, if you are ready to give back, grow personally and professionally, and be part of something truly rewarding; we would love to have you on board.
Let’s do good, together.
Marketing Officer
Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)
Role Description
- Support the development and implementation of sales and marketing strategies.
- Creating awareness of products and services offered by the company.
- Plan advertising and promotional campaigns for products or services on a variety of media (including marketing campaigns on social media platforms, print etc.)
- Liaise with stakeholders and vendors to promote success of activities and enhance the company’s presence.
- Prepare content for the publication of marketing material and oversee distribution.
- Conduct market research to identify opportunities for promotion and growth.
- Maintaining a healthy relationship with the clients.
- Respond to the client queries regarding products and services in a timely fashion to explain the advantages of the products or services offered and follow up with them in order to close business deals. Supporting the company to set and meet sales and marketing targets.
- Negotiating the deals with the clients.
- Assist with negotiations of collaboration agreements, and scopes of work with local and international partners.
- Develop creative strategies to retain clients including interviewing them to take their feedback and incorporate it into the growth plan.
- Assist in company’s branding and media communication activities such as press releases, advertisements, marketing collaterals, social media and web site.
- Create, monitor, and report on key performance metrics to determine effectiveness of sales and marketing efforts and anticipate customer needs.
- Participating in internal and external exhibitions and conferences.
- Writing monthly reports on the performance of the campaigns.
- Assist with special projects and tasks as requested.
Weekly Time Commitment
4-6 hours per week
Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)
3-5 months
We connect professionals with impact startups matching their causes, skills & schedule.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.