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!
Women's Aid Luton is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chair of the Board to lead and support the transformation and growth of our small yet impactful charity.
Women’s Aid Luton supports over 800 of society's most vulnerable women and children each year, helping them escape horrific abuse and violence. We provide a safe haven across our five refuges in Luton, operate a helpline, and offer bespoke assistance for families. Our services include access to legal advice, mental health support, employment assistance, and resettlement aid.
One of our refuges is dedicated to women from South Asian communities, with staff who speak Punjabi, Bengali, and Urdu. We also have a refuge for single women with complex support needs, such as mental health issues and drug and alcohol dependencies, often stemming from the trauma of domestic violence and abuse.
In addition to our direct support services, we focus on prevention and intervention by working with schools to raise awareness of domestic abuse. We are committed to disrupting exploitative and abusive relationships to prevent loss of life and reduce the long-term economic and social costs to society. Our services contribute to creating a safer, more compassionate community, supporting women and children from diverse socio-economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, including those with complex needs.
With the current challenges facing our sector, we are focused on creating financial sustainability and resilience within the organisation, focusing on a robust funding strategy and a dynamic response to risk.
Our current Chair will come to the end of their term next year, and therefore we’re seeking a new Chair to support the charity in delivering our vital work.
The Chair of Trustees is a pivotal role within our organisation. Your leadership and dedication will be instrumental in ensuring we not only maintain but also expand our vital support and services for those in need. By guiding our strategic vision and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence, you will directly impact the lives of countless vulnerable women and children, helping them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. Your commitment will drive our mission forward, creating lasting change and a safer, more supportive community for all.
What are we looking for?
EXPERIENCE
- An understanding and passion for the violence against women and girls sector
- Significant experience as a non-executive
- An understanding of UK charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
- Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level
- An ability to network with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Sensitivity and discretion in dealing with staff and service user issues.
- Significant experience and success in leading groups of people in either a professional or voluntary capacity to achieve results.
- Experience of chairing meetings.
- Significant experience of managing, motivating, and developing people.
- Strong experience of developing, deploying, and evaluating strategic plans with a view to maximising impact and benefit.
- Experience of financial management and a broad understanding of charity finance issues
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Exceptional leadership skills; able to cultivate effective collaboration but also comfortable in taking responsibility for difficult choices.
- Effective strategic communicator: able to articulate Women’s Aid Luton’s vision and engage and inspire others both within the organisation and externally.
- Highly effective relationship and alliance building abilities.
- Sound judgement with high capacity for self-reflection.
- Capacity to support both Board and Executive development.
- An ability to work within the realistic expectations and limitations for the Charity
ATTRIBUTES
- Dynamic leadership style that guides and inspires the Board and Executive to fulfil their respective responsibilities.
- A strong personal commitment to improving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Collaborative approach with excellent interpersonal skills.
- A strong personal commitment to Women’s aid Luton’s vision and mission replace with: Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and cause
- Demonstrate tact and diplomacy, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of the charity
- Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
The initial appointment is for a three-year term but can be extended for one further term for a maximum of six years.
“Joining Women’s Aid in Luton as a Board member has enabled me to use my professional expertise in a way that gives back to the community. I know that all the energy and time I give is helping to strengthen the organisation and ultimately the women and children it seeks to support. Joining the Board has been immensely rewarding and I highly recommend it as a valuable way to volunteer your time for a good cause.” – current Board Trustee at Women’s Aid in Luton.
Due to the sensitive nature of this role, we will be considering female volunteers only for this post in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Requirement (Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9 part 1). Applicants will be required to have a satisfactory enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service.
We actively encourage applications from women from a variety of backgrounds, and with a range of skills and experiences. We are particularly interested to hear from women from Black, Asian and minoritised communities and women who have personal experience of domestic abuse.
If you have some time, energy and interest in the domestic abuse sector and believe you can make a difference to Women’s Aid Luton, we would love to hear from you.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We aim to reduce the devastating impact of gender-based abuse/exploitation on all women and children, through safeguarding, empowerment and education.
Thank you!
Canopi Foundation carries out two main charitable activities, that of Canopi and Education Saves Lives. They together form a small group, with Canopi Foundation overseeing the two activities.
- Canopi is a not-for-profit organisation offering flexible and affordable workspace for charities and other Social Sector organisations in a central London location. Our mission is to support the Social Sector by providing modern, flexible work environments, support services, and events tailored to a like-minded community of changemakers.
- Education Saves Lives is is dedicated to improving health and well-being in vulnerable communities around the world by providing life-saving health education through simple, engaging video lessons. These educational resources are delivered in local languages and tailored to the needs of each community, empowering individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and lead healthier lives.
Canopi Foundation is seeking 3 new Trustees to join their Board - Use your expertise to create positive social impact both locally and globally as a Trustee of Canopi Foundation.
What will you be doing?
As a Trustee of Canopi Foundation, you’ll help provide strategic direction, ensure good governance, and support financial oversight. Key responsibilities include:
- Governance & Leadership: Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, uphold the charity’s mission and values, contribute to Board decisions, and promote integrity and transparency.
- Strategy & Planning: Shape and monitor strategic plans, assess risks and opportunities, and stay informed on sector trends.
- Financial Stewardship: Approve budgets and reports, oversee resource management and risk, and support income generation and fundraising initiatives.
You will be part of a team of committed individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact in the world. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your skills, knowledge, and experience to drive Canopi Foundation’s mission forward.
There is a full role description in the candidate pack.
Time commitment: Approximately one day a month on average, comprised of preparation for and attending: Four Board meetings a year (usually via Zoom), one annual strategy day (in person), and 1hr monthly informal catch ups (via Zoom) Ad hoc support for Chief Executive of Canopi and Education Saves Lives. While most meetings are virtual, occasional in-person sessions occur (82 Tanner Street, London)
What are we looking for?
Skills and qualifications:
We are seeking Trustees with the following skills / experience to take lead oversight for these areas:
- Social Sector Experience: someone with a solid understanding of the charity and third sector, and strong experience in strategy and leadership. You’ll offer insights that help us respond to sector challenges and increase our impact
- Fundraising and Income Generation: someone with a background in fundraising and income generation to support the team with ideas, insight, and a fresh perspective on our income strategy
- Legal (Charity Law and Regulation): someone with legal expertise - especially in charity law and regulation - to guide the Board in making sound and compliant decisions
As part of our longer-term succession planning, we would welcome interest from candidates who may be open to taking on additional Board leadership responsibilities in the future, eg Chair or Committee roles.
We are committed to creating a board of trustees that reflects the rich diversity of our community. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences - regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or socio‑economic status. We believe that varied perspectives strengthen our governance and help us serve better.
There is a full description in the candidate pack.
What difference will you make?
As a Trustee, your expertise and guidance will directly shape the future of Canopi Foundation and its two impactful initiatives: Canopi, supporting social change organisations with affordable workspaces, and Education Saves Lives, delivering vital health education globally. Your input will strengthen our strategy, governance, and sustainability - helping us reach more people, respond effectively to sector challenges, and grow our impact. This is a meaningful opportunity to use your skills to support a mission-driven organisation making a real difference in people’s lives.
Thank you!
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
ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.
ProVeg engages with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
ProVeg has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award and works closely with key UN food and environment agencies.
ProVeg creates global impact, with offices in 15 countries across five continents and more than 220 employees.
In the UK, our focus is on public sector food. Through our School Plates programme, we support major school caterers in their transition to healthier and more sustainable school menus. Since its launch in 2018, we’ve supported over 90 major school caterers, responsible for the food in over 8,000 schools, feeding over 1.3 million children every day, helping almost 50 million school meals become meat-free or plant-based. We plan to launch a sister programme in the healthcare sector, Hospital Plates, later this year.
Do you share our passion for transforming the food system? Are you impact driven and prefer to take a pragmatic approach? And do you have the skills and experience to help us? Then we’d love to hear from you!
Board Competencies
We’re looking for a new Board member who can demonstrate the following personal characteristics and behaviours:
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Respects and internalises the principles of accountability
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Makes informed judgement
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Listens actively with an open mind
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Participates in debate, providing relevant comments
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Speaks own mind candidly but respectfully
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Demonstrates initiative and insightfulness
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Thinks both logically and creatively
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Makes decisions independently
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Advises from own experience base
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Teams with others, forming collaborative relationships with other Board members and, where appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff
Meetings
The Board aims to hold around four Board Meetings per year (generally 1.5 hours per meeting, although subject to change, as necessary). Meetings are usually held virtually, although we now aim to hold one in-person meeting per year, and it is expected that Board Members read the necessary board materials prior to each meeting.
Board positions carry no remuneration but travel and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In return for your contribution, we offer the chance to work with and on behalf of people who are passionate in their commitment to our Mission and are constantly inspiring in their energy and creativity to achieve positive change.
The Role of the Board
In line with ProVeg International's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, the ProVeg C.I.C. Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ProVeg in the UK, and monitoring delivery by the Director and their staff. The Board members of ProVeg C.I.C play a critical role in acting as a check and balance for the organisation, giving strategic direction, and acting as a sounding board for strategy and priorities as required. Board members can typically help an organisation with their skills and experience, their networks and/or by other means. The Board member will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of ProVeg C.I.C. and work closely and harmoniously alongside the International Board to support joined up and unified global strategic delivery of objectives.
Duties
Board members are bound by a combination of statutory duties and organisational duties:
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Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
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Board members agree to contribute the necessary time to effectively govern ProVeg C.I.C. in the UK. (The total commitment tends to be around 4h per quarter, but is subject to change in line with necessary duties)
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Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
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Ensure ProVeg C.I.C. uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: ProVeg C.I.C must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
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Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm strategic direction to ProVeg C.I.C, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
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Safeguard the good name and values of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Manage conflicts of interests
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Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Ensure the financial stability of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
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Monitor the performance of the Director, UK (and if required, appoint the role)
Board Member Person Specification
Essential:
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Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant business, Community Interest Company, or Charity experience
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Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with ProVeg International’s principles and values
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Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director
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An ability to have strategic vision in line with available market factors and resource
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A history of proven good, independent judgement
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Ability to think creatively
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Willingness to speak their mind professionally and respectfully
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Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, such as Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers
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Knowledge of good governance practice
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Solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors.
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Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
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Willingness to adhere to ProVeg International’s Director’s Code of Conduct
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Eligible under Company Law to be a Board Director (e.g. not barred from taking up such positions)
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Follows a plant-based lifestyle
Desirable:
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Senior Management/Executive experience
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Salaried or Board experience in a similar organisation
We specifically seek great board members with expertise or assets in one or more of the following areas:
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Fundraising and income generation
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Government/policy or B2B sector including food services
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Legal
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A network of influencers and ambassadors
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People & Culture
Diversity Statement
ProVeg is committed to equal employment, volunteering and governance opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, refugee background, genetic information, disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, or gender expression. People of colour, women, people with disabilities, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, elderly people, refugees and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.