Board Member

Help shape a pioneering food charity working for healthier communities and a fairer, more sustainable food system.
 

Become a Trustee of Made in Hackney

Help shape a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system

Made in Hackney (MIH) is looking for new Trustees to help shape our future and strengthen our Board's expertise in HR and People, Marketing and Communications, and Fundraising and Income Generation.

This is an exciting opportunity to bring your experience, skills and perspective to a pioneering charity working at the intersection of food, health, climate and social justice.

About Made in Hackney

Made in Hackney opened its doors in 2012 as the UK's first fully vegan community cookery school. Today, we are a thriving charity using the power of plants to tackle health inequalities, improve access to nutritious and climate-friendly food, and bring communities together.

We support people and communities most impacted by systemic inequality, working towards a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for all.

Our work is guided by four core values: Compassion, Community-minded, Courageous and Committed.

Find out more in our latest Impact Report.

Why become a Trustee?

As a Trustee, you will play an important role in shaping MIH's strategic direction, providing constructive challenge and supporting the organisation to maximise its impact.

We are particularly looking for people who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

HR and People

Senior experience in HR, people strategy or organisational development, including workforce planning, organisational culture, employment practice, leadership development and staff wellbeing.

Marketing and Communications

Strategic experience in marketing, communications, brand, PR or digital, helping us strengthen our profile, develop our audience strategy, build our reputation and engage new supporters and partners.

Fundraising and Income Generation

Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships, business development or income generation, helping us diversify our income, strengthen supporter relationships and build long-term financial resilience.

You do not need experience across all three areas. We are looking for people with depth of expertise in at least one, alongside the enthusiasm and ability to contribute more broadly as a Trustee.

What we are looking for

Whatever your area of expertise, we are looking for people who:

• Share our mission, values and commitment to social justice.

• Can think strategically and exercise sound, independent judgement.

• Are comfortable providing constructive challenge and engaging with different perspectives.

• Can work collaboratively as part of a diverse and committed Board.

• Are willing to use their experience, knowledge and networks to support the charity's development.

• Understand the importance of good governance and acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

Previous charity or Trustee experience is desirable but not essential. We welcome people who can bring relevant professional, community or lived experience and will provide a comprehensive induction and ongoing support.

Commitment and remuneration

This is a voluntary and unremunerated role, with reasonable travel expenses reimbursed.

• Initial three-year term, with the potential for renewal.

• Approximately 4–10 hours per month.

• Quarterly Board meetings, with at least one meeting each year held in person.

• An annual in-person strategic planning meeting.

• Preparation for meetings and occasional additional Board or subcommittee meetings.

• Engagement with MIH's work, including attendance at at least one charity event each year.

Made in Hackney is based at Liberty Hall, E5 9AA. Board meetings are usually held in Central London or online.

Diversity and inclusion

We want our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and actively welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We particularly encourage applications from people who live in Hackney or have strong connections to the borough, and those with lived experience of food poverty, health inequalities or other forms of systemic inequality.

We also welcome applications from people aged 18–25 who have relevant professional, community or lived experience. We believe there should be more opportunities for younger people to develop their leadership and governance experience.