Change Agents UK is a sustainability education charity and not-for-profit, working towards the vision of a secure, resilient, zero-carbon and a fair future for all. We provide programmes and workshops to everyone from students and young people to professionals, helping them embed sustainability into their lives and careers and support the transition to Net Zero. We run a non-profit trading subsidiary, providing sustainability recruitment and employment services, creating fantastic career opportunities in future-focused work and supporting partner organisations to resource their sustainability and Net Zero goals.

We are seeking a range of Trustees and Directors to expand our Charity and Non-profit Boards and to support us as we grow. In particular, we are seeking people with a passion for sustainability and professional experience in areas including safeguarding, finance, fundraising, IT or HR.

Our Trustees and Directors play vital roles in making sure that Change Agents UK achieves its core purpose. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your professional skills to use to help us to achieve our mission:
• raising public awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals and the climate emergency,
• supporting and empowering the next generation to have the skills and knowledge needed for the future,
• and building networks that engage individuals and organisations in working towards an equitable and zero-carbon world.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and skills on our Board.

Personal skills and qualities
• A strong personal commitment to the principles of sustainability and the drive towards Net Zero
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities as a trustee or director and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• 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.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Charity Trustees must be at least 18 years of age and you must not be disqualified from serving as a trustee

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive Board, valuing a range of perspectives and experiences across race, ethnicity, religion, gender, ****** orientation, age, disability and other characteristics. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who bring under-represented voices to our Board, including but not limited to individuals from the Global Majority, people with disabilities, people identifying as LGBTQ+ or people under 35.

You do not need previous Board experience to apply and will be provided with induction and support in the role.

Duties of Trustees & Directors:
• Support and provide advice on Change Agents UK’s vision, goals, strategy and activities.
• Actively promote and champion the work of the Change Agents UK, amplifying messages, campaigns and supporting our growth
• Approve (as part of the Board and with input from the Executive Team) financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Change Agents UK’s financial statements (with the advice of an Independent Examiner/Auditor).
• Provide support to the CEO/Executive Team
• Keep abreast of changes in Change Agents UK’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Change Agents UK’s own governance and policies.
• Attend Board meetings adequately prepared to contribute to discussions and participate in decision-making.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Change Agents UK’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader success of Change Agents UK’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

There will be times when the Trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve reading and commenting on board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office
• Trustees are usually appointed for an initial 2-year term of office, with renewals thereafter agreed at the AGM
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses (for example, travel to and from CAUK events or meetings) can be reimbursed.

Time commitment
• Attending 4 Board meetings annually and our AGM – these are usually held on Zoom, but we also welcome the opportunity to meet up in person when possible
• Attending an Annual Strategy Day
• 3-4 hours per month preparation and support time
• During the first 6 months of appointment, attendance at 2-3 of our workshops (delivered remotely, expected time commitment is 6-8 hours in total)

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.