At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our board to provide legal expertise and shape the future of social innovation.
- Company: Pioneering charity with a 30-year history focused on social entrepreneurship.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence strategy and governance in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Diverse board welcomes younger professionals and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social issues while gaining valuable board experience.
- Qualifications: Legal background, ideally in charity law, with a passion for social causes.
We’re recruiting a new trustee with legal expertise, ideally in charity law, to join our board. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering social innovation charity with a 30-year history and help shape our future strategy.
About CIVA
CIVA aims to find new solutions to social problems by promoting entrepreneurship and supporting social entrepreneurs, primarily in the UK. Our focus is on innovation: backing solutions that can become self-sustaining and deliver lasting social impact, in areas including social mobility, minority rights and climate change. Our work includes incubating social entrepreneurs, acting as fiscal host for individuals and emerging organisations, running a small number of donor-advised funds, and CIVA:Invests, an early-stage social investment fund. CIVA is an initiator and networker; we don’t run large projects ourselves.
An exciting time to join
After 30 years of pioneering social innovation, CIVA is entering a new chapter. Our Founder and Honorary Director is moving into an advisory role through a planned, well-supported transition, and the board is leading a strategic review of how CIVA can best support social innovation and partner with others to maximise social impact. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future direction of an established charity. We’re looking for a trustee who can bring a legal perspective into board discussions as we develop our strategy, governance and partnerships.
About the role
- Helping the board understand and meet its legal duties under charity and company law, and ensuring our governance supports our ambitions as we grow into our new strategy.
- Advising on governance changes arising from the transition, such as delegated authorities, the role of the Director, and any updates to our governing document.
- Providing a legal perspective on the strategic review, including the implications of new partnerships and ways of working with other organisations.
- Giving input on legal aspects of our activities, such as fiscal hosting arrangements, donor-advised funds, and the loan and investment agreements made through CIVA:Invests.
- Contributing to the board’s oversight of risk, including the risk register.
- Advising on when CIVA should seek formal external legal advice.
The role is to bring a legal perspective to the board; you would not be acting as CIVA’s legal adviser.
Time commitment
There are four board meetings a year, three held online and one in person, plus an in-person away day in June. Trustees are expected to attend and to read board papers in advance. The Investment Committee, which oversees CIVA:Invests, meets quarterly and all trustees are welcome to attend. We estimate the overall commitment at around two days a month on average. Trustees serve an initial three-year term, up to a maximum of nine years.
The person
General
- An interest in charities, social enterprise and the causes CIVA supports.
- Enthusiasm for being part of a trustee board during a period of change.
- The time and availability to attend meetings and contribute between them.
Specific to this position
- A legal background, such as a qualified solicitor or barrister, or significant legal experience in another capacity.
- Ideally, experience of charity law and charity governance.
- An appreciation of the needs and risks of small organisations.
Diversity
CIVA wants its board to reflect the diverse groups we work with. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, women, and younger professionals, including those earlier in their legal careers. You don’t need previous trustee experience.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a short statement explaining your interest. We will review expressions of interest on a rolling basis.
Trustee in London employer: Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action
CIVA is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the charity sector. With a rich history of 30 years in social innovation, we offer a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional growth. As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our future strategy while benefiting from a supportive environment that fosters your legal expertise and commitment to social change.
Contact Details:
Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Trustee, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
