At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the board to support community energy growth and strategic direction.
- Company: Community Energy England, the national voice for community energy.
- Benefits: £1,000 annual remuneration, travel expenses covered, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming the energy system and promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Passion for community energy and willingness to contribute diverse perspectives.
Join the CEE board and be at the heart of supporting the growth of community energy. Our Annual General Meeting, which will be held online at 1pm on 22 September, brings the opportunity for our members to put themselves forward to join our board. The CEE board guides our strategic direction, advises on our governance and finances, and helps us meet our impact as an organisation representing the community energy sector.
About Community Energy England: Community Energy England is the national voice of the community energy sector, representing organisations from across the community, public and private sectors all working to put people at the heart of energy system transformation. Our mission is to create the conditions within which community energy is able to thrive and scale. To deliver our mission, we focus on four areas of activity:
- Influence: Advocating for a policy and regulatory environment that supports significant growth of community energy
- Engage: Working with a range of partners to increase demand for collaborating with and investing in community energy
- Enable: Ensuring community energy organisations across England have access to the resources, support and skills needed to grow in capacity, scale and impact
- Thrive: Ensuring Community Energy England is a strong and sustainable organisation that can serve the community energy sector into the future
We are a small, dynamic and collaborative team based across the country and we are governed by a board made up of representatives of our member organisations, with a majority of community member representatives, and one ex‑officio post, held by our Chief Executive. The board includes one sub‑committee for Finance and Governance.
What we are looking for: We are seeking individuals to join our board who are willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will help to broaden our diversity of thinking. We are particularly in need of a new board member who is willing to fulfil the role of Treasurer. We recognise that diversity is an asset and our aim is to drive inclusion into every area and activity of what we do. In our commitment to continue to diversify our staff, board and programmes, we are keen to hear from those who identify as: being from the global majority/UK minority; LGBTQIA+; living with a disability; or those that come from an underrepresented group.
Duties: Non‑executive directors are responsible for leading CEE in a manner that supports CEE’s vision and mission. The board operates under an agreed Code of Conduct. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Act within powers set out in CEE’s articles of association
- Ensure the financial stability of CEE
- Scrutinise quarterly board papers and annual reports
- Monitor and evaluate the chief executive and executive team
- Represent CEE at events on occasion
- Contribute to and promote the success of CEE
- Exercise independent judgement, reasonable care, skill and diligence
- Communicate effectively and provide all information necessary for the Board to function properly and make informed decisions
- Use any specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the board reach sound decisions
- Avoid conflicts of interests and recuse oneself when conflicts arise
Terms of appointment: Board meetings take place four times a year, a mix of meeting online and in‑person. In addition, board members attend an annual strategy development day. Directors will be supported to develop in their role. Time requirements are likely to be 16 days p.a. for core activities, plus additional time for attendance at CEE events, AGM, etc. Currently directors are appointed for three years, at which point they resign but can put themselves forward for re‑election a further two times. Any travel and reasonable expenses undertaken for work done on behalf of CEE are reimbursed. To ensure that CEE board membership is as accessible as possible, all directors are offered a £1,000 annual remuneration, subject to CEE’s finances being sufficiently healthy.
How to apply: To arrange an informal chat about the role with our chief executive, Matt Vickers, or any of our board members before applying, please email. Any member who wishes to stand as a director is asked to email Lisa West by 10am on Tuesday 1 September with their name, photo, affiliation and in up to 250 words: Their aspirations for CEE and the board, their proposed contribution, paying particular attention to the skills and knowledge areas that we are seeking this year. This application will then be put forward to be voted on by members at our AGM on 22 September.
Join the Community Energy England board employer: Community Energy England
Community Energy England is an exceptional employer for those passionate about community energy and sustainability. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, the organisation offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the sector. As Chair of the Board, you will play a pivotal role in shaping strategic direction and engaging with key stakeholders, all while enjoying the flexibility of a volunteer position that values your expertise and contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Join the Community Energy England board
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Join the Community Energy England board
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Community Energy England, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Community Energy England.
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Energy England
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Community Energy England and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
