At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our board to guide financial strategy and governance for impactful social enterprises.
- Company: Be part of Down to Earth, an award-winning group dedicated to creating a better world.
- Benefits: Enjoy free access to our sites and EV charging facilities, plus covered expenses for training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience in governance and finance.
- Qualifications: Must have 5+ years in finance; chartered accountant preferred, strong communication skills essential.
- Other info: Unpaid role with a commitment to social impact; meetings held in beautiful Gower venues.
Join the team! We are looking for a new non-executive finance director (board member) to join our group of award-winning social enterprises. Our unpaid (trustee-like) board members are central to ensuring Down to Earth’s impact continues to grow whilst maintaining excellent accountability and good governance.
Interviews: tbc at our Murton site in Swansea (SA3 3AP) Start date: July 2025. There will be a 3 hour induction also required.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
- We are looking to appoint at least 1 new board member with experience in:
- Finance – Chartered Accountant; financial strategy, budgets and governance on key financial decisions
- Minimum 5 years experience in the areas mentioned above
- Strong communication skills
- Passion to create a better world for people and nature
- Welsh language speaker
- Board level experience
What are we looking for?
Being a non-executive director, we need committed and passionate people who believe we can create a better world together. As you’ll see in the Specification, we are looking for a skill set in finance. We encourage different perspectives and backgrounds and people from different sectors.
Benefits and work environment
The non-executive board member roles are unpaid, though we cover expenses and any necessary training. Board members are also able to use Down to Earth sites for personal and work purposes, as well as our EV charging facilities, for free.
Application process Responsibilities
As a non-executive director, you will be registered as a director with Companies House. Responsibilities include:
- Accountability and governance
- Advice
- Specific support to the team
Board members are appointed on a 4 year term with the potential to renew up to 2 times.
Working hours and location
We hold board meetings 6 times a year in our hand-crafted Gower (Swansea) venues on Fridays. Four board meetings are Friday mornings between 9am and 12pm and two board meetings are strategy days (9am to 3pm). We are open to some virtual attendance but would prefer mostly face to face. Ad hoc input is also expected depending on project and business needs.
Non-Executive Director (Unpaid) employer: Down to Earth Project
Contact Detail:
Down to Earth Project Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Director (Unpaid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in non-executive roles. Attend industry events or seminars where you can meet potential board members or individuals connected to Down to Earth.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Down to Earth's mission and values. Understanding their impact on the community will help you articulate how your skills align with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous board-level experiences and how they relate to governance and financial strategy. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've contributed to accountability in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
If you speak Welsh, highlight this skill as it’s desirable for the role. Being able to communicate in Welsh can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to the local community.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Director (Unpaid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a non-executive director. Familiarise yourself with the expectations outlined in the job description, especially regarding finance and governance.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in finance, particularly your qualifications as a Chartered Accountant and any board-level experience. Make sure to emphasise your communication skills and passion for social impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commitment to creating a better world. Discuss how your skills align with the organisation's mission and how you can contribute to their governance and financial strategy.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a board member.
How to prepare for a job interview at Down to Earth Project
✨Show Your Passion for Social Impact
As a non-executive director, it's crucial to demonstrate your commitment to creating a better world. Be prepared to discuss your motivations for wanting to join the board and how your values align with the mission of Down to Earth.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Make sure to emphasise your experience in finance, particularly in areas like financial strategy and governance. Prepare specific examples from your past roles that showcase your expertise and how it can benefit the organisation.
✨Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex financial concepts. This will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview.
✨Be Open to Different Perspectives
Down to Earth values diverse backgrounds and perspectives. During the interview, express your willingness to collaborate with others and consider different viewpoints. This will show that you are adaptable and open-minded, qualities that are important for a board member.