Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a pioneering charity focused on community-led environmental projects and strategic oversight.
- Company: East London Waterworks Park, a community-driven charity reconnecting people with nature.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape impactful projects and work with passionate individuals.
- Why this job: Join a unique initiative to transform urban spaces and empower local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, governance, and a passion for environmental sustainability.
- Other info: Flexible term with potential for long-term involvement in a dynamic organisation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About East London Waterworks Park
East London Waterworks Park is a community-led charity working to reconnect people and nature. Starting from nature-first principles, and with inclusivity at the heart of everything we do, we work with communities to co-design spaces to unlock a chain of positive changes that culminate in the long-term transformation of people and place.
Our work includes:
- Co-designing East London Waterworks Park with the East London community, working towards purchasing a 14-acre Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest and transforming it into a biodiverse urban park with free, accessible wild swimming and welcoming community spaces.
- Co-designing other nature-first spaces on disused or brownfield land in London, returning land to nature in collaboration with local communities to encourage long-term community stewardship.
- Hosting engagement, education, and empowerment activities that build skills, confidence and deeper connections to nature.
East London Waterworks Park is a sociocratic organisation, with a decentralised organisational structure and a transparent and collaborative approach to decision making. We have grown organically since 2019, responding flexibly to the challenges we have encountered but always committed to our core vision: creating a new kind of urban green and blue space: one that is ecologically rich, inclusive, and shaped by the people and wildlife who use it.
East London Waterworks Park is currently entirely run by volunteers, and volunteers involved in day-to-day operations also sit on the board of trustees. However, we recognise the need to transition to a more sustainable structure and introduce a formal separation between the board of trustees and day-to-day operations. We are recruiting for a paid Chief Executive Officer and also want to appoint a new chair of trustees to ensure we have the capacity and strategic oversight to deliver the exciting projects planned in 2026 and beyond, while retaining our strong community-led ethos.
The opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic Chair of Trustees to lead East London Waterworks Park for three years, with the possibility to remain on the board for two further terms of three years. This is a rare opportunity to join a pioneering environmental charity and to work with the first paid Chief Executive Officer to shape this next phase of our development.
The new Chair will have the opportunity to recruit new and additional trustees to create a board that provides appropriate strategic scrutiny of the charity’s work, strengthening our ability to realise our ambition to purchase the Thames Water depot site in East London, and our capacity to deliver community-led rewilding and nature-recovery projects across London in partnership with landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders.
More information
If this sounds exciting, please download the recruitment pack.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to applications@elwp.org.uk by 13 February 2026.
Chair of Trustees employer: East London Waterworks Park
Contact Detail:
East London Waterworks Park Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the environmental sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for community-led projects and nature conservation shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research East London Waterworks Park and its initiatives thoroughly. We want you to be able to discuss how your vision aligns with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of creating inclusive green spaces.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly. So, don’t hesitate – send in your CV and cover letter today!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community-led projects and environmental initiatives shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at East London Waterworks Park.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience that speaks directly to the role of Chair of Trustees. We’re looking for leadership skills and a background in community engagement, so don’t hold back on showcasing those!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your vision for the park and how you plan to support our community-led ethos. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of applications efficiently. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at East London Waterworks Park
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into East London Waterworks Park's mission and values. Understand their community-led approach and how they co-design spaces with local communities. This will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Chair of Trustees, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, especially in community-focused or environmental projects. Be ready to discuss how you can guide the board in strategic decision-making.
✨Engage with Their Community
Familiarise yourself with the local community and any ongoing projects at East London Waterworks Park. Mention specific initiatives or community feedback during your interview to show that you’re genuinely interested in their work and the people they serve.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the future direction of the charity, the role of the new CEO, and how the board can best support community engagement. This shows your commitment and strategic thinking.
