At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of a new charity and influence community investment.
- Company: Join a leading not-for-profit housing association dedicated to social impact.
- Benefits: Gain Board-level experience, enhance your portfolio, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with only 5 meetings a year; informal chats available before applying.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team focused on social justice and community development.
- Qualifications: Experience in governance or a passion for social change; all backgrounds welcome.
Location: A combination of in-person/virtual
Time commitment: 5 meetings per year including a strategy day, with time to prepare before meetings and collaborate in between
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)
Help shape the future of a new, ambitious charity. Launched in 2024 by Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), the Foundation was created to deliver long-term, place-based investment in communities facing inequality and disadvantage. MTVH is one of the UK's leading not-for-profit housing associations providing a range of social and affordable housing across London, the south east and East Midlands. Our purpose over the next decade is to raise and distribute £75 million into initiatives that strengthen communities and improve people's lives.
We’re now looking for up to four Trustees to join our Board at an exciting stage of the Foundation's development.
The role
As a Trustee, you will:
- Help shape the Foundation's strategy and priorities
- Provide governance, support and constructive challenge
- Act as an ambassador for our mission and impact
What we are looking for
You may bring:
- Experience at Board, senior leadership or strategic level in a charity, social enterprise, or mission-led organisation
- Knowledge of governance, accountability, and organisational oversight
- Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and the ability to influence at Board level
- Understanding of fundraising, social investment, grant-making, or income generation
- Knowledge of housing, regeneration, or community development
- Experience in the health, education, employment sectors or working with people seeking asylum, refugees and migrant communities.
We also welcome applicants who are looking to build their first Trustee or Non-Executive role. We are particularly interested in people who demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to social justice, equality, and community impact
- The ability to work collaboratively and think corporately as part of a Board
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Confidence to provide challenge and contribute to strategic decision-making
- Emotional intelligence, resilience, and a willingness to listen and learn
- An understanding of the importance of resident voice and lived experience in governance.
To this end, we particularly welcome applications from MTVH residents.
If you are inspired by our mission and would like to help shape the future of the Molly Huggins Foundation, we would be delighted to hear from you. Our Chair, Qadeer Kiani, would also be happy to have an informal conversation with any interested candidates before you choose to apply.
Why join us
This is a unique opportunity to:
- Play a meaningful role in shaping a growing, high-impact foundation
- Contribute to decisions that direct significant investment into communities
- Gain experience of Board-level governance and strategy
- Build or enhance your non-executive portfolio in a supportive environment
- Develop skills to enhance future employment prospects
Find out more about our work.
Contact Details:
Metropolitan Thames Valley Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee
✨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 Trustee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Metropolitan Thames Valley, 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 Metropolitan Thames Valley.
How to prepare for a job interview at Metropolitan Thames Valley
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Metropolitan Thames Valley 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!
