At a Glance
- Tasks: Guide strategic direction and strengthen governance for democratic education.
- Company: The Politics Project, empowering young voices in democracy since 2015.
- Benefits: Unpaid role with reimbursement for reasonable expenses and impactful experience.
- Other info: Remote meetings with a commitment of about one day per month.
- Why this job: Shape the future of democratic education and engage with young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, civic engagement, or governance is a plus.
The Politics Project is looking to expand its board and bring in new perspectives, skills and experience to support the next phase of our work. We are at an exciting point in our development. We have funding secured for the next 2–3 years, a growing staff team, and a strong national profile. This period of growth coincides with a pivotal moment for democratic education in the UK. As Votes at 16 is introduced, The Politics Project is playing a leading role in supporting schools, youth organisations, civil society and policymakers to ensure young people are equipped to participate meaningfully in democracy.
We are seeking new Non-Executive Directors to help guide our strategic direction, strengthen our governance, and support our long-term impact.
About The Politics Project
Established in 2015, The Politics Project is a Community Interest Company that supports young people across the UK to use their voice by providing them with outstanding democratic education. We are a non-partisan organisation working with young people, teachers, youth practitioners and elected representatives to help young people learn about, experience and engage in democracy and politics in meaningful ways. We currently employ 10 full‑time members of staff and work in partnership with schools, youth organisations, civil society organisations, and democratic institutions across the UK.
Our work aims to:
- Support young people to meaningfully engage in politics by building their confidence, knowledge and skills.
- Train and support teachers, youth practitioners and professionals working with young people to deliver high‑quality democratic education.
- Support politicians and decision makers to engage constructively with young people to co‑create policy.
Youth voice is embedded in this work through our Youth Steering Group, which brings together young people from across the UK to shape and inform The Politics Project’s programmes and priorities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring The Politics Project meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities and delivers its aims.
- Working with the Director to develop and realise the organisation’s vision, values and strategic direction.
- Supporting financial planning and oversight.
- Contributing to organisational policies and good governance.
- Providing strategic challenge, insight and support to the senior leadership team.
- Attending 3–4 Board meetings per year (with additional meetings if required). Meetings are primarily remote, with occasional in‑person meetings.
- Acting as an ambassador for The Politics Project and advocating for its work.
Non‑Executive Directors are registered as directors with Companies House and are appointed for a three‑year term, renewable up to two times. The role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses agreed in advance will be reimbursed. Time commitment is approximately one day per month. In line with our safeguarding responsibilities, all Non‑Executive Directors are required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.
Who are we looking for?
We are particularly interested in applicants with experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Democratic education or civic engagement (including academic expertise).
- Education (secondary, further or informal education).
- Network development and leadership.
- Youth sector practice or leadership.
- Business, charity or non‑profit development.
- Communications, media or public engagement.
- Digital, data or technology strategy.
- Finance, financial strategy, budgets and governance.
- Fundraising and grant‑making.
- Legal and governance expertise.
- Evaluation, research and impact measurement.
We are especially keen to hear from applicants from underrepresented groups and from those whose perspectives are currently less represented in the democracy and education sectors. You do not need to have previous board experience to apply.
How to apply
To apply please submit a CV and a covering letter via Charity Jobs. The covering letter should be no longer than one side of A4/ a maximum of 500 words. Please apply through Charity Jobs. In the letter can you explain why you are interested in becoming a Non‑Executive Director of The Politics Project and describe how your experience and skills would contribute to our work. We will conduct interviews as we receive suitable applications.
Non Executive Director in London employer: The Politics Project
The Politics Project is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the vital work of democratic education in the UK. With a strong national profile and secured funding for the next few years, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages personal growth. As a Non-Executive Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping our strategic direction while engaging with passionate individuals dedicated to empowering young voices in democracy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director 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 The Politics Project.
✨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 The Politics Project.
✨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 The Politics Project.
✨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 The Politics Project. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director 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 The Politics Project. 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 Non Executive Director, 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 The Politics Project
✨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 The Politics Project. 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!
