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- Tasks: Join the Board to shape the future of cohousing in the UK.
- Company: UK Cohousing Network CIC, a leader in community-led housing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with like-minded individuals, and contribute to social change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how communities live and thrive together.
- Qualifications: Experience in housing, planning, finance, or community development is a plus.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we welcome all backgrounds and perspectives.
Organisation: UK Cohousing Network CIC
Role type: Voluntary, non-executive Director (Community Interest Company)
Number of roles: Up to three
Time commitment: Around 1–2 days per month
Remuneration: Unpaid (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Term: In line with UKCN CIC Articles (renewable)
Purpose of the role
Appointed Directors are members of the Board of UK Cohousing Network CIC, which includes elected Directors, and share responsibility for setting the organisation's direction, priorities and long-term health. These roles are intended to complement elected Directors (who come from cohousing communities) by bringing additional experience, perspectives and networks that can help UKCN respond to a growing and changing movement.
Cohousing in the UK is at an early stage of growth. While there is much to learn from existing communities, the next phase will be shaped by who is supported to take part, how the model adapts to different contexts, and whether people can clearly see practical routes to getting started.
A key focus for the Board at this stage is to strengthen how UKCN is funded and how people engage with the network, so that it can:
- support more groups with confidence and clarity
- speak up for cohousing nationally
- attract partners and funders who share its values
This is a formative moment for UKCN, and Directors appointed now will help shape its next phase of development.
About UK Cohousing Network CIC
UK Cohousing Network (UKCN) is the national body supporting cohousing and community-led housing in the UK. It helps people make sense of cohousing, learn from others who've been through the process, and feel part of a wider movement. Alongside this, UKCN works with policymakers, funders and partners to help create a more supportive environment for cohousing and community-led housing more broadly.
With support from the Nationwide Foundation, UKCN is contributing to work that helps make cohousing more visible, understandable and achievable for communities across the UK.
What Directors are responsible for
All Directors share collective responsibility for:
- Agreeing and safeguarding UKCN's purpose, values and strategic direction
- Acting in the best interests of the Community Interest Company and its community purpose
- Ensuring the organisation is well run, financially sustainable and compliant
- Providing constructive challenge and support to staff and fellow Directors
- Helping UKCN stay focused on what matters most to the people and communities it serves
- Contributing to a Board culture that is collaborative, open and respectful
Directors act collectively and do not have individual authority outside Board decisions unless formally agreed.
Additional focus for Appointed Directors
In addition to general Board responsibilities, Appointed Directors are particularly expected to contribute to one or more of the following areas:
- Building sustainable income and partnerships
Helping the Board explore and strengthen ways of funding UKCN's work, supporting long-term planning and reducing reliance on short-term or project-based funding. - Shaping membership and engagement
Helping shape a membership offer that:- gives people practical help and confidence
- supports groups at different stages of development
- helps members feel part of a wider movement and shared learning community
- Speaking up for cohousing
Supporting UKCN's role in speaking up for cohousing nationally, working with partners to help remove barriers that make it hard for communities to get started. - Bringing perspective and networks
Sharing insight, lived experience and connections that help UKCN learn, adapt and reach new people.
Appointed Directors are not expected to deliver day-to-day work, but to help guide direction, ask good questions and open up opportunities.
Current priorities
UKCN is currently focused on:
- building more resilient and diverse income streams
- helping create clearer routes into cohousing for new groups
- strengthening the membership offer and sense of shared learning
- ensuring cohousing grows in ways that are inclusive, accessible and grounded in lived experience
These priorities will evolve, and Directors are expected to help shape what comes next.
What sort of person should apply?
This role may suit you if you:
- Care about how people live, not just how homes are delivered
- Bring senior experience from housing, planning, finance, investment, placemaking or community-led development
- Enjoy helping organisations think clearly at moments of change and growth
- Are comfortable offering constructive challenge while working collaboratively
- Want to use your experience, judgement and networks to support a movement with social purpose
You do not need prior cohousing experience. Curiosity, good governance instincts and a willingness to learn matter more.
Who we're looking for
Essential
- A genuine interest in cohousing and community-led housing
- Experience relevant to housing, development, planning, finance, investment, placemaking or community-led work
- Ability to think strategically and work collaboratively
- Commitment to UKCN's values and community interest purpose
Desirable
- Experience of income generation, partnerships or membership-based organisations
- Experience working with developers, housing associations, local authorities, investors or funders
- Previous board or non-executive experience (helpful but not required)
Diversity and inclusion
UKCN is committed to broadening who shapes the future of cohousing. We strongly encourage interest from people whose backgrounds, perspectives or lived experience are currently under-represented within the movement, including lived experience of housing insecurity, racialised planning outcomes or community organising.
Legal responsibilities
Directors must meet their responsibilities under company law and CIC regulation, including acting in good faith, managing conflicts of interest and exercising reasonable care and judgement. Induction and ongoing support will be provided.
How to apply
Please send:
- A short statement (up to two pages) explaining:
- why you're interested in becoming an Appointed Director
- what you would bring to UKCN at this stage
- A CV or LinkedIn profile
Key dates
- Applications close: 28 February
- Interviews: Mid-March
- Roles commence: April
Informal conversations are welcome.
Contact: owen@cohousing.org.uk
Non Executive Director in Bristol employer: UK Cohousing Network
Contact Detail:
UK Cohousing Network Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with others who share your passion for cohousing. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or be able to introduce you to key players.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for roles to be advertised. Research organisations like UK Cohousing Network and reach out directly to express your interest. A friendly email can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for informal chats! If you get the chance to speak with someone from the organisation, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Show that you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and supporting the cohousing movement.
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for cohousing and community-led housing shine through. We want to see why this matters to you and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your Statement: Make sure to customise your statement to reflect the specific needs of UK Cohousing Network. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our current priorities and values.
Be Concise and Clear: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate brevity, so aim for a well-structured statement that communicates your ideas effectively without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials in the right format and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Cohousing Network
✨Know Your Cohousing Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the world of cohousing and community-led housing. Familiarise yourself with UKCN's mission, current projects, and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your strategic insights and how they can benefit UKCN. Think about past experiences where you've successfully navigated change or growth in organisations. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to think critically and collaboratively.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your curiosity about UKCN's future direction and how you can contribute. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in the organisation's long-term success.
✨Emphasise Your Networks
Highlight any relevant connections or networks you have that could benefit UKCN. Whether it's potential partners, funders, or community groups, showcasing your ability to bring in valuable relationships can set you apart as a candidate who can help drive the organisation forward.
