Non Executive Director in Worcester

Non Executive Director in Worcester

Worcester Volunteer Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • 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, or community development; passion for social purpose.
  • Other info: Diversity is valued; all backgrounds encouraged to apply.

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 Worcester employer: UK Cohousing Network

    UK Cohousing Network CIC is an exceptional employer for those passionate about community-led housing and social impact. With a collaborative and respectful board culture, this voluntary role offers the chance to shape the future of cohousing in the UK while working alongside like-minded individuals committed to inclusivity and sustainable development. The opportunity for personal growth and the chance to influence meaningful change make UKCN a rewarding place to contribute your expertise.
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    Contact Detail:

    UK Cohousing Network Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Non Executive Director in Worcester

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the cohousing community and beyond. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that non-executive director role.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show your passion for cohousing! When you get the chance to chat with potential board members or during interviews, share your thoughts on how you can contribute to UKCN's mission. Your enthusiasm will make you stand out!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare for those interviews! Research UKCN’s current projects and challenges. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around funding and community engagement. Being well-prepared shows you’re serious about the role.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re committed to being part of the UK Cohousing Network from the get-go.

    We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Director in Worcester

    Strategic Thinking
    Collaborative Working
    Experience in Housing
    Experience in Community-Led Development
    Financial Acumen
    Partnership Building
    Income Generation
    Membership Engagement
    Constructive Challenge
    Good Governance Instincts
    Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
    Networking Skills
    Curiosity
    Adaptability

    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 UKCN's mission.

    Tailor Your Statement: Make sure to customise your statement to reflect the specific skills and experiences you bring to the table. Highlight how your background aligns with the role and the current priorities of UKCN.

    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, values, and current projects. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.

    ✨Showcase Your Experience

    Prepare to discuss your relevant experience in housing, planning, or finance. Think of specific examples where you've contributed to similar initiatives or faced challenges that required strategic thinking. This will demonstrate your capability to add value to the board.

    ✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

    Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about UKCN’s future direction, funding strategies, and membership engagement. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in shaping the organisation's path.

    ✨Emphasise Collaboration

    Highlight your ability to work collaboratively and supportively within a board setting. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated group dynamics and contributed to a positive culture in previous roles. This is crucial for a non-executive director position.

    Non Executive Director in Worcester
    UK Cohousing Network
    Location: Worcester

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