Hope for the Future is seeking an inspiring, collaborative Chair of Trustees to guide our governance and help shape the next chapter of our mission. As the UK's only charity dedicated to equipping individuals and communities to effectively engage politicians on climate change and nature, our Chair will play a pivotal role in supporting our senior leadership team, ensuring robust governance, and fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking board culture.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader or former trustee who is passionate about climate action, democratic engagement, and equity. You will steer our strategic growth, advocate for our vision, and ensure that diverse community voices remain at the heart of political decision-making across the UK.
Skills
We are looking for people who believe in Hope for the Future’s approach and can contribute thoughtful, independent judgement to the Board. You do not need to be a climate expert, and you do not need to bring every skill listed below.
- Candidates must believe in Hope for the Future’s mission, values, and non-partisan approach.
- Trustees need strong strategic judgment and the ability to look at the organisation holistically.
- Candidates should be willing to ask questions, share perspectives, and engage constructively with others.
- Trustees must respect the distinction between board-level governance and day-to-day operational management.
- Applicants need an understanding of trustee duties or a willingness to learn them.
- A commitment to inclusion, integrity, accountability, and confidentiality is essential.
Our recent Board skills review highlighted several areas where additional trustee experience or networks would strengthen the Board. We would particularly welcome applicants with experience in one or more of:
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Fundraising, income diversification, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships or earned income.
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Finance, organisational strategy, change management, financial sustainability or charity resilience
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Political engagement, public affairs, charity campaigning or non-partisan advocacy.
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Strategic communications, media, reputation or campaigning communications.
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Digital strategy, data, cyber risk or digital innovation.
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Strategic partnerships, networks and external relationship-building.
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Lived experience or perspectives from communities that are less often heard in climate and political decision-making.
We are recruiting for the strength and diversity of the Board as a whole. We do not expect any one trustee - or the Chair - to cover all of these areas.
Location Flexibility: We welcome trustees based anywhere across the UK. Because Hope for the Future works with communities and politicians nationwide, having a board with diverse regional perspectives is a huge strength for us. There are no restrictions requiring trustees to live in a specific region, provided you can participate effectively in board governance.
Expectations and Attendance
Time Commitment: approximately 1–2 days per month
Board meetings: quarterly, with remote participation available and some meetings held in person in Sheffield
CEO relationship: fortnightly 1:1
Term: three years, renewable in line with our governing arrangements
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Hybrid & Remote-First Setup: The majority of board work is conducted remotely. Sub-committee meetings, ad hoc working groups, and standard preparation take place online via Zoom
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On-Site Board Meetings (Sheffield): The Board meets quarterly, with the option to join meetings online or in person at our head office in Sheffield. While online attendance is always available to ensure accessibility, trustees are encouraged to attend key in-person board meetings or annual strategy sessions in Sheffield where possible to build strong working relationships with fellow board members and the senior team.
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Expenses Covered: We believe financial barriers should never prevent someone from serving as a trustee. Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for in-person board meetings or charity events are fully reimbursed in line with our trustee expenses policy.
Application Details
To apply, please submit your CV alongside a brief cover letter (or video submission) outlining your relevant experience, why Hope for the Future’s mission resonates with you, and how your skills or lived experience align with our strategic goals. Email applications@hftf.org.uk with your subject 'Application for Chair Role at HFTF'
Our open, inclusive recruitment process follows these key steps:
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Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed as they arrive. We evaluate candidates holistically against our skills framework, valuing transferrable experience and diverse perspectives equally.
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Informal Discussion: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial 20-minute informal video call with our CEO or a current trustee to ask questions and learn more about the role.
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Formal Interview: Panel interviews take place remotely via Zoom. You will receive interview questions in advance to help you prepare effectively.
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Key Dates: Applications close on 31st October 2026. Informal chats will run in early November, with final panel interviews scheduled for mid-November. All candidates will receive an update on their application status by 6th November 2026.
We offer reasonable adjustments at every stage—please let us know how we can best support your application.
