Trustees

Are you passionate about climate justice, democratic empowerment, and creating real policy change? Hope for the Future is recruiting new Trustees to join our dynamic governing board. As a trustee, you will help oversee our strategic direction, ensure financial and operational health, and champion our unique approach of building constructive, non-partisan dialogue between constituents and elected representatives.

We are committed to building a diverse board that reflects the communities we support across the UK. Whether you bring skills in finance, climate governance, fundraising, campaign strategy, or community engagement—or are seeking your first board role—we welcome individuals who share our dedication to inclusive, impactful climate action.

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:

• Fundraising, income diversification, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships or earned income.

• Finance, organisational strategy, change management, financial sustainability or charity resilience

• Political engagement, public affairs, charity campaigning or non-partisan advocacy.

• Strategic communications, media, reputation or campaigning communications.

• Digital strategy, data, cyber risk or digital innovation.

• Strategic partnerships, networks and external relationship-building.

• 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.

The Role of Our New Trustees

We are seeking new Trustees to bring fresh perspectives, strategic judgment, and independent scrutiny to our governing board. Rather than needing climate expertise, we welcome strengths in areas like finance, fundraising, strategic communications, public affairs, digital innovation, or lived experience within underrepresented communities.

As a trustee, your responsibilities will focus on high-level governance, ensuring financial health, and setting HFTF’s strategic trajectory. Depending on your background, specific duties may include taking on leadership or active membership on key board subcommittees—such as Finance & Fundraising or HR & Governance, or dedicated advisory working groups. You will help oversee multi-year delivery programmes, uphold compliance and confidentiality, and ensure operations align directly with our mission.

Why Join Us Now?

This is an extraordinary time to join HFTF. Climate action requires lasting political buy-in, and HFTF provides the unique bridge that translates grassroots community passion into constructive, non-partisan policy dialogue with elected leaders. By joining our board now, you won't just oversee a charity—you will directly shape the democratic tools, strategic partnerships, and political relationships that enable thousands of people across the UK to secure a sustainable future. If you want your governance expertise to create real, structural policy impact, there is no better place to serve.

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

General trustees should expect preparation, meetings and occasional ad hoc support amounting to a few hours per month on average.

Board meetings: quarterly, with remote participation available and some meetings held in person in Sheffield

Term: three years, renewable in line with our governing arrangements

• 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

• 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.

• 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 Trustee Role at HFTF'

Our open, inclusive recruitment process follows these key steps:

• Shortlisting: Applications are reviewed as they arrive. We evaluate candidates holistically against our skills framework, valuing transferrable experience and diverse perspectives equally.

• 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.

• Formal Interview: Panel interviews take place remotely via Zoom. You will receive interview questions in advance to help you prepare effectively.

• 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.