Neighbourhood Watch Network is the largest crime prevention charity in England and Wales with around 2.2 million member households and 90,000 coordinators. It works to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime by helping people to protect themselves, their property and their communities.

The charity was founded on the premise of bringing people together as neighbours and communities. It believes in the power of neighbours working together to build safer, vibrant and inclusive communities, help prevent crime and make a positive, sustainable difference in communities. It does this by working closely with local organisations, the police, local councils, residents’ associations and others across England and Wales with major charities, the Home Office, Government and other major stakeholders in the Neighbourhood Watch Network.

Local Neighbourhood Watch schemes work in a variety of ways that reflect the needs of the local community. This includes: sharing crime prevention advice and information; running awareness campaigns; holding social events and awards for local people and businesses; leading community projects, such as litter picks, a community café, flood defence response, presentations in schools and work with young people and children and community messaging with the police.

In 2020, the charity expanded its digital presence by launching a new website. This took its monthly visitors from 49,000 to over 115,000. Its digital campaigns on burglary, password protection and car crime reach over 180,000 people across England and Wales. In 2021, it joined forces with Deliveroo for a unique training programme wherein riders are trained about crime prevention and spotting the signs of hidden crimes. It also joined Airbnb as a founding member of Europe's first Trust and Safety Alliance. This year, the charity celebrated its 40th anniversary and continues on growing and diversifying its service to the community. 

Please click here for the charity's strategy and financial reports and please click here for the impact report. 

As part of Neighbourhood Watch's exciting growth plan over the next few years, it is now looking to expand its Board of Trustees. The new Trustees will use their specific skillset and relevant experience to help the Board make strategic decisions and expand its reach to improve and protect the lives of the communities it serves. The Trustees will have a strong alignment with the vision and mission of Neighbourhood Watch and will pro-actively help to work towards its success and growth.

In addition to the formal Board meetings, Trustees will be willing to undertake informal engagement with the charity, including providing advice on an ad hoc basis to the management team. The new Trustees will especially ensure that the charity complies with its Constitution, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations. They will ensure its financial stability and that it applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. Trustees will be expected to use their specific knowledge and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions; assist the senior leadership team with advice as required; and keep informed about, and support as appropriate, the activities of the organisation. 

Neighbourhood Watch is seeking up to three new Trustees who are aligned to its mission and have the relevant knowledge to specialise in one of the following areas to support the charity with its success. If candidates do not satisfy any of the specific specialised skills mentioned below, those who align with the charity's strategy, ethos and values are encouraged to apply as well. The charity especially welcomes applications from candidates who are looking to take on their first non-executive role.

Public policy:  since much of the charity's work is based in the space of collaborating with the local police and government to make a difference within communities, it seeks a Trustee who can provide an advisory voice and strategic direction in these matters. This candidate will bring knowledge of current public policy and likely future trends with regard to community cohesion, policing and public safety in England and Wales.

Marketing and communications: one of the new Trustees will bring expertise in devising and implementing comprehensive digital marketing content. This Trustee will also be able to assist in the community engagement and communications strategy across social media platforms to increase its reach and brand awareness, especially by tapping into diverse audiences 

Fundraising:  this candidate would have demonstrated a track record of successful funding for a charitable organisation, including donor introductions, engagement and development. The ideal candidate will have the enthusiasm and the energy to build influential relationships with philanthropic decision makers, chiefly at trusts and foundations

Finance: this Trustee will be able to offer high-level, strategic guidance on best practice with regard to financial accounts, budgeting, forecasting, financial appraisal, management and monitoring. The candidate could be experienced in charity or corporate finance with a willingness to learn about the charitable context 

For further information and to view the Trustees' profiles, please click here. 

Neighbourhood Watch welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It wants its Board to reflect the diversity of the UK and is particularly keen to receive applications from individuals who represent the global majority and are currently underrepresented. Applications from young people, people from the LGBTQ+ community, those with lived experience of disability or who have been victims of crime, as well as people from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

This role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The Board normally meets quarterly with an additional AGM and one / two strategic meetings. Meetings are scheduled on weekday afternoon/evenings and are a mix of on-line and in person meetings in Central London. Trustees may also occasionally be asked to represent the board at public events, meetings of member Associations or with the charity’s partners. The appointment is for three years, and may be extended for a second term. Travelling for in-person events is encouraged and would be greatly appreciated but is not mandatory.