The Soil Association (SA) is the charity working with everyone to transform the way we eat, farm and care for our natural world. It is the UK’s leading charity campaigning for healthy, humane and sustainable food, farming and land use. The SA supports everyone to grow — whether that's growing food, or by growing as people, developing healthy connections with nature and joining together with others to support a nature-friendly future. The only way to solve the issues facing our world is to understand that they are all connected — and that food, farming and forestry are a vital part of the solution.

Throughout its 75-year history, the SA has campaigned for change on a global scale. It has supported farming innovation, and developed world-leading standards in order to protect the future health of our communities, animals, plants and environment. Working together with farmers, businesses, policymakers and fellow citizens, the SA's work has made an impact on the food you eat, the clothes you wear and the environment you live in.

The Soil Association helped to establish a number of different programmes, the most famous being the Soil Association Certification Limited, the UK’s largest organic certification body. The charity also set up the Food for Life programme, which makes good food the easy choice, and the Soil Association Land Trust, which acquires and maintains farmland sustainably, and aims to connect the public with land stewardship. The Soil Association is also a lead partner in several programmes — you can read more about the amazing work the SA are doing here.

The Board of Trustees provides overall governance and strategic direction for the organisation. Trustees assist in the formulation of strategic plans and regular review of long range strategic aims of the charity. They assist in setting overall policy, defining goals, targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

The new Development Board is being set up to raise the profile of the organisation and contribute to its fundraising initiatives. The Chair of the Development Board will be responsible for the management, development and effective performance of the new Development Committee in all aspects of its work. In addition to contributing time, talent and resources (financial and other) in support of the SA, the Chair will be expected to:

• oversee the growth and design of the Development Board
• meet with members of the fundraising committee and members of the Board on a regular basis
• strengthen the SA's existing network of enthusiastic donors
• build and foster relations with beneficiaries and potential funders

The Chair will be an ambassador of the Soil Association, and may be asked to represent the organisation as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.

As it continues to grow, the Soil Association seeks a Chair for its new Development Committee, which has been set up to raise the profile of the organisation and contribute to its fundraising initiatives.

This individual could come from any professional background, so long as they bring senior, strategic-level experience and a strong network. The SA are particularly interested in hearing from those with a background in finance or charity finance. A personal connection to either farming, agriculture or land management would be beneficial, but is not a requirement for the role. The SA welcomes applications from couples who could perform the role as a team. Previous board experience is required, but applications from first-time Chairs would be welcomed.

Beyond the above, the Board is interested in receiving applications from engaged individuals with an interest in and commitment to the Charity’s aims and objectives, who understand the role of a trustee in a complex charity and the value it brings, and who would like to get involved in what is a well-established, well-run and collaborative Charity. Charity experience is not necessary, but candidates should show a willingness to learn the dynamics of such an environment, and adopt a charity mindset.

You can read more about the current Board of Trustees here.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed domestic expenses will be reimbursed. There will be one Board meeting per year, which will take place in person in London. Additionally, the Chair will be expected to attend a one-hour meeting with both a member of the fundraising team, and a member of the Board, once per month. There will also be between three and four evening events per year. This role is for an initial term of three years, renewable at the discretion of the Board. 

UK

The Soil Association welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It is committed to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices and it positively encourages applications from all sectors of the community. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.