Would you like the opportunity to help lead the UK’s independent voice for using water wisely – for the benefit of people and the planet? If so, we can’t wait to hear from you.

We are actively seeking Trustees from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and identities to help us better deliver this.

The UK is facing mounting pressures on its water resources: climate change, population growth, ageing infrastructure and rising demand. Waterwise’s role as the UK’s independent voice on water efficiency has never mattered more.

Our vision is powerful and simple: water used wisely, every day, everywhere, by everyone. 

After more than 20 years as the UK’s conscience on water efficiency, we are now entering a transformative new chapter as a charity – grounded in our four core pillars:

• People – inclusion and respect for every voice sit at the centre of who we are.

• Pioneer – we challenge the status quo and push the water industry, government and businesses to go further.

• Purpose – our mission drives every decision: ensuring water is never wasted.

• Passion – our energy and commitment power our influence and partnerships.

Role description

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that Waterwise achieves its mission - to lead and inspire change so that water is never wasted (in the UK). They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Waterwise has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable Waterwise to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission - and our vision that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by everyone (in the UK).

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that Trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Candidate pack

For more information on Waterwise and being a Trustee, please read the candidate pack here.

Duties:

• Support and provide advice on Waterwise’s purpose, vision, goals and activities

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation

• Oversee Waterwise’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively

• Review and approve Waterwise’s financial statements

• Provide support and challenge to Waterwise’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs

• Keep abreast of changes in Waterwise’s operating environment

• Contribute to regular reviews of Waterwise’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to  discussions

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Waterwise’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests

• Contribute to the broader promotion of Waterwise’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Person specification

What we are looking for

We are looking for a range of people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board of Trustees.

You do not need previous governance (or senior leadership) experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

·   Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation

·   Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a Board member

·   Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion

·   A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

·   Enthusiasm for our vision and mission

·   Willingness to lead according to our values

·   Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

We wish to increase the diversity of perspectives on our Board of Trustees. We encourage applications from groups under-represented on our Board - particularly from the global majority (for example, Black or Asian candidates, living with disability, with charity experience (paid work or volunteering), and with professional accounting experience. This emphasis is informed by skills and diversity audits of our current Trustees.

We won’t be expecting all successful candidates to have these characteristics or experiences. 

The final mix of new Trustees will be important, as well as individual profiles.

Being a Waterwise Trustee

What’s involved in being a Waterwise Trustee

Every charity has a Board of Trustees - a group of volunteers who ensure that the organisation is effective in carrying out the purpose for which it was set up. You can find out more about our current Trustees here (scroll down).

Trustees have responsibility for overseeing the work of Waterwise, ensuring it is financially stable, well-run, and fulfilling its ‘objects’, as set out in its Articles at Companies House. 

Trustee Boards govern effectively by:

• Focusing on their governance responsibilities

• Being clear about the role of the Board vs the role of the executive team - and fostering good relationships between both. At Waterwise we have an executive team who are paid to run the charity on a day-to-day basis

• Ensuring the Board itself operates effectively

As a Waterwise Trustee,  you’ll also be an ambassador for the organisation and its work. You’ll share our vision that water is used wisely every day, everywhere, by everyone.

You can find out more about being a Trustee from the Charity Commission, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, and the Charity Governance Code.

Time commitment

This role requires a time commitment of approximately 1 to 2 days per month - including formal meetings and work outside of them.

The meeting schedule is:

• Four Board meetings per year, three of which will be virtual and one of which will be an in-person Away Day - plus membership of one Board Committee (Committee meetings are held virtually, for up to an hour a few times a year)

• Board meetings are currently held during the day. They are in March, June, September (in person) and December

Remuneration

This is an unpaid role (so your time spent in being a Trustee will not be paid for), though travel expenses will be paid, in accordance with our expenses policy.

Term in office

Three-year term (renewable once for a maximum of six years in office) 

Support and induction

You will receive a detailed induction and you will not be expected to know everything about Waterwise or being a Trustee straight away, or in your first few meetings! Our Board of Trustees will be strengthened by having you on it, and we will support you in your learning as you find your way in your new role. For your first 6 months you will have a Board Buddy - another Waterwise Trustee who will mentor you, and as a minimum meet you before and after each Board meeting.

Note on our charity status:

Please note, Waterwise has only just become a charity (January 2026): as our charitable Articles have been officially accepted by Companies House (they can be found here), we are officially operating as a charity. We have now submitted our application for registration as a charity with the Charity Commission. This could take several months so you will not yet see us on the Charity Commission website.

Application and selection process

To apply for this role, you will need to answer role-related questions. We use an anonymised platform to help to debias the recruitment process as far as possible. You will provide evidence and examples from your work history or other aspects of your life to answer the questions and demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.

Your answers will be anonymised, randomised and reviewed and scored by the selection panel - the selection panel is human beings, not AI. We will use these scores to shortlist for interviews. We also think giving feedback is incredibly valuable for candidates, so at the end of the process, you’ll see how well you performed during the application process.

Waterwise’s Chair, Diane McCrea and CEO Nicci Russell will be holding a 30-minute drop-in session for you to ask any questions about Waterwise and being a Waterwise Board Member, on 9th March, on Zoom. You can register here. This session does not form part of the selection process - it is an opportunity for potential candidates to find out more about us.

Interview dates

First interviews - 14th / 15th April, on Zoom

Second interviews - 29th / 30th April in person in London (venue TBC)

Adjustments and support

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us at info@waterwise.org.uk if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

The closing date for applications is 23:59, Sun 29th March.