We are seeking a new Chair with the ability to lead the organisation in partnership with the CEO. This is an exceptional opportunity for the right person to play a part in making a positive contribution towards increased water conservation and positive action on climate change. Now is a fantastic time to join us, as we launch our Impact Plan to drive ambition and delivery!

The successful individual will be an exceptional leader with a proven track record of leadership or operating at senior level within an organisation, governance experience, and a commitment to our cause of water efficiency, for the benefit of people and the planet. Understanding the nature of a non-executive role, they will ensure that the values of Waterwise are embraced by both the Board and the executive team, whom they will hold to account through a process of inclusive leadership.

The Chair will develop and maintain a relationship with the CEO and with the non-executive directors, and will work to ensure that the Board provides good governance. 

They will establish and maintain close relationships with political figures, stakeholders and influencers as appropriate, acting as an ambassador for Waterwise, in partnership with the CEO.

Download the Candidate Pack for the full list of role responsibilities and person specification.

At Waterwise, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. For this role we therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented on Waterwise’s Board.

This includes candidates from the global majority and disabled candidates..

Terms of appointment

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 below:

• 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)

• Board meetings are held during the day

If possible we would like our new Chair to attend the Waterwise Board meeting on 18th December, on Zoom, from 10am - 1pm, and take over as Chair at the end of that meeting.

Remuneration

This is an unremunerated role, with travel expenses paid.

Term in office

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

Process

First interviews - 6th November 2024, online via Zoom

Second interviews - 19th November 2024, in person in London

How to Apply

To apply for this role, you will need to answer role-related questions. We are using an anonymised platform to help to debias the recruitment process as far as possible. As well as a CV to support your application (which our platform will anonymise and redact of identifying information), 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 by the selection panel. 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.  

The Chair of Waterwise’s Nominations and Remuneration Committee, Tanya Sephton, and Waterwise’s 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 16th October at 9:00am, 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.

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.