Help shape a healthier, fairer and more sustainable food system
Made in Hackney (MIH) is seeking a new Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees to help shape the next chapter of our work.
MIH is a pioneering food charity and the UK’s first fully vegan community cookery school. Since opening in 2012, we have been using the power of plants to tackle health inequalities, improve access to nutritious and climate-friendly food, and bring communities together.
Working at the intersection of food, health, climate and social justice, we support communities most impacted by systemic inequality while working towards a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system for all.
We are a values-led organisation, guided by four core values: Compassion, Community-minded, Courageous and Committed.
We are now strengthening our Board and looking for people who share our mission and want to contribute their skills, experience and perspectives to help us maximise our impact.
Deadline to apply: 23rd November.
Chair of Trustees
Help lead Made in Hackney into its next chapter
We are seeking an inspiring and collaborative Chair of Trustees to lead our Board through the next stage of the charity’s development.
Working closely with the Executive Director and fellow Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership, constructive challenge and oversight, ensuring the Board is effective, inclusive and focused on achieving MIH’s mission.
You will also act as an ambassador for the charity, helping to build relationships, raise our profile and develop opportunities that support our long-term sustainability and impact.
About you
We are looking for someone with strong leadership and governance experience who shares our commitment to social justice, health equity and a fairer, more sustainable food system.
You will ideally bring:
- Experience of chairing or leading a board, committee or organisation.
- Strong strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to provide constructive challenge.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Experience of supporting a senior executive or leadership team.
- An understanding of financial sustainability, organisational risk and governance.
- The ability to act as an ambassador and build external relationships.
Previous charity Trustee experience is highly desirable, although we welcome candidates with transferable leadership and governance experience from other sectors. You do not need to have previously been a Chair of Trustees to apply.
Commitment
This is a voluntary role, with reasonable travel expenses reimbursed. The initial term is three years, with an expected commitment of approximately 6–10 hours per month.
This includes quarterly Board meetings, an annual strategic planning meeting, preparation and occasional additional meetings and external engagement.
Read the full Chair of Trustees Job Description.
Deadline to apply: 23rd November.
Trustees
Bring your experience and help shape our future
We are inviting applications for new Trustees as we strengthen the Board’s expertise in three key areas:
HR and People
Senior experience in HR, people strategy or organisational development, including workforce planning, organisational culture, employment practice, leadership development and staff wellbeing.
Marketing and Communications
Strategic experience in marketing, communications, brand, PR or digital, helping us strengthen our profile, develop our audience strategy, build our reputation and engage new supporters and partners.
Fundraising and Income Generation
Experience in fundraising, philanthropy, partnerships, business development or income generation, helping us diversify our income, strengthen supporter relationships and build long-term financial resilience.
You do not need experience across all three areas. We are looking for people with depth of expertise in at least one, alongside the enthusiasm and ability to contribute more broadly as a Trustee.
About you
We are looking for people who:
- Share MIH’s mission, values and commitment to social justice.
- Can think strategically and exercise independent judgement.
- Are comfortable providing constructive challenge and engaging with different perspectives.
- Can work collaboratively as part of a diverse Board.
- Are willing to use their knowledge, experience and networks to support the charity’s development.
- Understand the importance of good governance and acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.
Previous charity or Trustee experience is desirable but not essential. We welcome people who can bring relevant professional, community or lived experience and will provide a comprehensive induction and ongoing support.
Commitment
This is a voluntary role, with reasonable travel expenses reimbursed. Trustees serve an initial three-year term, with an expected commitment of approximately 4–10 hours per month.
This includes quarterly Board meetings, an annual strategic planning meeting, preparation and occasional additional meetings and engagement with MIH’s work.
