Trustee vacancy for the Board of the National Flood Forum

Who we are

The National Flood Forum (NFF) supports and empowers people and communities at risk of flooding and helps those who flood to recover from the material and emotional trauma that flooding causes. With 21 years on the ground experience, we are the only national charity dedicated to supporting flood risk communities.

At the NFF, we put people before process, giving immediate emotional and practical help and creating the right package of support for the long-term. Flooding can be a devastating experience with lasting economic, practical and emotional consequences and for many people the recovery process is as traumatic, or even more stressful, than the flood itself.

We pride ourselves on being there at every stage of the flood recovery process, working hand in hand with the people and communities we serve. We also provide a powerful and independent voice for these communities, representing their interests with local and national government as well as the insurance industry and other corporate sectors.

The role of trustees

Trustees play a key role in supporting an enabling our important work. The NFF is governed by a Board of up to 12 non-executive trustees who give their time on a voluntary basis and are supported by a small NFF team.

Trustees take part in four board meetings a year and fulfil an important governance role as well as helping to set the direction of the NFF.  As a charity that is ambitious to grow, we also encourage our trustees to use their energy, experience and expertise to further support our important work.

Trustees are expected to take part in email and telephone discussions and, on an occasional basis, to help represent the NFF and its interests at external meetings. They are entitled to claim reasonable travel expenses.

Our trustees are responsible for overseeing both the NFF charity and our community interest company, NFF Trading Services Ltd.

Current vacancies

We are currently looking for new trustees who are prepared to bring commitment, creativity and energy to the role.  In particular, we are seeking people with:

• Fundraising skills that can help to develop the work of the NFF in this key area
• Financial, human resources and legal skills and experience
• Experience of supporting people who have flooded or working in flood risk management
• First-hand experience of flooding

All applications will be considered on merit but women and people from ethnic minority communities are currently under-represented on our boards as are people living in the Northwest, South West, East Anglia and Wales.  The NFF does not cover Scotland this is covered by our sister organisation The Scottish Flood Forum.

Trustees are appointed on a four-year term. This may be extended for one further term.

Skills and experience

We are actively seeking trustees with a track record that includes:

• Experience working as part of a team and contributing at strategic level
• Personal experience of the effects of flooding on homes and businesses either at a local or regional level
• Knowledge and experience of good governance

In addition, trustees will be expected to demonstrate competency in the following key areas:

• Ability to read, assess and analyse information and to comment constructively on the NFF’s performance
• Confidence to contribute actively and effectively to Board discussions
• Ability to understand, support, communicate and promote the work of the NFF
• Ability to contribute effectively to group discussions involving a wide range of people including specialists and professionals
• Analytical skills including the ability to extract key points from Government papers
• Demonstrable perceptiveness, judgment and tact when communicating with diverse audiences

 How to apply

You don’t need to have all these attributes to apply. We welcome applications from candidates who have relevant work and life experiences and have the passion to make a difference to the work of The National Flood Forum.  Please send your CV – a maximum of two pages plus a covering letter outlining the skills and experience you can bring to contribute the Charity.

If you feel you need help with the application process or to submit your application in an alternative format, please contact amanda.davies@floodforum.org.uk

Application deadline: 9am on 18^th August 2023.  Interviews will take place in September 2023.

If you have any questions, please email amanda.davies@floodforum.org.uk or phone Amanda on 01299 403101

Equal Opportunities statement

The National Flood Forum aims to create an equitable, diverse, and inclusive team. Appointments are based on merit, and we are committed to openness and transparency of process.

We are seeking to promote increased diversity in our Board of Trustees and encourage applications from different genders, age groups, identities and diverse social and economic backgrounds. This includes, but is not limited to, people from different ethnic minority background and people with disabilities.   Please find the link to complete the Equal Opportunities  here https://forms.gle/Egy8JyXFcB7znqTV8