Job Title

Appointed Director (Non-Executive)Organisation: UK Cohousing Network CICRole type: Voluntary, non-executive Director (Community Interest Company)Number of roles: Up to threeTime commitment: Around 1–2 days per monthRemuneration: Unpaid (reasonable expenses reimbursed)Term: In line with UKCN CIC Articles (renewable)Purpose of the roleAppointed Directors are members of the Board of UK Cohousing Network CIC, which includes elected Directors, and share responsibility for setting the organisation's direction, priorities and long-term health. These roles are intended to complement elected Directors (who come from cohousing communities) by bringing additional experience, perspectives and networks that can help UKCN respond to a growing and changing movement.Cohousing in the UK is at an early stage of growth. While there is much to learn from existing communities, the next phase will be shaped by who is supported to take part, how the model adapts to different contexts, and whether people can clearly see practical routes to getting started.A key focus for the Board at this stage is to strengthen how UKCN is funded and how people engage with the network, so that it can:support more groups with confidence and clarityspeak up for cohousing nationallyattract partners and funders who share its valuesThis is a formative moment for UKCN, and Directors appointed now will help shape its next phase of development.About UK Cohousing Network CICUK Cohousing Network (UKCN) is the national body supporting cohousing and community-led housing in the UK. It helps people make sense of cohousing, learn from others who've been through the process, and feel part of a wider movement. Alongside this, UKCN works with policymakers, funders and partners to help create a more supportive environment for cohousing and community-led housing more broadly.With support from the Nationwide Foundation, UKCN is contributing to work that helps make cohousing more visible, understandable and achievable for communities across the UK.What Directors are responsible forAll Directors share collective responsibility for:Agreeing and safeguarding UKCN's purpose, values and strategic directionActing in the best interests of the Community Interest Company and its community purposeEnsuring the organisation is well run, financially sustainable and compliantProviding constructive challenge and support to staff and fellow DirectorsHelping UKCN stay focused on what matters most to the people and communities it servesContributing to a Board culture that is collaborative, open and respectfulDirectors act collectively and do not have individual authority outside Board decisions unless formally agreed.Additional focus for Appointed DirectorsIn addition to general Board responsibilities, Appointed Directors are particularly expected to contribute to one or more of the following areas:Building sustainable income and partnershipsHelping the Board explore and strengthen ways of funding UKCN's work, supporting long-term planning and reducing reliance on short-term or project-based funding.Shaping membership and engagementHelping shape a membership offer that:gives people practical help and confidencesupports groups at different stages of developmenthelps members feel part of a wider movement and shared learning communitySpeaking up for cohousingSupporting UKCN's role in speaking up for cohousing nationally, working with partners to help remove barriers that make it hard for communities to get started.Bringing perspective and networksSharing insight, lived experience and connections that help UKCN learn, adapt and reach new people.Appointed Directors are not expected to deliver day-to-day work, but to help guide direction, ask good questions and open up opportunities.Current prioritiesUKCN is currently focused on:building more resilient and diverse income streamshelping create clearer routes into cohousing for new groupsstrengthening the membership offer and sense of shared learningensuring cohousing grows in ways that are inclusive, accessible and grounded in lived experienceThese priorities will evolve, and Directors are expected to help shape what comes next.What sort of person should apply?This role may suit you if you:Care about how people live, not just how homes are deliveredBring senior experience from housing, planning, finance, investment, placemaking or community-led developmentEnjoy helping organisations think clearly at moments of change and growthAre comfortable offering constructive challenge while working collaborativelyWant to use your experience, judgement and networks to support a movement with social purposeYou do not need prior cohousing experience. Curiosity, good governance instincts and a willingness to learn matter more.Who we're looking forEssentialA genuine interest in cohousing and community-led housingExperience relevant to housing, development, planning, finance, investment, placemaking or community-led workAbility to think strategically and work collaborativelyCommitment to UKCN's values and community interest purposeDesirableExperience of income generation, partnerships or membership-based organisationsExperience working with developers, housing associations, local authorities, investors or fundersPrevious board or non-executive experience (helpful but not required)Diversity and inclusionUKCN is committed to broadening who shapes the future of cohousing.We strongly encourage interest from people whose backgrounds, perspectives or lived experience are currently under-represented within the movement, including lived experience of housing insecurity, racialised planning outcomes or community organising.Legal responsibilitiesDirectors must meet their responsibilities under company law and CIC regulation, including acting in good faith, managing conflicts of interest and exercising reasonable care and judgement. Induction and ongoing support will be provided.How to applyPlease send:A short statement (up to two pages) explaining:why you're interested in becoming an Appointed Directorwhat you would bring to UKCN at this stageA CV or LinkedIn profileKey datesApplications close: 28 FebruaryInterviews: Mid-MarchRoles commence: AprilInformal conversations are welcome.Contact: [email protected]