Help lead this pioneering UK charity into its next chapter as Chair of the Board of Trustees
Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: Approx. 1-2 days/month, plus annual retreats and sector events
Be part of a movement for food justice and ecological transformation
We are working with a pioneering UK charity whose purpose is to connect and support people who are transforming our food system through agroecology. Since starting the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) in 2010, the organisation has grown into a dynamic organisation with a turnover of ~£1M.
As the organisation enters a new strategic cycle through to 2030, it is seeking a new Chair to guide the board and support the executive team in delivering bold, systemic change in food and farming. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation at the heart of the agroecological movement, convening grassroots voices, shaping policy discourse, and investing in community-led solutions.
Why This Role Matters
As Chair, you will:
* Provide strategic leadership during a pivotal phase of growth and transformation and enable the charity to fulfil its purpose.
* Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across programmes and governance.
* Support the Executive Directors and staff to foster a resilient, values-led organisational culture.
* Represent RFT externally, including speaking at the ORFC and other sector events.
* Guide the board through governance best practice and renewal.
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking a visionary leader with:
* Board-level chairing experience in the charity or social enterprise sector with a detailed understanding of the principles and practice of good charity governance.
* A values-led, inclusive leadership style - humble, strategic, emotionally intelligent.
* Deep commitment to agroecology, food sovereignty, climate justice, and equity.
* Experience in or knowledge of food systems, farming, and agroecology.
* The strategic skills and experience to lead a significant and growing national charity.
What You'll Gain
* A defining role in shaping the future of food and farming in the UK.
* The opportunity to amplify grassroots voices and drive systemic change.
* A platform to demonstrate inclusive leadership and transformative impact.
* Connection to a vibrant, mission-driven team and a national network of changemakers.
Recruitment Timeline:
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold its commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), the RFT will be hosting a Q&A webinar on Thursday 4th December from 11-12pm in place of individual informal calls with the Chair and Executive Directors. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar, and we will send you a link..
Application deadline: Thursday 15th January 2026
First round interviews - Online: w/c 9th February 2026
Final interviews - In-person (Oxford): w/c 16th February 2026
How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to RFT on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited initially to submit a CV to seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk to receive the candidate pack, which has the full application details and a link to the webinar.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Fabrice Yala on 07563 030595 or via email on fabrice@charitypeople.co.uk.
We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require any assistance or adjustment to make the application process work for you, please let us know.