ACUMEN ACADEMY
Stockton-on-tees, County Durham
Trustees UK Acumen Academy (Charity number ) develops and delivers transformative leadership programmes to equip social entrepreneurs and leaders across the United Kingdom with the tools and community needed to strengthen their leadership, scale their impact, and create lasting change. As the UK partner of Acumen Academy - the world's school for social change - we are building a locally-rooted and globally-connected movement dedicated to solving problems of poverty and building a society based on dignity. Against the backdrop of persistent poverty and rising inequality across the United Kingdom, we identify, support, and accompany pioneering role models and business models who are reimagining the future of education, employment, healthcare, and inclusion for communities experiencing disadvantage. Through our flagship UK Fellows Programme, we have provided catalytic support to 84 Founders, CEOs and senior leaders whose innovations have positively impacted over 3 million lives across the United Kingdom. Our Fellows are breaking down barriers and fostering dignity for people trapped by systems of poverty, including: Marcellus Baz - Founder of Switch Up - transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through sport, mentoring, and counselling. Michelle Hill - CEO of Talk, Listen, Change - building a holistic approach to safe and healthy relationships. Rachel Gegeshidze - CEO of Tempo - uniting public, private, and community sectors to uplift communities. Fred Kastner - Co-Founder of TERN - supporting refugee entrepreneurs to build thriving enterprises. Yasmin Khan - CEO of Staying Put - working with communities to prevent abuse and build a world free from violence. Our 2025 Impact Report reflects the strong foundation we have built through the UK Fellowship, Foundry, and our growing partnerships. Building on this, we are looking to recruit up to three new Trustees to join the UK Acumen Academy board - helping carry UK Acumen Academy into its next chapter and deepening the reach, delivery, and impact of our programmes and our Fellows. We have identified three areas where we are particularly seeking expertise - Fundraising & Partnerships, Networks & Ambassador, and Finance & Treasurer (see the appendix) - and we anticipate recruiting for all three roles. However, we remain open to the right people: depending on the experience and expertise of candidates, we may recruit across some or all of these positions, or consider individuals who bring a compelling combination of skills across more than one area. If you are unsure which role best fits your background, we encourage you to apply and tell us what you bring - we will work with you to find the best fit. Trustee Roles, Responsibilities and Duties The Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in stewarding the mission, ethos, and impact of UK Acumen Academy. As a Trustee, we look to you to: Be a committed champion of our mission. Celebrate what we are doing well and demand we do more. Support the Director as a thought partner and critical friend. Model the leadership qualities we aim to cultivate in others. Core Responsibilities Trustees act as strategic advisors to the Director - not operational staff - across the following areas: Governance: Ensure the charity is legally compliant, well managed, risk-aware and mission-aligned. Strategy: Shape, review and monitor organisational strategy, and ensure it can be implemented. Financial oversight: Ensure financial sustainability and sound decision-making on resource allocation. Partnerships & networks: Make strategic introductions and help secure funding and in-kind support. Ambassador: Promote the work of Acumen Academy and represent our values externally. Thought partnership: Act as a generous thought partner to the Director and team, offering support while respecting operational boundaries. See the appendix for more detailed responsibilities across Fundraising & Partnerships, Networks & Ambassador, and Finance & Treasurer. Time Commitment: Four 2-hour board meetings annually (mix of in-person and virtual). Approximately 2 hours per month of additional engagement (reading materials, supporting the Director, etc.). One half-day strategy day annually (in-person) Attendance at periodic community events, where possible. During key moments - such as strategy reviews or recruitment - some Trustees may choose to contribute more, and this is warmly welcomed. An initial board term of up to three years. Diversity & Inclusion UK Acumen Academy is committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience of the social issues our Fellows work on. We believe that diversity of perspective and experience makes us a stronger, more effective organisation. Next Steps If you are inspired by our mission and believe you have something meaningful to contribute, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please send a CV and a short cover note by email to or via the button below, telling us why you want to join the UK Acumen Academy board and what you would bring to the role . Our process is as follows: Application: Share your CV and cover note by an email to Conversations with Trustees: Two 45-minute conversations (online or in person) with members of the Board to explore your motivations and experience, and to give you an opportunity to learn more about the organisation and the role of the Board. Board Meeting Observation: Where possible, shortlisted candidates will be invited to observe a Board meeting (currently planned for late-May) before a final decision is made. If you have any questions before applying or would like an informal conversation ahead of submitting, please don't hesitate to get in touch at the same address. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible. Appendix Fundraising & Partnerships Trustee The Fundraising & Partnerships Trustee provides strategic oversight and guidance on income generation, supporting the Director to develop a resilient funding model that combines philanthropy, partnerships, and earned income. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Income Guidance: Advise on fundraising and earned income strategies, ensuring they are ambitious, coherent, and mission-aligned. Model Sustainability: Support the organisation to build diversified, reliable income streams that match our long-term mission and ambition. Thought Partnership: Provide insight and feedback on funding proposals, partnership design, and positioning. Networks Ambassador Trustee The Networks Ambassador Trustee plays a vital role in expanding UK Acumen Academy's reach and influence - opening doors, accelerating introductions, and connecting us to the people and organisations who can amplify our work. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Introductions: Proactively identify and facilitate introductions to potential funders, partners, Fellows, and collaborators. Network Leveraging: Cultivate relationships across philanthropy, business, civil society, and aligned movements for social change. Values-led Stewardship: Ensure all relationship-building reflects Acumen's ethos - rooted in dignity, trust, and long-term thinking. Treasurer The Treasurer provides financial stewardship and oversight, supporting the Director to ensure UK Acumen Academy remains financially healthy, transparent, and well-positioned to deliver on its mission. Key Responsibilities: Financial Oversight & Reporting: Review financial reports, ensuring the board has a clear and accurate picture of the organisation's financial position at all times. Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the Director in developing annual budgets and longer-term financial forecasts that reflect strategic priorities and funding realities. Financial Sustainability: Advise on financial risk, reserves policy, and the financial implications of key decisions.
Trustees UK Acumen Academy (Charity number ) develops and delivers transformative leadership programmes to equip social entrepreneurs and leaders across the United Kingdom with the tools and community needed to strengthen their leadership, scale their impact, and create lasting change. As the UK partner of Acumen Academy - the world's school for social change - we are building a locally-rooted and globally-connected movement dedicated to solving problems of poverty and building a society based on dignity. Against the backdrop of persistent poverty and rising inequality across the United Kingdom, we identify, support, and accompany pioneering role models and business models who are reimagining the future of education, employment, healthcare, and inclusion for communities experiencing disadvantage. Through our flagship UK Fellows Programme, we have provided catalytic support to 84 Founders, CEOs and senior leaders whose innovations have positively impacted over 3 million lives across the United Kingdom. Our Fellows are breaking down barriers and fostering dignity for people trapped by systems of poverty, including: Marcellus Baz - Founder of Switch Up - transforming the lives of vulnerable young people through sport, mentoring, and counselling. Michelle Hill - CEO of Talk, Listen, Change - building a holistic approach to safe and healthy relationships. Rachel Gegeshidze - CEO of Tempo - uniting public, private, and community sectors to uplift communities. Fred Kastner - Co-Founder of TERN - supporting refugee entrepreneurs to build thriving enterprises. Yasmin Khan - CEO of Staying Put - working with communities to prevent abuse and build a world free from violence. Our 2025 Impact Report reflects the strong foundation we have built through the UK Fellowship, Foundry, and our growing partnerships. Building on this, we are looking to recruit up to three new Trustees to join the UK Acumen Academy board - helping carry UK Acumen Academy into its next chapter and deepening the reach, delivery, and impact of our programmes and our Fellows. We have identified three areas where we are particularly seeking expertise - Fundraising & Partnerships, Networks & Ambassador, and Finance & Treasurer (see the appendix) - and we anticipate recruiting for all three roles. However, we remain open to the right people: depending on the experience and expertise of candidates, we may recruit across some or all of these positions, or consider individuals who bring a compelling combination of skills across more than one area. If you are unsure which role best fits your background, we encourage you to apply and tell us what you bring - we will work with you to find the best fit. Trustee Roles, Responsibilities and Duties The Board of Trustees plays a pivotal role in stewarding the mission, ethos, and impact of UK Acumen Academy. As a Trustee, we look to you to: Be a committed champion of our mission. Celebrate what we are doing well and demand we do more. Support the Director as a thought partner and critical friend. Model the leadership qualities we aim to cultivate in others. Core Responsibilities Trustees act as strategic advisors to the Director - not operational staff - across the following areas: Governance: Ensure the charity is legally compliant, well managed, risk-aware and mission-aligned. Strategy: Shape, review and monitor organisational strategy, and ensure it can be implemented. Financial oversight: Ensure financial sustainability and sound decision-making on resource allocation. Partnerships & networks: Make strategic introductions and help secure funding and in-kind support. Ambassador: Promote the work of Acumen Academy and represent our values externally. Thought partnership: Act as a generous thought partner to the Director and team, offering support while respecting operational boundaries. See the appendix for more detailed responsibilities across Fundraising & Partnerships, Networks & Ambassador, and Finance & Treasurer. Time Commitment: Four 2-hour board meetings annually (mix of in-person and virtual). Approximately 2 hours per month of additional engagement (reading materials, supporting the Director, etc.). One half-day strategy day annually (in-person) Attendance at periodic community events, where possible. During key moments - such as strategy reviews or recruitment - some Trustees may choose to contribute more, and this is warmly welcomed. An initial board term of up to three years. Diversity & Inclusion UK Acumen Academy is committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience of the social issues our Fellows work on. We believe that diversity of perspective and experience makes us a stronger, more effective organisation. Next Steps If you are inspired by our mission and believe you have something meaningful to contribute, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please send a CV and a short cover note by email to or via the button below, telling us why you want to join the UK Acumen Academy board and what you would bring to the role . Our process is as follows: Application: Share your CV and cover note by an email to Conversations with Trustees: Two 45-minute conversations (online or in person) with members of the Board to explore your motivations and experience, and to give you an opportunity to learn more about the organisation and the role of the Board. Board Meeting Observation: Where possible, shortlisted candidates will be invited to observe a Board meeting (currently planned for late-May) before a final decision is made. If you have any questions before applying or would like an informal conversation ahead of submitting, please don't hesitate to get in touch at the same address. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible. Appendix Fundraising & Partnerships Trustee The Fundraising & Partnerships Trustee provides strategic oversight and guidance on income generation, supporting the Director to develop a resilient funding model that combines philanthropy, partnerships, and earned income. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Income Guidance: Advise on fundraising and earned income strategies, ensuring they are ambitious, coherent, and mission-aligned. Model Sustainability: Support the organisation to build diversified, reliable income streams that match our long-term mission and ambition. Thought Partnership: Provide insight and feedback on funding proposals, partnership design, and positioning. Networks Ambassador Trustee The Networks Ambassador Trustee plays a vital role in expanding UK Acumen Academy's reach and influence - opening doors, accelerating introductions, and connecting us to the people and organisations who can amplify our work. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Introductions: Proactively identify and facilitate introductions to potential funders, partners, Fellows, and collaborators. Network Leveraging: Cultivate relationships across philanthropy, business, civil society, and aligned movements for social change. Values-led Stewardship: Ensure all relationship-building reflects Acumen's ethos - rooted in dignity, trust, and long-term thinking. Treasurer The Treasurer provides financial stewardship and oversight, supporting the Director to ensure UK Acumen Academy remains financially healthy, transparent, and well-positioned to deliver on its mission. Key Responsibilities: Financial Oversight & Reporting: Review financial reports, ensuring the board has a clear and accurate picture of the organisation's financial position at all times. Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the Director in developing annual budgets and longer-term financial forecasts that reflect strategic priorities and funding realities. Financial Sustainability: Advise on financial risk, reserves policy, and the financial implications of key decisions.
Solace Womens Aid
Location : Camden (Head Office)/Hybrid Salary : £44,052 - £46,770 per annum (Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band based on fairness and our pay scales) Hours : 37.5 hours per week Contract: Permanent Closing Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026 Closing Time: 00:00am Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Philanthropy Lead at Solace Women's Aid. You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference. Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory. About the Service Solace is embarking on a new five-year fundraising strategy, with ambitious plans to double fundraised income to £3m by 2031. This voluntary income plays a pivotal role in the financial wellbeing of the charity, enabling us to do more to support the thousands of women and children who come to us each year as a result of violence against women and girls. Fundraising at Solace works closely with colleagues responsible for winning and managing statutory funding contracts, and is situated within the Business Development Directorate, alongside our award-winning Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs teams. You will collaborate with colleagues within Fundraising including Corporate, Individual Giving and Community as well as across the organisation including senior leadership and Solace s wider support and volunteer networks such as trustees and its lived-experience-led Shadow Board. About the Role Philanthropy has been identified as a key opportunity and will play a central part in future income growth. In this newly created role, you will lead the establishment and growth of philanthropy fundraising for Solace. Responsible for building and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, advisors, senior volunteers and trusts and foundations, you will use your entrepreneurship and excellent communication and influencing skills to secure and steward committed, high-value, mutually rewarding funding partnerships for Solace. About You You will be someone who is committed to the Solace values and is an experienced philanthropy fundraising expert who will embed best practice, and grow and nurture the relationships that drive sustainable income growth. As well as managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with major gift potential, you will work closely with colleagues and allies to build a culture of philanthropy. We understand that you may not have all the knowledge, experience, and skills mentioned in the Job Profile Document. However, your interpersonal skills, passion to have a positive impact, commitment to our purpose, and ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively will be equally important. What we can offer you We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including: Flexible working Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training) Generous holiday entitlement Employer pension contribution Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay Access to Inclusion Networks Daily clinical debriefing Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings Flow & Restore yoga classes Meditation sessions Cycle to Work Scheme How to apply When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document: Values, Behaviours & Competencies Knowledge, Experience and Skills Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect. We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work. This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks. No agencies.
Location : Camden (Head Office)/Hybrid Salary : £44,052 - £46,770 per annum (Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band based on fairness and our pay scales) Hours : 37.5 hours per week Contract: Permanent Closing Date: Tuesday 21st April 2026 Closing Time: 00:00am Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Philanthropy Lead at Solace Women's Aid. You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference. Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory. About the Service Solace is embarking on a new five-year fundraising strategy, with ambitious plans to double fundraised income to £3m by 2031. This voluntary income plays a pivotal role in the financial wellbeing of the charity, enabling us to do more to support the thousands of women and children who come to us each year as a result of violence against women and girls. Fundraising at Solace works closely with colleagues responsible for winning and managing statutory funding contracts, and is situated within the Business Development Directorate, alongside our award-winning Communications, Partnerships & Public Affairs teams. You will collaborate with colleagues within Fundraising including Corporate, Individual Giving and Community as well as across the organisation including senior leadership and Solace s wider support and volunteer networks such as trustees and its lived-experience-led Shadow Board. About the Role Philanthropy has been identified as a key opportunity and will play a central part in future income growth. In this newly created role, you will lead the establishment and growth of philanthropy fundraising for Solace. Responsible for building and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, advisors, senior volunteers and trusts and foundations, you will use your entrepreneurship and excellent communication and influencing skills to secure and steward committed, high-value, mutually rewarding funding partnerships for Solace. About You You will be someone who is committed to the Solace values and is an experienced philanthropy fundraising expert who will embed best practice, and grow and nurture the relationships that drive sustainable income growth. As well as managing a portfolio of donors and prospects with major gift potential, you will work closely with colleagues and allies to build a culture of philanthropy. We understand that you may not have all the knowledge, experience, and skills mentioned in the Job Profile Document. However, your interpersonal skills, passion to have a positive impact, commitment to our purpose, and ability to learn quickly and collaborate effectively will be equally important. What we can offer you We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including: Flexible working Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training) Generous holiday entitlement Employer pension contribution Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay Access to Inclusion Networks Daily clinical debriefing Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings Flow & Restore yoga classes Meditation sessions Cycle to Work Scheme How to apply When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document: Values, Behaviours & Competencies Knowledge, Experience and Skills Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect. We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work. This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks. No agencies.
