Help us make London better for everyone by becoming Centre for London’s Chair of Trustees.
“Being the Chair of London’s independent think tank is about being at the heart of conversations about our fabulous city. We work to influence policy makers on the issues that really matter to Londoners, and ultimately make the capital a better place to live and work.”
Fiona Fletcher Smith, outgoing Chair of Trustees
DOWNLOAD THE Chair RECRUITMENT PACK (PDF)
Apply to become our Chair of Trustees
Why apply to be the Chair of Trustees at Centre for London?
We are a small charity, with a current Board of 12 Trustees. Everyone is passionate about London and committed to making it a better city. We have a friendly, fun and collaborative culture. We’re a London Living Wage, Mayor of London Good Work Standard and equal opportunities employer. Our commitment to equality of opportunity and reflecting and representing London’s rich diversity informs everything we do.
At its best, London is a prosperous and creative world city, with a global reputation for business, creativity, innovation, openness and diversity. But this success masks another story: of chronic problems and inequalities, with economic productivity stalled, millions of Londoners finding decent, affordable housing an impossible challenge, feeling unsafe, suffering poor health and facing everyday struggles.
Our CEO appointed in September 2023, Antonia Jennings, has driven the formulation of a new strategy. Around halfway through a new Mayoral term and government, and with the economic and international backdrop much changed since they were elected, this is a unique and exciting time to join an organisation working to shape London’s future.
Together, we can create a thriving, sustainable global city, with an economy sustaining good and inclusive growth, run in the long-term interests of its residents, and the country as a whole. Our Trustees help us to do this, and to be the best organisation we can be.
What we’re looking for
We are looking to recruit a new Chair who will guide the next phase of the Centre’s growth and development.
Centre for London is politically impartial and it is important to our continued objectivity and influence that Trustees approach our work independently of any political views and affiliations. We work to ensure that our Board largely reflects London’s diversity, including diversity of thought.
Trustees are not remunerated but we do cover reasonable expenses, including childcare/caring and travel costs.
Trustees meet four times a year for formal board meetings, which are usually held from 15.30 to 17.30 at our offices in Borough. We have provision for Trustees to join remotely, however, we encourage them to attend as many meetings in person as they are able. Our summer meeting is followed by a strategy session and informal dinner.
Centre for London is a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee so liability is limited to £1 for trustees. Becoming a trustee won’t put your personal financial stability at risk.
Key duties of the Chair of Trustees
- Provide strategic leadership to the Board of Trustees in pursuit of Centre for London’s mission and charitable objectives
- Ensure the Board operates effectively, with appropriate governance, oversight and accountability
- Supporting the organisation’s fundraising efforts and promoting its offer to potential funders, donors and sponsors
- Work closely with the Chief Executive to support, challenge and appraise their performance
- Chair board meetings, setting agendas that enable robust discussion and sound decision-making
- Ensure Trustees fulfil their legal duties and responsibilities under charity and company law
- Lead the Board in reviewing organisational strategy, priorities and risk management
- Act as an ambassador for Centre for London, strengthening relationships with funders, partners, policymakers and stakeholders
- Support the organisation’s independence, integrity and reputation as a trusted voice on London’s future
- Oversee effective financial stewardship, including budgets, reserves and long-term sustainability
- Lead Board development, including recruitment, induction and performance of Trustees
- Ensure strong governance arrangements, including committees, policies and compliance
- Act as a sounding board for the Chief Executive and provide support during periods of change or challenge.
What we expect from our Trustees
Trustees are expected to read the board papers and attend board meetings.
We invite all Trustees to attend Centre for London events and report launches, participate in roundtables and/or advisory groups as relevant to their expertise, and contribute to publications.
A vital role of Trustees is to support fundraising at Centre for London, both through advising us on strategy and identifying and/or introducing us to potential funders.
The skills and experience we are looking for
Trustees need to be wholeheartedly committed to Centre for London’s work and advocate for the organisation. We don’t ask that you are an expert in London policy issues – but it’s important that you’re interested in the challenges that London faces, and useful if you have specific knowledge or connections related to some of the topics we work on.
In addition to the core competencies set out below we are looking to recruit a Chair who have one or a few of the following:
- Experience in charity governance, fundraising and philanthropy;
- Experience of working in London’s arts and culture sectors
- Experience of working in London’s higher and further education sectors;
- Experience of working in London’s build environment sector.
Core competencies
- Good strategic vision.
- An understanding of the UK charity sector, and the principles of good governance.
- Good connections across London’s networks or with Londoners – public services, business and/or third sector.
- A team player, able to work collaboratively with other Trustees and the Centre’s Senior Management Team.
We celebrate London’s rich and diverse culture, and we want our Trustee board and team to reflect the city we serve.
We particularly invite applications from women, people from minority ethnic and/or less advantaged backgrounds and younger people. Our current Trustee board comprises five women and seven men.
Board meeting dates in 2026:
- Wednesday, 11th February, 15:30 – 17:30 (subject to change)
- Tuesday, 2nd June, 15:30 – 17:30
- Tuesday, 8th September, 15:30 – 17:30
- Wednesday, 9th December, 15:30 – 17:30
Application process
This is an open recruitment process and conforms to good practice, as set out by the Charity Commission.
Please send all applications to jobs@centreforlondon.org. If you’d like to ask questions about the process or the role before applying, we’ll also be reachable via that email address.
To apply, please send over a copy of your CV and a short cover letter explaining your motivations and qualifications for the Trustee role (max. 300 words).
The recruitment committee will review applications and invite short-listed applicants for an interview. Interviews are likely to be conducted mid-end of February 2026.
Deadline: 9.00am Monday 16 February 2026