Volunteer Supporting Director

The Social Supermarket Initiative; City Of London; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-led social enterprise in the UK seeks Supporting Directors to enhance governance and drive strategic oversight. The ideal candidates will have strong leadership, communication skills, and a commitment to food justice and community growth. This part-time role offers the opportunity to impact community outcomes and partake in board-level leadership experiences.

Benefits

Networking opportunities

Training and development

Reimbursement of travel expenses

Qualifications

• Commitment to the Social Supermarket Initiative’s mission and social purpose.
• Experience in governance, management, or community initiatives (professional or voluntary).
• Sound judgement and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance to ensure SSI delivers on its community mission.
• Monitor progress against strategic goals.
• Participate in working groups or committees as relevant.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Collaboration

Leadership skills

Solutions-driven mindset

Job description

The Social Supermarket Initiative. The Social Supermarket Initiative (SSI) is a community‑led social enterprise tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable community growth through our affordable supermarket model, outreach programmes, and ethical partnerships. We are seeking Supporting Directors to join our Board, contributing strategic insight, expertise, and oversight to strengthen SSI’s governance, operations, and long‑term impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight to ensure SSI delivers on its community mission and legal obligations.
• Support the Board in policy‑setting, financial accountability, and risk management.
• Contribute specialist expertise (e.g. governance, finance, partnerships, community development, food systems).
• Champion SSI’s values and act as an ambassador, building relationships with partners, funders, and local organisations.
• Monitor progress against strategic goals and ensure decisions align with SSI’s community purpose.

Core Duties

• Ensure SSI acts within its powers and upholds its community interest objectives.
• Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in all Board matters.
• Safeguard SSI’s financial integrity, sustainability, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Provide advice and constructive challenge without engaging in daily operations.
• Join working groups or committees (e.g. finance, growth, governance) where relevant to your expertise.

Expectations of the Role

• Attend and prepare for quarterly Board meetings and one annual review.
• Stay informed about emerging issues in food justice, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
• Participate in subcommittees or project groups as appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality, uphold SSI’s ethical standards, and champion diversity and inclusion.

About You

Essential

• Commitment to SSI’s mission and social purpose.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Experience in governance, management, or community initiatives (professional or voluntary).
• Sound judgement, integrity, and a solutions‑driven mindset.

Desirable

• Knowledge of social enterprise, food systems, sustainability, or community engagement.
• Understanding of governance, finance, or charity operations.
• Lived experience of food insecurity, social inequality, or community leadership.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to a purpose‑driven social enterprise with measurable community impact.
• Experience in board‑level leadership, governance, and strategy.
• Networking opportunities through community events and partnerships.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and meeting expenses.
• Training and development opportunities in governance and management.

How to Apply

Please send your CV (max 2 pages) and a short statement (max 300 words) outlining your interest and relevant experience.

Experience: Not required
Employment: Part‑time