Chair of Trustees - Changeworks

The Organisation

Changeworks is Scotland’s leading environmental organisation driving the decarbonisation of homes and a just transition to net zero. With 35+ years of experience, they work with individuals, communities, businesses and partners to deliver energy advice, retrofit solutions and innovative decarbonisation services that lower carbon emissions, reduce energy bills and tackle fuel poverty. In recent years they have helped tens of thousands of households install energy efficiency measures, provided thousands with expert energy support, and saved hundreds of thousands of tonnes of carbon – making low carbon living a positive reality for people across Scotland. To find out more, visit https://www.changeworks.org.uk/b/

The Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the future of Changeworks. You will lead the Board of Trustees in providing strategic direction and ensuring effective governance, guiding Changeworks through an important period of growth, while championing its environmental and social values.

You will serve as a statutory trustee and non-executive director, providing strategic leadership, guidance, and robust governance oversight across Changeworks and its subsidiary organisations, driving meaningful impact across communities, households, and businesses.

The Person

The role will require a strategic and analytical thinker able to balance social impact with commercial success and long-term sustainability. You will communicate effectively, build strong relationships, and bring a clear commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice, while fostering inclusive governance by valuing and drawing out diverse perspectives.

Required Experience and Capabilities

Senior Leadership and Governance Experience

We seek individuals with leadership experience that demonstrates strong strategic thinking, an entrepreneurial mindset and an understanding of the complexities of governance in the charitable and commercial sectors. This could include:

• Senior management, executive or non-executive roles in mission-driven organisations
• Experience serving on boards or committees in any sector
• Track record of leading teams through organisational transformation and growth
• Experience of working with diverse stakeholder groups including, but not limited to, social housing, local
• government, or minority groups.
• Proven experience in trustee or non-executive positions, with a strong understanding of governance and oversight
• responsibilities.

We expect the chair to have:

• A proven track record of chairing boards or high-level committees, preferably within a purpose-driven or
• commercial-social hybrid environment.
• Experience as a charity trustee or non-executive director
• Ability to navigate complex political and economic landscapes to advocate for decarbonisation and just transition.
• Commitment to decarbonising homes in Scotland and tackling fuel poverty.
• Experience in overseeing organisational growth or transformation, reflecting Changeworks’ move toward scaling
• its impact.
• Exceptional diplomatic, mediation, and relationship-building skills to manage board dynamics and the CEO
• partnership.

Strategic Growth & Risk Management

• Driving or enabling organisational growth and development
• Understanding risk management in complex organisations
• Good governance in regulated organisations
• Track record of success in purpose-driven organisations

Specialist Knowledge Areas

• Experience of the social housing sector
• Experience of/in rural communities
• Experience of entrepreneurship/innovation/research & development commercialisation
• Experience of technical aspects of retrofit
• Experience of public affairs, government engagement, and/or lobbying

Access to networks that would be beneficial to Changeworks would be desirable.

Additional Considerations

• We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
• Candidates should share our commitment to environmental action and bring diverse perspectives.
• New Board members will be expected to serve on at least one Board sub-committee, including Strategy, Audit and Risk, or Nominations

Further Information

For further information about Changeworks, the role requirements and the person specification, please download the Candidate Briefing Pack.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about joining Changeworks and believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please apply with the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4, detailing why you would like to be considered, your relevant experience and expertise and what you think you can bring to the role.

All applications are being handled by our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited (part of the Russam group).

All applications should be sent to applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk with your full name and ‘Changeworks Chair’ in the subject heading.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter, Managing Partner – Charities on: melissa.baxter@trustees-unlimited.co.uk / 07789 985229.

Closing date for applications: Monday 2nd March 2026
Interview with Changeworks: Week commencing 23rd March 2026