Board Members / Non-Executive Directors - Volunteer

Our ideal Non-Executive Directors will have senior-level experience and a willingness to share their knowledge, networks and expertise to support the continued development of our organisation. We are looking for people who can help us balance our social purpose with commercial sustainability as we continue to grow our café, catering, hospitality and enterprise activities.

We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and financial sustainability Experience in financial oversight, budgeting, reporting, risk management, income generation, investment readiness or supporting organisations through periods of growth. This is particularly important as we strengthen our commercial model and prepare for future funding opportunities.

• Governance and compliance Experience of board structures, organisational governance, policies, risk management and supporting organisations to develop strong foundations for sustainable growth.

• Commercial growth and enterprise Experience growing businesses, developing sustainable income streams, creating partnerships or scaling social enterprises. We are particularly interested in people who understand how commercial success can enable greater social impact.

• Hospitality, food or retail Experience in hospitality operations, customer experience, catering, food businesses or developing sustainable trading models would be valuable as we continue to grow our café and catering offer.

• Fundraising, partnerships and strategic relationships Experience developing relationships with funders, commissioners, corporates or community partners to create new opportunities and support organisational growth.

• Criminal Justice, Employability or Skills Development Experience or understanding of rehabilitation, employment pathways, education, skills development or supporting people facing barriers to opportunity would be highly valued.

We are open to applications from people with lived experience of the challenges faced by the communities we support. We recognise that lived experience brings valuable insight, perspective and understanding to our Board, and we believe diverse experiences make organisations stronger.

We are also keen to hear from people who may be taking on their first Non-Executive Director role, provided they can bring relevant professional expertise, strategic thinking and a commitment to our values.

Above all, we are looking for people who believe in the power of opportunity, are collaborative in their approach and are excited by the chance to help shape a growing social enterprise. Your contribution will help us strengthen our organisation, expand our impact and create more pathways into employment, enterprise and positive futures for the people we support.

Remote

What will you be doing?

Solace Coffee CIC is entering an exciting stage of growth and is looking to appoint three Non-Executive Directors to join our Board. These are formal Director roles, with successful candidates appointed as Directors of the CIC and registered with Companies House.

Our current Board is founder-led, and we are now looking to strengthen our governance by bringing in experienced individuals who can provide strategic support, constructive challenge and independent oversight as we grow our social impact and build long-term sustainability.

The new Non-Executive Directors will play a vital role in supporting the Founder and leadership team to shape the future direction of Solace Coffee. This is an opportunity to join an organisation at an important point in its journey, helping to develop a sustainable social enterprise that combines commercial activity with meaningful social impact.

Our Non-Executive Directors will help guide the next phase of growth across our café and catering activities, hospitality and employability programmes delivered within custody, and enterprise pathways that support people facing barriers to employment. We are building an organisation that creates real opportunities through skills development, confidence building and routes into employment and self-employment.

The role will include:

• Providing strategic guidance and constructive challenge to the Founder and leadership team.
• Supporting the development and delivery of our organisational strategy.
• Helping strengthen governance, financial sustainability and operational resilience.
• Supporting our readiness for future funding opportunities, partnerships and investment.
• Acting as an ambassador for Solace Coffee CIC and helping build valuable relationships.
• Bringing expertise, insight and networks to support our continued growth.

Non-Executive Directors will attend quarterly Board meetings, contribute to strategic discussions and provide advice and support between meetings where appropriate.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about social enterprise and excited by the opportunity to help shape an organisation during a significant period of development.

This is a chance to make a meaningful contribution at a pivotal moment in Solace Coffee CIC’s journey. By joining our Board, you will help strengthen an organisation that creates opportunities through hospitality, enterprise and employment, supporting people to develop skills, confidence and pathways towards a positive future.