Practical Action is looking for additional trustees
Practical Action exists to change the systems that keep people in poverty and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, nature loss and pollution. We work alongside communities to build resilient livelihoods and inclusive, thriving societies.
Over 50 years ago, our founder – radical economist and philosopher E.F. Schumacher – published his influential book Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as If People Mattered. He believed in the principles of local people leading their own development. That ethos has always been, and will continue to be, the driving force behind our organisation.
Since then, we’ve continued to build a strong reputation and a track record for people-centred, sustainable development. And now, we’ve launched a bold new organisational strategy to take us to 2030, shaped to respond to the scale of the climate emergency and the rapidly changing world around us.
This is an exciting time to join us.
Your skills, experience, and passion could play a vital role in our next chapter.
Sazini Mojapelo – Chair of the Board of Trustees
We are looking to strengthen our Board with people who:
- have a strong background in charity finance,
- can open doors to new funders particularly in the philanthropy and climate finance space, and
- can support the building of strong partnerships in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Key information
Location
Our trustees are based across the world and the majority of Board meetings are held virtually. Inperson Board meetings are held at key strategic times and to ensure effective governance, roughly every 12-18 months.
Time commitment
At least 10 days a year, although Trustees often give more time – ideally 15-20 days. Four Board meetings take place a year (in March, July, October and December), mostly online, and lasting about 3 hours. In-person board meetings will be 2 days. The next inperson board meeting will take place in Spring 2026. The Finance Audit and Risk Committee and the Governance and People Committee also take place four times a year, and all of these are virtual meetings.
Term
Trustees are appointed for a term of three years which may be renewed once.
Remuneration
None. This is a volunteer role (in line with UK charity legislation). However, reasonable expenses to undertake the role will be covered.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and cover letter (as two separate documents). Your cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
Please save your documents as PDF files, and name the files like this:
- Firstname-Lastname-Documentname-DDMMYY
(e.g. Jane-Smith-Trustee CV-080725 or John-Smith-TrusteeCoverLetter-120725)
Please submit your applications to: [email protected]
Selection process
All candidates will receive an update about their application after the closing date (so we recommend you add our email to your ‘safe senders’ list!).
Closing date for applications: 12/09/2025
Interviews: October 2025
Expected start
Negotiable, but we would need you to join us in time for our Board meeting in April-June 2026