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External Director (Voluntary)

The organisation: The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI), commonly known at ‘The WI’, the UK’s largest voluntary women’s organisation, with a membership in excess of 180,000 and a registered charity, is looking for an external director to join the Board of its commercial arm, WI Enterprises Limited (WIE).

WIE is a limited company that was incorporated in 1977. It was formed to help finance the NFWI’s charitable activities by generating commercial income. The company also delivers various commercial activities directly for the NFWI and its members, such as the publishing of a membership magazine called WI Life, an online shop, corporate partnerships and sponsorship arrangements.  At the end of each financial year, WIE donates its profit to NFWI. WIE is part of the wider NFWI Group. The NFWI Group is made up of NFWI (the national charity), the Denman Trust (a separate charity that exists to deliver educational opportunities to WI members), and WIE (our registered company).

The role: The trustees are looking for a person with commercial awareness and business acumen and a desire to use these skills to support the charity sector. We are keen to hear from candidates who have an interest in data collection and analysis, experience in online retail, and/or affinity products/ membership marketing/ the development of branded goods. We are an ambitious organisation with a desire to grow our commercial activities and we are looking for candidates who are keen to be part of this next chapter.

The WIE board is made up of NFWI Trustees and up to 2 external Directors. All Directors of WIE Ltd operate in a voluntary capacity. The board meets a maximum of 4 times a year, with meetings held virtually. We will occasionally hold in-person meetings in London, but these will always be scheduled well in advance and based on the availability of Directors.

Role Responsibilities:

Advisory and decision-making role:

  • Actively participate in scheduled Board meetings to provide expertise, advice, and guidance on key business decisions and operational challenges based on personal industry experience.
  • Engage in constructive dialogue with trustees and senior staff team to ensure fair and transparent decision-making

Governance and Accountability:

  • Oversight of Performance: Monitor the performance and financial health of WIE, ensuring it meets agreed targets and contributes positively to the charity's overall objectives and providing professional challenge as needed.

Strategic Direction:

  • Strategy Development and Review: Help shape and approve the strategic direction of WIE, ensuring it supports the charity’s mission while also being financially sustainable.
  • Risk Management: Identify and evaluate potential risks to the charity’s commercial activities and advise on effective risk management strategies.
  • Ethical practice: Evaluate and provide challenge to new initiatives and activities, to ensure that WIE is operating within its ethical policy and framework and proactively promoting ethical commercial practice.

Financial Oversight:

  • Financial Scrutiny: Review financial reports, contracts and commitments to ensure the commercial arm is financially sound and aligned with the charity's needs.

Performance and Impact Measurement:

  • Impact Evaluation: Ensure the commercial activities contribute positively to the charity’s impact, whether by generating capital, raising awareness, or supporting its charitable goals.

Financial Sustainability and Growth:

  • Revenue Generation: Ensure the commercial activities are sustainable and support the long-term financial health of the charity. This might involve exploring new revenue streams, innovative business models, or partnerships.

Confidentiality:

  • Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality in handling sensitive commercial information and operate in the best interests of WIE and the WI
  • Contribute proactively to Board meetings and other Director activities, sharing views confidently and clearly while maintaining collective responsibility for any decisions made.

We are looking for individuals who:

  • Possess a commercial awareness, with an interest in using trends and commercial data to drive growth.
  • Can commit to participating in Board meetings (4 times per year for approximately 2 hours.) and reading papers and other materials outside of meetings.
  • Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, allowing for constructive discussions.
  • Experience in online retail, and/or affinity products/ membership marketing/ the development of branded goods
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
  • Confident communicator
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.
  • NFWI and WIE are committed to Equal Opportunities and aim to ensure that all Boards and Committees reflect diversity and provide an opportunity for all voices to be heard. Whilst WI membership is open to women only, our governance roles are open to all.

How to apply:

This position is unpaid, however with expenses covered. If you think you have the experience and skills to help WI Enterprises Limited, please email d.kent@nfwi.org.uk and ensure you provide the following: a supporting statement, explaining how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role; a comprehensive CV and details of two referees.

Application Deadline: 25 March 2025

The NFWI is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all members of our community.