Do you want to make a real difference in Islington? Are you passionate about tackling poverty, inequality and helping to create a borough where everyone can thrive?

Cripplegate Foundation is looking for new Governors (trustees) to join our board. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a trusted, independent and innovative organisation that has been supporting Islington for over 500 years. Working alongside our partners at Islington Giving, we invest over £2 million a year in local charities and community groups. Together we amplify local voices, improve access to opportunities and support lasting change.

Who we’re looking for

• Can you help amplify the voices of those we work with, through your personal or professional experience?
• Could you bring additional diversity to our board so that we better reflect the communities in which we work?
• Do you have some frontline charity experience, senior leadership or otherwise?
• Are you able to commit the time required to make the most of joining us?

We are genuinely encouraging a wide range of people to come forward and cannot emphasise enough about how your background, life experience, approach and values are more important than any knowledge or experience of grant making, or of being a trustee elsewhere.

Full induction, mentoring and ongoing support will be provided. This is a voluntary/unpaid role, with expenses covered.

The closing date for applications is 16^th October at 5:00 p.m.

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Read on for more on what you will do, what you will gain and how to apply. 

What you’ll do

As a Governor, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving. You’ll be part of a committed board that works together to set our strategic direction, ensure we are making the greatest possible impact, and holding us accountable to the communities we serve. This includes making decisions on how our resources are invested and distributed, helping us to raise awareness of the issues facing local people, and supporting our work to reduce poverty and inequality across Islington.

You’ll bring your own experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table, helping us to better reflect and understand the diversity of the borough. In practice, this means contributing to board meetings, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and approving grants and budgets, while also supporting the staff team with insight and challenge. Alongside your fellow Governors, you will help us navigate change, maximise opportunities and resources, and remain true to our vision and mission.

What you’ll gain

Becoming a Governor with Cripplegate Foundation is a chance to make a real and lasting difference in Islington. You will influence how money is invested locally each year, ensuring that resources go where they are most needed and can have the greatest impact.

For many of our Governors, the most rewarding part of the role is seeing first-hand the difference that grassroots groups and local leaders make and knowing that they have helped enable that change. There is plenty of space for laughter and camaraderie too. Governor satisfaction derives from being able to support extraordinary people and projects in the area. We like to listen carefully, and help, with openness and humility.

You’ll also grow personally and professionally. The role offers you the chance to broaden your knowledge of charity governance, strategy and grant making, while working alongside a diverse and talented board and staff team.

Time commitment

There is a time commitment, so you’ll need to be able fit us into your life. That said, we do offer flexibility, and we try to accommodate as much as possible to help Governors fulfil their roles well.

Governors meet as a full board four times a year. You will also have the opportunity to join various sub- committees and task groups set up to consider aspects of our strategy, and also to represent the Foundation on one of Islington Giving’s committees or another of our local partnerships.

How to apply

If you would like an initial, informal conversation about these roles please contact Sarah Benioff, Chief Executive of Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving. You can email Sarah at: sarah.benioff@cripplegate.org.uk or call her on 0207 288 6940.

To express an interest in becoming a Governor, please write a letter (no more than one page), addressed to Cripplegate’s Chair Sarah Lee, explaining why you are interested, and outlining what you would bring to the role. Please also supply a copy of your CV and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Optional Disclosure form (attached at the end of this pack).

Your letter, CV and DEI Optional Disclosure form should be emailed to: recruitment@cripplegate.org.uk by the 16^th October at 5:00 p.m.

Timetable

• 16^th October 2025 by 5:00 m – Send a one-page letter, CV and Equalities form to recruitment@cripplegate.org.uk
• 29^th, 30^th, 31^st October – online – Informal meetings for longlisted candidates with Sarah Benioff (online)
• 17^th November, 9:30-11:30 m. – online – ‘Open Day’ session online for shortlisted candidates to learn more about the Foundation
• 19^th November – Final Interview with selection panel (in person at Crippelgate Foundation Offices in Islington)
• 3^rd December, 5:30-7:30 m. – Potential for successful candidate(s) to attend December Board meeting

For more details and how to apply, please visit our website and download the full Candidate Pack.

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Candidate Information Pack (Word)

DEI Disclosure Form