ADVERTISEMENT and JOB DESCRIPTION
Appointed Director (Non-Executive):
Help shape the next phase of cohousing in the UK
UK Cohousing Network CIC is recruiting up to three non-executive Directors, to work alongside our elected Directors at a pivotal moment for cohousing and community-led housing.
Cohousing offers a way for people to live in communities where they know their neighbours, share everyday spaces, and have a real say in how their community works. In many ways, cohousing in the UK is only just beginning. We value and celebrate what existing communities have already achieved — and we recognise that cohousing can grow in many different ways, shaped by people, place and local context.
Interest in cohousing is growing. More people are looking for homes that offer connection, mutual support and long-term security. Cohousing is increasingly part of national conversations about housing, neighbourhoods and placemaking — while still raising important questions about access, affordability, inclusion and how groups get started.
UKCN sits at the heart of this moment. Founded in 2007 by and for cohousing groups, it brings together individuals, communities and professionals to share learning, build confidence and support one another. With support from the Nationwide Foundation, UKCN is helping create clearer, more practical routes for groups across the UK to explore, set up and sustain cohousing communities — and to help remove the barriers that stop people getting started.
To do this well, UKCN itself needs to adapt and grow.
We are looking to appoint new Directors with leadership experience from housing, development, planning, finance, investment, placemaking or community-led development, and with the energy and networks to help:
- Build sustainable income and partnership approaches that support UKCN’s long-term work
- Shape a membership offer that gives people confidence, practical support and a sense of being part of something bigger
- Strengthen UKCN’s ability to speak up for cohousing nationally and help create a more supportive environment for communities
We are committed to broadening who shapes the future of cohousing.
We strongly encourage interest from people whose perspectives or lived experience — including experience of housing insecurity, racialised planning outcomes or community organising — are currently under-represented within the movement. As cohousing grows, UKCN is committed to ensuring it becomes more accessible, equitable and relevant to a wider range of communities.
This is an opportunity to actively shape the next phase of cohousing in the UK.
Applications close 28 February
Interviews in March | Roles commence in April
Job Description Link:
Contact: owen@cohousing.org.uk
JOB DESCRIPTION
Appointed Director (Non-Executive):
Organisation: UK Cohousing Network CIC
Role type: Voluntary, non-executive Director (Community Interest Company)
Number of roles: Up to three
Time commitment: Around 1–2 days per month
Remuneration: Unpaid (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Term: In line with UKCN CIC Articles (renewable)
Purpose of the role:
Appointed Directors are members of the Board of UK Cohousing Network CIC, which includes elected Directors, and share responsibility for setting the organisation’s direction, priorities and long-term health. These roles are intended to complement elected Directors (who come from cohousing communities) by bringing additional experience, perspectives and networks that can help UKCN respond to a growing and changing movement.
In many ways, cohousing in the UK is only just beginning:
While there is much to learn from existing communities, the next phase will be shaped by who is supported to take part, how the model adapts to different contexts, and whether people can clearly see how to get started.
A key focus for the Board at this stage is to strengthen how UKCN is funded and how people engage with the network, so that it can:
- support more groups with confidence and clarity
- speak up for cohousing nationally
- attract partners and funders who share its values
This role offers a chance to actively shape the next phase of cohousing in the UK.
About UK Cohousing Network CIC:
UKCN is the national body supporting cohousing and community-led housing in the UK. It helps people make sense of cohousing, learn from others who’ve been through the process, and feel part of a wider movement. Alongside this, UKCN works with policymakers, funders and partners to help create a more supportive environment for cohousing and community-led housing more broadly. With support from the Nationwide Foundation, UKCN is contributing to work that helps make cohousing more visible, understandable and achievable for communities across the UK.
What Directors are responsible for:
- Agreeing and safeguarding UKCN’s purpose, values and strategic direction
- Acting in the best interests of the Community Interest Company and its community purpose
- Making sure the organisation is well run, financially sustainable and compliant
- Providing constructive challenge and support
- Helping UKCN stay focused on what matters most to the people and communities it serves
- Contributing to a Board culture that is collaborative, open and respectful
Directors act collectively and do not have individual authority outside Board decisions unless formally agreed.
Additional focus for Appointed Directors:
Appointed Directors are particularly expected to contribute to one or more of the following areas:
Building sustainable income and partnerships:
Helping the Board explore and strengthen ways of funding UKCN’s work so it can plan for the long term and reduce reliance on short-term funding.
Shaping membership and engagement:
Helping shapes a membership offer that:
- gives people practical help and confidence
- supports groups at different stages
- helps members feel part of a wider movement
Speaking up for cohousing:
Supporting UKCN’s role in speaking up for cohousing nationally and helping remove barriers that make it hard for communities to get started.
Bringing perspective and networks:
Sharing insight, lived experience and connections that help UKCN learn, adapt and reach new people.
Appointed Directors are not expected to deliver day-to-day work, but to help guide direction, ask good questions and open up opportunities.
Current priorities:
UKCN is currently focused on:
- building more resilient and diverse income streams
- helping create clearer routes into cohousing for new groups
- strengthening the membership offer and sense of shared learning
- ensuring cohousing grows in ways that are inclusive, accessible and grounded in lived experience
These priorities will evolve, and Directors are expected to help shape what comes next.
Who we’re looking for:
Essential:
- A genuine interest in cohousing and community-led housing
- Experience relevant to housing, development, planning, finance, investment, placemaking or community-led work
- Ability to think strategically and work collaboratively
- Commitment to UKCN’s values and community interest purpose
Desirable:
- Experience of income generation, partnerships or membership-based organisations
- Experience working with developers, housing associations, local authorities, investors or funders
- Previous board or non-executive experience (helpful but not required)
Diversity and inclusion:
UKCN is committed to broadening who shapes the future of cohousing.
We strongly encourage interest from people whose backgrounds, perspectives or lived experience are currently under-represented within the movement, including lived experience of housing insecurity, racialised planning outcomes or community organising.
Legal responsibilities:
Directors must meet their responsibilities under company law and CIC regulation, including acting in good faith, managing conflicts of interest and exercising reasonable care and judgement. Induction and ongoing support will be provided.
How to apply:
Please send:
1) A short statement (up to two pages) explaining:
- why you’re interested in becoming an Appointed Director
- what you would bring to UKCN at this stage
2) A CV or LinkedIn profile
Key dates:
Applications close: 28 February
Interviews: March | Roles start in April
Informal conversations are welcome.
Contact: owen@cohousing.org.uk