JOIN THE GANG
We are a collective of passionate, skilled individuals using coffee as a force for good—working to make a lasting difference in our world.
- BaristaFull-time and part-timeFull-time and part-time
- Chair of Trustees of The NewGround FoundationVoluntaryVoluntary
This is an opportunity to help shape a charity that believes meaningful employment can transform lives.
As Chair, you will lead an engaged Board of Trustees, support the Impact Manager and help guide the Foundation through its next stage of development, ensuring it remains well governed, financially sustainable and focused on delivering meaningful impact.
ABOUT NEWGROUND
Founded in 2018, NewGround combines an award-winning speciality coffee business with an independent registered charity, working together to reduce reoffending through employment, training and opportunity.
Since launching, hundreds of people with criminal convictions have engaged with NewGround through prison-based training, employability programmes and paid employment.
New Ground Group Ltd is our certified B Corporation, supplying speciality coffee through its cafés, wholesale partners and online store.
To ensure our social mission remains at the heart of the business, the founders gifted 50% ofthe company’s shares to the NewGround Foundation CIO to become the largest singleshareholder. This unique ownership model means the Foundation helps shape the long-termdirection of the business while benefiting from its success to support its charitable work.
Together, the business and the Foundation share one mission: creating opportunities thattransform lives, strengthen communities and reduce reoffending.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The NewGround Foundation is entering an exciting phase of its development.
We are seeking an experienced, values-driven Chair of Trustees to provide strategic
leadership, strengthen governance and help shape the charity’s future.
The successful candidate will work closely with fellow Trustees and the Impact Manager to ensure the charity delivers meaningful impact whilst remaining financially sustainable and true to its charitable purpose.
This is an opportunity to help build a charity capable of changing thousands of lives over the coming years.
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Chair provides leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring the Foundation is effectively governed and strategically focused.
The Chair is responsible for creating an environment where Trustees can contribute fully, decisions are made thoughtfully and the Foundation remains accountable to its beneficiaries, partners, supporters and regulators.
The Chair also serves as an ambassador for the Foundation, building relationships that strengthen its reputation, sustainability and long-term impact.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Board Leadership
• Lead the Board of Trustees and ensure it operates effectively.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing Board culture.
• Ensure Trustees receive appropriate information to make informed decisions.
• Encourage constructive challenge and balanced discussion.
• Lead Trustee recruitment, induction and succession planning.
• Regularly review Board effectiveness.
Strategic Leadership
• Work with the Foundation Manager and Trustees to develop and oversee the Foundation’s strategic direction.
• Ensure the charity remains focused on achieving measurable impact.
• Monitor progress against agreed objectives.
• Support innovation whilst maintaining strategic discipline.
Governance
• Ensure compliance with charity law, Charity Commission guidance and the governing document.
• Oversee effective governance, organisational policies and risk management.
• Ensure conflicts of interest are managed appropriately.
• Ensure Board decisions are implemented and properly recorded.
Supporting the Foundation Team
The Chair will:
• Act as a trusted adviser and sounding board to the CEO, CFO and Impact Manager.
• Work in partnership with the team to shape the Foundation’s strategic direction.
• Support the team in ensuring the Foundation is well governed, financially sustainable and delivering meaningful impact.
• Provide guidance while maintaining a clear distinction between governance and operational management.
The CEO has responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of the Foundation, including the management and development of the Impact Manager and the delivery of the Foundation’s programmes and activities.
Financial Stewardship
Working alongside fellow Trustees, ensure the Foundation:
• Operates within agreed budgets.
• Maintains appropriate financial controls.
• Protects charitable assets.
• Plans for long-term sustainability.
• Maximises the impact of every pound invested.
Ambassadorial Responsibilities
• Represent the Foundation publicly.
• Develop relationships with supporters, funders and strategic partners.
• Promote the Foundation’s work and impact.
• Support fundraising activity where appropriate.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
• A strong commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values.
• Previous Board, Trustee or senior executive leadership experience.
• Excellent strategic thinking and judgement.
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to lead meetings effectively and build consensus.
• Good understanding of governance and organisational leadership.
• High levels of integrity, discretion and professionalism.
Desirable
• Previous experience as a Chair of Trustees or Non-Executive Chair.
• Charity or social enterprise leadership experience.
• Experience of fundraising or philanthropy.
• Financial, legal or commercial expertise.
• Experience of criminal justice, rehabilitation, employability or education.
TIME COMMITMENT
The role typically involves:
• Four Board meetings each year.
• Quarterly meetings with the Impact Manager.
• Preparation for Board meetings.
• Attendance at key Foundation events where possible.
• Occasional meetings with funders and partners.
Overall, the commitment is expected to average one to two days per month.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
The NewGround Foundation believes that stronger boards make better decisions.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to building a Board that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly encourage applications from individuals whose lived experience, professional expertise or community connections will strengthen our governance and broaden our perspective.
Appointments are made on merit while recognising the value that diversity brings to effective leadership.
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
While this is a voluntary position, becoming Chair of the NewGround Foundation offers the opportunity to:
• Help shape a growing charity with ambitious plans for social impact.
• Influence strategy and governance at an exciting stage of development.
• Work alongside passionate trustees, staff and partners.
• Use your experience to help transform lives through employment and opportunity.
• Join a purpose-driven organisation committed to creating lasting social change.
HOW TO APPLY
To express your interest, please email info@newgroundcoffee.com:
• A CV or LinkedIn profile.
• A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining why you are interested in becoming Chair of Trustees and the experience you would bring to the role.
We welcome informal conversations before application and would be delighted to discuss the role further.
JOIN THE GANG
Meaningful employment changes lives.
Coffee with conviction.
Great coffee can go beyond the cup and can be used as a catalyst for change
