Chairperson
Croydon Community Energy
About Croydon Community Energy (CCE)
Croydon Community Energy is the only community energy organisation in Croydon, combining grassroots climate action with real-world renewable power projects. Since launching in 2021, we’ve built a passionate volunteer-led team and are in the process of our first major initiative: installing rooftop solar across three community sites. In early 2025, we successfully raised over £120,000 in community investment in just eight weeks — a huge vote of confidence in our mission to cut carbon, lower energy bills, and empower local people. As a Community Benefit Society, everything we do is rooted in social impact, from delivering free energy advice to creating hands-on opportunities for residents to lead the energy transition.
Job Purpose
As the Chairperson, you will play a crucial role in working alongside the CEO and managing the Board of Directors at Croydon Community Energy (CCE). This voluntary position presents a unique opportunity to provide strategic leadership, foster effective governance, and guide our organisation toward achieving its mission of advancing renewable energy and sustainability within the community.
Responsibilities
Board Leadership and Governance:
- Provide leadership to the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance and adherence to the organisation's mission, values, and strategic goals.
- Facilitate board meetings, setting the agenda, and ensuring productive discussions and decision-making.
- Foster a positive and inclusive board culture that encourages collaboration, diversity of thought, and constructive engagement.
- Guide the development and implementation of governance policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Collaborate with the CEO and board members to assess and mitigate organisational risks.
Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with board members, fostering open communication, trust, and mutual respect.
- Support the CEO in their role, providing guidance and feedback as needed.
- Represent the community energy group at external events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance the organisation's reputation and influence.
Strategic Planning and Execution
- Collaborate with the CEO and board members to develop and refine the organisation's strategic plan, setting long-term goals and objectives.
- Monitor the implementation of the strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organisation's mission and vision.
- Regularly evaluate the organisation's progress toward strategic objectives, making adjustments and recommendations as needed.
- Support the CEO in developing and implementing operational plans, policies, and initiatives to achieve strategic goals.
Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy
- Serve as a key spokesperson and advocate for the community energy group, promoting its mission, values, and impact to stakeholders, including government officials, partners, funders, and community members.
- Collaborate with the CEO and board members to identify and cultivate strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.
- Actively engage with the local community, attending relevant events, building relationships, and representing the organisation's interests.
Qualifications:
Even if you don’t feel you meet 100% of the requirements, please don’t be deterred from applying - we would still love to hear why you’re the right person for the role!
Essential
- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the organisation effectively in various settings.
- Familiarity with the renewable energy sector and a passion for sustainable development.
- Commitment to the organisation's mission and willingness to contribute time and expertise voluntarily.
Desirable
- Proven experience in a leadership role, preferably as a board chairperson or similar position.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit governance principles and practices.
- Experience in working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including board members, executives, community members, and government officials.
- Strategic and critical thinking abilities, with a track record of developing and executing successful organisational strategies.
Join our community energy group as a voluntary Chairperson and help shape the future of sustainable energy in our community. Together, we can lead the way in promoting renewable energy and building a greener future for all.
Terms and Conditions
Length of contract: 12 months, (until next AGM)
Salary: Voluntary, expenses covered inline with our expenses policy
Hours/days: Approximately 15 hours per month
Place of work: Remote, with occasional face-to-face meetings in Croydon
Upon taking the position, you will be required to sign a Director’s agreement including a commitment to attend all Board meetings and monthly wider volunteer meetings (giving reasonable notice if you can’t), and the agreement to log time spent on CCE activities.
About Croydon Community Energy
Founded in 2021 by Croydon residents looking to make a difference, Croydon Community Energy is an apolitical Community Benefit Society, created to implement community-backed renewable energy generation, energy efficiency projects and education in the borough.
We exist to ensure Croydon is contributing to the nation’s net zero goals to combat the climate emergency, whilst empowering people through energy advice, skills and education.
Founded in 2021 by Croydon residents looking to make a difference, Croydon Community Energy is an apolitical Community Benefit Society, created to implement community-backed renewable energy generation, energy efficiency projects and education in the borough.We exist to ensure Croydon is contributing to the nation’s net zero goals to combat the climate emergency, whilst empowering people through energy advice, skills and education.
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