Lead one of the UK’s most influential social justice funders as Chair of LEF

Location: UK-wide (Remote with occasional in-person meetings)
Type: Voluntary (Expenses Paid)
Time Commitment: 14 days per year

Champion  the power of the law as a tool for social justice

LEF is entering a bold new strategic phase, following a transformative rebrand and renewed focus on the power of communities to use and shape the law to achieve social justice. With financial assets exceeding £280 million, LEF is uniquely positioned to build bridges between the law and communities facing injustice, to tackle the root causes of inequality.

We are seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to guide the foundation’s governance, culture, and strategic direction. This is a rare opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation committed to equity, inclusion, and the power of the law to create a more just and equal society.

Why This Role Matters

As Chair, you will:

• Lead the Board in delivering LEF’s mission, vision, and values.
• Champion inclusive, collaborative, and participatory governance.
• Strengthen LEF’s commitment to community accountability and transparency.
• Ensure strong stewardship of LEF’s financial assets and charitable objectives.
• Support the Chief Executive with strategic challenge and partnership.

Help build relationships that strengthen collaboration, collective voice and systemic impact.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a strategic and values-led leader with:

• Senior leadership experience in governance or strategy.
• Deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion.
• Financial literacy and confidence to engage with investment and audit reports.
• Understanding of law as a tool for systemic change.

Desirable qualities include:

• Experience in inclusive and participatory decision-making.
• Direct experience of investment or endowment management.
• Lived experience or deep connection to communities affected by injustice.
• Experience supporting anti-racism or inclusion work at a strategic level.

What You’ll Gain

• Play a pivotal role in advancing systemic social justice
• The opportunity to align significant financial assets with a bold social justice mission.
• A platform to support organisations, closely connected to their communities, who are using – or would like to use – the law to drive wider change and greater equity. .
• A collaborative, intellectually rigorous and inclusive Board culture.

Recruitment Timeline

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold LEF’s commitment to Power, Culture and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the interim Chair/CEO. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Wednesday 10^th December and we will send you a link.

Application deadline: Thursday 15^th January 2026

First round interview: w/c 12^th February 2026

Final interviews: w/c 26^th February 2026

How to Apply

Charity People Ltd is acting as recruitment advisor to LEF on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk and request a candidate pack.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Fabrice Yala on 07563 030595 or via email seniorappointments@charitypeople.co.uk

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you require any assistance or adjustment to make the application process work for you, please let us know.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.