Use your legal expertise to help guide Women Ahead’s governance, compliance and decision-making. Support our board while helping protect and strengthen a growing organisation.
Location
No geographical restriction.
Open to
All genders
Purpose of the role
The Legal Non-Executive Director (NED) provides governance, compliance and legal oversight to the Women Ahead board, ensuring the organisation operates within the law and manages its legal responsibilities and risks effectively. As a social enterprise handling members’ data, contracts, partnerships and intellectual property, Women Ahead benefits from qualified legal expertise on the board to protect the organisation and support sound decision-making.
How the Board works
Women Ahead is a social enterprise with no support staff, so this is a working board rather than a non-executive one in the traditional sense. Each member is both an expert and an active contributor, expected to take on and deliver work directly in their area.
Time commitment
- Approximately 4–6 hours per month.
- Attendance at quarterly board meetings (in person or via Zoom), plus any extraordinary meetings where an important decision must be made.
- Attendance at the Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in person, usually in late April or early May. The date is confirmed each January as part of the annual calendar.
- Additional time for specific projects as agreed.
Key responsibilities
- Advise the board on legal, governance and compliance matters, including the organisation’s obligations as a company limited by guarantee.
- Review and advise on contracts, agreements, partnerships and sponsorship arrangements.
- Advise on data protection (GDPR), confidentiality, and the protection of Women Ahead’s intellectual property.
- Support the maintenance of governance documents, policies and statutory compliance.
- Help identify and mitigate legal and reputational risk.
- Guide volunteer and board-related legal matters as they arise.
- Act as an ambassador for Women Ahead and contribute to its growth.
What we’re looking for
- A qualified solicitor or lawyer (practising or non-practising).
- Knowledge of corporate, commercial, charity or social enterprise law is desirable.
- Sound judgement and the ability to translate legal matters into practical board advice.
- A proactive, self-starting approach and strong communication skills.
- Alignment with Women Ahead’s values and mission.
Status
Voluntary position
Incentives and benefits
- Complimentary membership for the duration of tenure.
- Networking and professional development opportunities.
- A detailed summary of incentives is available separately on request.
Legal and governance responsibilities
- Act in the organisation’s best interest at all times.
- Maintain confidentiality and sign the NDA and governance documents.
- Comply with all relevant regulations, including GDPR.
- A notice period of 30 days is required should you wish to step down, to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of responsibilities.
Culture and values
- Women Ahead’s purpose is to empower women to lead, thrive and rise together. Our vision is to be the leading network advancing women in business and leadership across the region, and a recognised centre of excellence for women’s professional and enterprise development. Everyone on our board is expected to share and champion our values:
- Inclusive — open to every woman regardless of background, in a safe and supportive environment.
- Professional — a credible leadership hub, delivering real value to members and partners.
- Human-centred — performance and wellbeing treated as connected, not competing.
- Sustainable — run responsibly, reinvesting in the mission, built to last.
How to apply
Express your interest to chair@womenahead.co.uk
