Who we are
UNICEF UK is the UK National Committee for UNICEF and one of the largest contributors to the global UNICEF family. As an independent, UK-governed charity, UNICEF UK raises vital funds, champions children’s rights and helps deliver lasting change for children in the UK and across more than 190 countries.
At a time when more than a quarter of children in the UK are living in poverty and many continue to experience abuse, neglect and unequal life chances, UNICEF UK is working to ensure every child can grow up safe, healthy and able to fulfil their potential. The organisation reaches millions of children each year through initiatives including the Rights Respecting Schools Award, the Baby Friendly Initiative and Child Friendly Cities and Communities programme, while also supporting UNICEF’s global work in health, education, nutrition, child protection and emergency response.
As UNICEF UK develops its next four-year strategy, the organisation is focused on diversifying income streams, engaging new generations of supporters and strengthening its organisational culture. With a refreshed executive team, growing digital ambition and a continued commitment to creating a better world for every child, this is an exciting opportunity to join the Board and help shape UNICEF UK’s future direction and impact.
About the role
As a Trustee of UNICEF UK, you will play a vital role in providing strategic oversight, supporting effective governance and helping to shape the organisation’s long-term strategic direction. Working collaboratively with fellow Board members and the executive team, you will contribute to decisions that advance UNICEF UK’s mission to protect children’s rights and improve outcomes for children in the UK and around the world.
UNICEF UK is entering an exciting new chapter. As we develop our next strategy, we are looking for a Trustee who can help us think boldly about the future opportunities and implications of technology, artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
This role is not about providing operational technology oversight. Instead, we are looking for someone who can support and challenge the Board and Executive Team on the strategic opportunities emerging from AI, digital engagement and audience development.
UNICEF UK is in a strong position, with growing income, a trusted global brand, and a track record of innovation. Through initiatives such as Soccer Aid for UNICEF, we have demonstrated how audience engagement, partnerships and brand value can create significant impact and sustainable income.
As we look ahead, we are exploring how technology and digital innovation can support not only organisational effectiveness, but also create new forms of value, deepen engagement with supporters and help unlock new opportunities for impact and income generation.
The successful candidate will help the Board navigate these opportunities and associated risks, bringing informed, future-focused insight while ensuring UNICEF UK remains true to its mission and values. UNICEF UK is increasingly focused on how it can build for the future. Alongside growing and strengthening existing income streams, we are exploring new opportunities that harness the power of digital engagement, audience development and emerging technologies. We are looking for a Trustee who shares our curiosity about the future, can help us think strategically about innovation and AI, and can support the organisation as it develops new approaches to delivering impact for children.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an exceptional individual with experience of leading digital, technology, innovation or AI-driven transformation within a complex organisation.
Candidates may come from a range of sectors including technology, digital marketing, media, entertainment, consumer brands, data-driven businesses, platform organisations or other digitally enabled environments.
We would particularly welcome individuals who can demonstrate experience of:
- Using technology and AI to create organisational value and drive strategic growth.
- Audience development, customer or supporter engagement, digital platforms or community building.
- Digital transformation and innovation at organisational or sector level.
- Assessing emerging technologies and helping organisations navigate both opportunity and risk.
- Translating complex technological developments into clear strategic conversations for boards and senior leaders.
- Commercial innovation, new business models or digitally enabled income generation.
Most importantly, you will bring sound judgement, strong values and the ability to contribute across all areas of board governance, not solely technology.
Rather than a purely technical expert, we are looking for an individual who has helped organisations respond to technological change, harness new opportunities and navigate complexity at a senior level. Experience of leading significant digital change, data-driven initiatives or technology-enabled customer engagement would be particularly valuable.
Above all, we are looking for someone who shares UNICEF UK’s commitment to children’s rights and is motivated to use their expertise to help maximise the organisation’s impact. Strong communication skills, collaborative leadership and the ability to work effectively as part of a diverse and high-performing Board are key. At UNICEF UK, values underpin everything they do. UNICEF UK puts children first, seeks solutions, acts with compassion, and fosters a culture of trust, respect, inclusion and collaboration.
Time commitment
The Board normally meets five times each year, including one full-day Board Away Day, with meetings usually held during office hours. We strongly encourage Trustees to attend Board meetings in person at UNICEF UK’s London Stratford office, recognising the value of building relationships and facilitating Board discussion, although hybrid attendance is available in exception circumstances.
Trustees are also expected to serve on one Board Committee, which typically meets three times a year, together with any additional meetings that may be required from time to time. Trustees may also be invited to participate in ad hoc working groups established by the Board. We are looking for Trustees who are based in the UK, who can attend board meetings in-person. In addition to meeting attendance, Trustees should allow time for preparing for meetings, reading Board and Committee papers, participating in discussions outside formal meetings, and considering matters requiring approval between meetings. Overall, Trustees should expect to commit approximately 15-20 days per year, depending on Committee membership and involvement in specific projects or Board activities.
To view the role description and person specification, please go to the ‘How to Apply’ tab above, fill in your details and download the candidate pack.
For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:
Jennifer Horan | jennifer@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07519 070497
This position was originally posted by UNICEF UK / Peridot Partners and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.
