Vacancy: Chair of the Rural Coalition

The Rural Coalition consists of twelve national organisations who subscribe to a vision for a living and working countryside in England. Given our many shared values, we seek to be more influential by joining in common cause. The Bishop of Newcastle, The Rt Rev’d Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, will be taking on the role of President of the Coalition in Spring 2025.

The Rural Coalition believes that no-one should be unfairly disadvantaged simply because of geography and that every rural resident should have fair access to jobs, to housing and to basic services, and every rural business should have the opportunity to grow and prosper. This includes being able to share in the opportunities that arise from the transition to net zero.

After more than eight years at the helm the current Chair – Margaret Clark CBE – is stepping down and a replacement is now sought.  This role is an opportunity for an experienced campaigner and advocate to be a leading voice for rural interests, representing them at the highest level, and ensuring the opportunities and challenges they face are better understood and action is taken to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities and businesses.

Remuneration:
The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

Location:
The Chair will be home based although travel will be necessary to attend certain meetings and other events. The Rural Coalition does not have an office, and meetings are held in the premises of member bodies. The Chair also attends meetings and events, usually in London, on a regular basis.

Support:
The Rural Coalition’s secretariat is provided by Action with Rural Communities in Rural England (ACRE), one of the member bodies, and which also provides support for the Chair. The current Chair has, from time-to time, worked with a small number of Coalition Members representatives (mostly ACRE, RSN and Plunkett UK) on specific pieces of work.

Time commitment:
There are four meetings of the Coalition per year in London, with some members attending in person and some attending on- line.  The Chair attends in person.  In addition, the Chair is also expected to have meetings with the President of the Coalition, the Secretariat, Ministers, and others to help shape, co-ordinate and promote the Coalition’s key ambitions, activities and messages.

The Chair also attends monthly (plus occasional one-offs) meetings (on-line) of DEFRA’s Rural Impact Forum.

How to apply:

Please write to Paul Dixon at p.dixon@acre.org.uk with your CV and a letter, setting out how you would help the Coalition to influence policy and other decision makers to benefit rural communities and drive prosperity.

If you would like a chat to find out more, please contact Paul Dixon who would be very pleased to arrange a conversation with Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of ACRE, or the outgoing Chair.

Closing date:  Friday 25 April.