Volunteer
Current positions
Chair of Trustees
FairPensions was set up in 2005 by a former City investment manager to campaign for UK pension funds and investment managers to adopt responsible investment practices. Starting from humble origins, FairPensions is now increasingly recognised within the UK and Europe as the leading NGO working in capital markets. FairPensions' sophisticated approach to engaging with investors has already persuaded £827 billion of investor capital to adopt greater transparency and more active engagement practices on social, environmental and governance issues.
We are seeking to recruit a new Chair of Trustees who has the vision and enthusiasm to lead the organisation through the next exciting phase of our development. We have a board of trustees that features leading figures from the responsible investment sector - including leading investment advisors, capital market campaigners from NGOs and trade unions, former pension trustees and an internationally renowned legal expert.
We aim for Responsible Investment to be seen as the norm for all investors, and more specifically want to convert the twenty largest pension funds and twenty largest investment managers to Responsible Investment within 5 years. We need a motivated chair who will lead our trustees for at least two years. The ideal candidate will have experience of chairing organisations and managing senior staff, knowledge of charity governance, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to social change and human rights. A working knowledge of NGOs or the pension sector is desirable.
Anticipated time commitment is in the region of one to two days per month. There will be no remuneration for this voluntary post but reasonable expenses will be met if needed.
Further details are available from here.
To apply, please send a CV to the Director, Alex van der Velden, at alex@fairpensions.org.uk by October 31st 2007.
Campaigns and Research Internship
FairPensions is looking for an intern to assist with our campaigning work, and conduct targeted research on Responsible Investment among major investors in the UK. This is an outstanding opportunity for an individual who wishes to combine research and analysis with campaigning. The job is expected to be divided approximately equally between research and campaigns work.
Person specification:
The position would suit people who like to work within a small organization, and enjoy taking on responsibility. The ideal candidate would possess good verbal and written skills and be able to work independently. The ability to take the initiative, and a knowledge of Responsible Investment and/or Corporate Social Responsibility and would be helpful, but are not required. The core characteristics we are searching for are enthusiasm and a willingness to roll up one's sleeves to get the work done. No prior work experience is required. We also, however, welcome applications from more experienced individuals who are seeking a change in career direction.
For more information, click here.
Applications:
Please email a cover letter and CV by noon on Monday 22nd October 2007 to: ben.watson@fairpensions.org.uk
To be considered, it is important that your cover letter clearly explains why you are interested in the post and why you think you would be a good candidate. Don't be afraid to show your enthusiasm! Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will only be able to contact you if you have been selected for an interview. Thank you for your interest.
Volunteer roles
We really value the skills and contribution of our volunteers. They make a big difference in our organisation: taking on tasks ranging from research to administration, fundraising to marketing. For example one recent intern at FairPensions collated the findings of recent studies on socially responsible investment. Another intern updated our supporter data base and researched images for our website.
In return, we offer a rewarding experience. You will learn about responsible investment and campaigning and gain insight into how a not-for-profit organisation works.
Former interns have gone on to work for a wide range of organisations, from the Carbon Trust to Help the Aged and Dexia Asset Management.
As well as gaining valuable experience, you'll be welcomed into our small, dynamic team. Volunteers are not paid, but FairPensions reimburses reasonable travel and lunch expenses.
What we look for in volunteers:
- Good communication skills;
- An ability to take initiative;
- Willingness to learn and flexibility;
- Enthusiasm for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and socially responsible investment (SRI).
Applications
Prospective volunteers will need to submit their CV and a covering letter explaining why they'd like to volunteer for us.
Find out here about other ways to get involved.
What one volunteer said about working here:
"The people here could not be more welcoming, willing, and informative. I learned a great deal about what a positive work environment is, and what it can accomplish above and beyond the average workplace...
It just goes to prove that benevolent goals correlate with wonderful environments and great people."
(Mary Elizabeth Thompson, former volunteer)