Trustee

The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) is looking to appoint up to three new trustees to strengthen our Board in two areas that are important to our future: (i) the legal sector and the future of legal practice, and (ii) fundraising, philanthropy and strategic relationships. As we work to make climate-aligned contracting standard commercial practice, we need a Board that understands not only how the legal sector works today, but how legal practice is developing and what that could mean for how TCLP creates impact in the future. We also want to strengthen the Board’s experience of the funding landscape and its ability to support TCLP in building the relationships and networks that will underpin our long-term sustainability and impact. Who are we? TCLP is an independent charity and specialist legal knowledge organisation using contracts to drive positive outcomes for climate, nature and society. Since 2019, we have helped prove that climate-aligned contracting works, pioneering practical legal tools that turn climate commitments into action. Our focus now is on making climate-aligned contracting standard commercial practice by making our specialist legal knowledge easier to access, apply and integrate wherever legal work happens. As our work broadens across climate, nature and social outcomes, our ambition is to turn what we have learned into lasting, systemic change. The specialist experience we are looking for We are looking to appoint up to three trustees who can strengthen the Board in two priority areas: Legal sector and the future of legal practice – two trustees We are looking for two senior legal professionals who can bring strong experience from different parts of the legal sector and help TCLP understand how the legal ecosystem is developing and what this could mean for our route to impact. We welcome applications from people with significant experience in any part of the legal ecosystem, including private practice, in-house legal teams, legal operations, knowledge, legal technology or other areas of legal practice. You do not need experience across all of these areas. We are looking for depth in your own field and the perspective you can bring from it. We are particularly interested in people who understand how legal work is done in practice and how developments such as AI are changing legal services, professional workflows, business models and the way legal knowledge is accessed and applied. You do not need to be an AI or legal technology specialist, but should be able to bring sound judgement about the opportunities and challenges these developments create for TCLP. We will consider the balance of experience and perspectives across the two appointments when making our final selection. Fundraising, philanthropy and strategic relationships – one trustee We are looking for someone with significant experience of fundraising or philanthropy and a strong understanding of the funding landscape. You might bring experience as a funder, philanthropist, senior fundraising leader or through another role involving funding strategy and relationships. We are looking for someone who can bring strategic insight, challenge and relevant networks, rather than take responsibility for delivering TCLP’s fundraising. Across all three appointments, we want our new trustees to broaden the Board’s collective perspective as well as strengthen these areas of expertise. We will consider the overall balance and diversity of the Board, including the different professional backgrounds, perspectives, experiences and communities our trustees bring. We do not expect individual candidates to bring everything described above. We are interested in the experience and perspective each person would add to the Board as a whole. About being a TCLP trustee TCLP’s trustees provide strategic oversight, constructive challenge and good governance, working with the Executive Director and team to ensure the organisation remains financially sustainable, mission-focused and positioned to maximise its impact. Location: Mostly remote, with up to two in-person sessions in London each year. Term: Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term and serve on a voluntary basis. Time commitment: Approximately 6-8 days per year, including preparation for: five 1.5-hour Board meetings, usually held in February, April, June, October and November; and up to two full-day strategy sessions, usually held in central London. Some additional time may occasionally be needed for strategic discussions, recruitment or representing TCLP externally. Reasonable UK travel and subsistence expenses for in-person sessions are covered. What we expect from all trustees All trustees share responsibility for TCLP’s governance and strategic direction. We are looking for people who think strategically, bring sound judgement and curiosity, and can provide constructive support and challenge while navigating complexity and change. Find out more about TCLP Read our Introduction to TCLP for an overview of our work, strategic direction and approach to impact. Take a look at our website and 2025 Impact Report. Ready to join us? If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape an organisation that is rethinking how law can deliver planet positive impacts, we’d love to hear from you. This is a chance to work alongside an ambitious Board and the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer to help ensure that climate and nature-positive contracting becomes part of everyday legal practice around the world. How to apply Please send your CV together with a brief supporting statement (no more than one page) describing what attracts you to joining the Board and how your skills, experience and networks would strengthen the Board. The deadline for applications is 20 November 2026. Contact [email protected] for further details or to apply.