Non-Executive Director

Join the FUSE Network Board of Directors

We’re recruiting 2–3 new Non-Executive Directors to join our Board and help guide the next phase of FUSE Network’s development as we continue supporting and championing Norfolk’s vibrant social enterprise community.

As a Board member, you’ll play a key role in shaping our direction, strengthening our governance, and ensuring we stay rooted in the needs of the people, communities and organisations we exist to support.

We’re particularly looking for individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and legal expertise (particularly in CIC/governance contexts)
• Business and enterprise development
• Social enterprise leadership (especially in Norfolk)

What you’ll be doing

• Support strategic development: Guide our organisational vision, programmes, and impact alongside growing our trading model
• Bring insight and challenge: Offer your experience and perspective to strengthen decision-making
• Shape our future: Help us build a resilient, inclusive and sustainable model for supporting social enterprise in Norfolk
• Provide governance oversight: Fulfil your duties as a Director of our CIC, ensuring accountability and sustainability
• Be an ambassador: Champion social enterprise locally and regionally, helping raise the profile of the sector

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for people who believe in the power of social enterprise to create fairer, more inclusive communities and economies, especially here in Norfolk.

You might be:

• A qualified accountant or someone with strong financial acumen
• A solicitor or legal adviser with knowledge of social sector governance
• A business owner, strategist, or enterprise professional passionate about purpose-driven business models
• A leader with experience of running or supporting a social enterprise
• Someone well-connected within Norfolk’s VCSE, funding, business or local economic development landscape

You don’t need previous board experience, just relevant skills, a commitment to our mission, and a collaborative approach.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience, from racialised communities, disabled people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, younger people, and others underrepresented in leadership and board roles.

Why join us?

Being part of the FUSE Network Board gives you the chance to:

• Champion the social enterprise model as a powerful tool for creating fairer, more resilient local economies
• Contribute to shaping local strategy and action on social enterprise
• Connect with others working to create meaningful impact across Norfolk and beyond
• Be part of a values-led, ambitious and collaborative initiative
• Create a ripple effect by supporting the supporters and helping social enterprises that are directly improving lives, strengthening communities, and building a fairer local economy

What to expect

• Trial period: We offer a 6–12 month trial period before formally appointing new Directors to Companies House. During this time, you’ll be invited to attend Board meetings, take part in discussions, and contribute to our work without holding formal legal responsibilities. This gives both you and FUSE time to confirm that the role is the right fit.
• Time commitment: Around 4–6 board meetings per year (mostly weekday evenings, online) alongside ad-hoc informal meetings with FUSE Network CEO.
• Voluntary role: This is a voluntary position. Reasonable expenses (e.g. travel for in-person meetings) will be reimbursed. We’re committed to exploring ways to value and recognise board members' contributions over time.

How to apply

We want the application process to be as inclusive and accessible as possible. While we do have a short set of key questions we’d like everyone to answer, you can choose how you respond.

You can apply by:

• Completing this expression of interest form
• Sending an email, voice note or video that answers the same questions
• Starting a conversation with us by asking a question

We’ll be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and will keep the process open until we feel the Board has the right number and mix of experiences to support our work effectively.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an informal virtual or in-person chat with our CEO, Willow Farrell, and another board member. 

We’d love to hear from you and to work together in supporting Norfolk’s social enterprise community!