Are you passionate about tackling fuel poverty and supporting the net zero transition in Burnham, Highbridge and Weston? 

Here’s your chance to make a difference. Burnham and Weston Energy CIC currently has currently have two openings for local volunteer non-exec Directors to join our Board. 

Why Join Us?

As a volunteer Director, you’ll join a dedicated team of like-minded individuals to help oversee and shape the future of our organisation and drive meaningful impact in our community.

We are seeking locally rooted people who share our commitment to shaping a future where homes and community spaces are warm, healthy, affordable, and powered by renewable energy. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience in fuel poverty and energy advice services, low carbon retrofit and social enterprise development.

The Role of a Non-Executive Director

As a volunteer Director, you will:

  •  Provide a creative contribution to the board by offering independent oversight, constructive challenge, strategic guidance and local connections.
  • Attend quarterly board meetings (about 2 hours each) and engage in strategic discussions.
  • Participate in key decision-making processes, including approving budgets and policies.
  • Help develop and oversee community impact strategies, ensuring our initiatives align with our mission.
  • Review applications for funding through the Sunshine Grant Fund, directly supporting local projects.

Who We Are Looking For?

Candidates must demonstrate a good understanding of corporate governance and a commitment to the community purpose of our organisation.

Essential skills:

  • Experience in managing organisations at a senior level
  • A passion for sustainable development and community-driven initiatives.
  • Strong and demonstrable commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and promoting energy equality.
  • Good understanding of corporate governance
  • Strong analytical skills with good judgment and evaluation capabilities.
  • Good communication and leadership skills with the ability to think strategically and creatively to guide the organisation’s direction.
  • Confidence in electronic communication for document sharing and online quarterly meetings.

Desirable skills:

  • Established local networks within the community
  • Experience in fuel poverty and energy advice services, low carbon retrofit, or social enterprise development
  • Familiarity with grant-giving processes for charitable organisations
  • Basic understanding of financial accounts
  • Experience in business development and managing publicity

Time Commitment & Support

Directors will need to attend board meetings, review materials, and respond to urgent matters as necessary. Appointments are for two years, with a review after 6 months. Directors may be reappointed. While most meetings are held online, occasional in-person gatherings will take place in the Burnham and Highbridge or Weston-super-Mare area.

You will receive comprehensive support from Communities for Renewables CIC (CfR), which manages administrative tasks and day-to-day management of the solar farm, allowing you to focus on making a positive impact.

About Burnham and Weston Energy CIC

We are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that operates a community solar farm at Wick Farm, between Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare. The 9.3MW solar array is made up of around 36,000 solar panels which generate electricity for the equivalent of over 2,000 homes. It has been up and running generating electricity and income from the sun since 2016.

The surplus income from the solar farm—after covering operating and finance costs—is reinvested into supporting local net zero transition and fuel poverty projects, including:

  • An energy advice service offers free, one-on-one support to local households struggling with energy debt and fuel poverty. Delivered by BWE’s small team of trained advisors, the service helps residents save on bills and improve home warmth and health, helping around 500 households annually.
  • A Solar Soft Loan fund supports schools and community buildings to install solar panels, with over £1 million expected to be invested in the next two years.
  • A community building retrofit program providing free energy audits and grant funding to improve energy efficiency in community buildings.
  • A community grants fund which supports local projects that enhance energy efficiency, low carbon transport, waste reduction, and skill development.

Burnham and Weston Energy’s board currently consists of 3 volunteer local directors, with space for up to 2 additional co-opted directors. See their biogs here.

How to Get Involved

Firstly click the link to read the full Volunteer Non-exec Director role brief.

If you’re ready to step into this exciting role, we’d love to hear from you! For more information or to express your interest, please contact Jake Burnyeat at [email protected] or call 01209 705 423. We’ll then arrange a brief introductory call to discuss further.