Trustee - Public Affairs

Public Affairs Trustee

FRC Group Voluntary Trustee Role | Reasonable Expenses Paid

Help Shape National Policy and End Furniture Poverty

FRC Group is seeking an experienced Public Affairs Trustee to join our Board at an exciting time in our journey.

This is an opportunity to use your public affairs expertise to influence meaningful social change. As a Trustee, you will help shape our approach to policy, government relations and political engagement as we work towards our mission of ending furniture poverty across the UK.

Through our campaigning and policy arm, End Furniture Poverty, we work with social landlords, local authorities, government departments and policymakers to drive practical, evidence-based solutions that ensure everyone has access to the essential furniture they need to live with dignity.

About Us

FRC Group is a social enterprise with a mission to end furniture poverty.

At the heart of our work is End Furniture Poverty , our campaigning and policy arm, which works with government, social landlords, local authorities and sector partners to improve access to essential household furniture and develop evidence-based solutions that tackle furniture poverty at its root.

Research shows that millions of people across the UK are living without one or more essential furniture items, impacting health, wellbeing, educational attainment and tenancy sustainability. Through End Furniture Poverty, we work to raise awareness of these issues, build the evidence base for change and influence policy that delivers better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

In recent years, our work has focused on influencing policy around furnished tenancies, local welfare assistance schemes and access to essential household goods. We engage with central government, parliamentarians, devolved administrations, local authorities and housing providers to ensure furniture poverty is recognised and addressed as a significant social issue.

As we continue to expand our policy impact and national profile, we are seeking an experienced Public Affairs Trustee to help guide and strengthen our engagement with policymakers and key stakeholders.

About the Role

As Public Affairs Trustee, you will:

• Join the Board as a strategic adviser on public affairs, policy and political engagement
• Chair our Public Affairs Committee
• Provide oversight and challenge on government relations and influencing activity
• Advise on engagement with ministers, parliamentarians, civil servants, regulators and devolved administrations
• Help shape our long-term policy ambitions and approach to political engagement
• Act as an ambassador for the organisation within relevant networks and stakeholder groups

This is a governance role focused on strategic oversight rather than operational delivery.

We're Looking For

We would love to hear from individuals who have experience in:

• Public affairs, government relations or policy influencing
• Engaging with central government, regulators or arm's length bodies
• Delivering or influencing policy change
• Building effective relationships across political and stakeholder environments
• Understanding the interaction between national and local government

Experience within housing, social policy, poverty reduction, the third sector or mission-led organisations would be advantageous, but is not essential. We also welcome applications from first-time trustees.

What Matters Most

We're looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about tackling poverty and inequality
• Strategically minded and politically astute
• Collaborative and supportive
• Comfortable providing constructive challenge
• Committed to excellent governance and ethical leadership

Our Board values diversity of thought, experience and lived experience, and we encourage applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Time Commitment

• Initial three-year term
• Four Board meetings per year
• Four Public Affairs Committee meetings per year
• Additional preparation and occasional ad hoc support
• Reasonable, pre-approved travel expenses reimbursed

The role is unremunerated. Candidates may be based anywhere in the UK, provided they can attend key meetings in person when required.

Join Us

This is an opportunity to help influence national debate, shape public policy and make a meaningful difference to the lives of people experiencing furniture poverty. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the essential furniture they need to create a safe, secure and sustainable home.

Apply today and help us end furniture poverty.