1. Trustee Treasurer
2. Trustee – Publishing / Literature Lead
There has never been a better time to join us. George Orwell’s vision of society – where thought is free, truth is valued and brave writing is celebrated – is increasingly under threat. We are the registered charity that promotes Orwell’s works and values by celebrating courageous new writing across books and journalism through the prestigious Orwell Prizes for literature and journalism and a suite of high-profile events.
A highlight of our annual calendar is the Orwell Lecture at the Southbank Centre in London. We conduct educational outreach programmes and provide resources throughout the year to those for whom George Orwell and his works are a source of inspiration, from school students to world leaders. The Orwell Foundation is backed by a number of committed sponsors and we are based in University College London, home to the UNESCO-registered George Orwell Archive.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Out charity is at an exciting juncture – we have just launched an ambitious five-year strategic plan and we are looking for two Trustees each with specific skills and responsibilities:
1. AN EXCEPTIONAL FINANCE PROFESSIONAL with excellent contacts and communication skills to join us in a voluntary capacity to help us reach our bold financial targets. Candidates should have a good understanding of charity financial principles and practices and will ideally have finance / accountancy qualifications or equivalent experience. Our Trustee Treasurer will play a central role in overseeing the financial health and sustainability of The Orwell Foundation, including assisting with income generation and helping to attract sponsorship for our prizes and events. They will advise the Board on financial matters and take the lead on the Board in monitoring the charity’s financial performance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- ➢ Financial Oversight
- ➢ Income Generation (helping to attract sponsorship, for example)
- ➢ Financial Reporting
- ➢ Budgeting and Forecasting
- ➢ Compliance
- ➢ Risk Management
- ➢ Strategic Financial Planning
2. AN EXPERT IN BOOKS / PUBLISHING with a strong sense of the current literary landscape and good contacts within the industry to join us in a voluntary capacity and offer advice and support to our team, particularly in relation to the Orwell Prizes for Political Writing and Political Fiction. This trustee will be available on an ad hoc basis to offer guidance and exchange ideas with the book prize administrators on matters including, but not limited to, prize process, judging appointments and publicity. They will also take part in Board discussions more generally and attend four Board meetings a year whenever possible.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- ➢ Assisting with appointing judge across book prizes
- ➢ Supporting administrator / judges with advice where necessary
- ➢ Publicity advice / expertise
- ➢ Strategy for prize and book-related projects
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to become a Trustee of The Orwell Foundation’s Board, please register your interest by emailing recruitment@orwellfoundation.com and putting “Trustee Treasurer Application” or “Trustee – Publishing / Literature Lead” your subject heading. Please include the following:
- a recent CV (with contact details)
- a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and why you believe you are the right candidate (450 words max)
- please also complete our online equal opportunities monitoring form
If you would like more information about either role, please email recruitment@orwellfoundation.com.
- Applications open: Wednesday 6th August
- Applications close: Monday 8th September
- Interviews: Applicants will have an interview with a small panel of trustees
- Trustee Treasurer interviews will take place on Tuesday 23rd September
- Trustee, Publishing / Literature Lead interviews will take place on Monday 23rd September
Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 08/09/2025
Expected start date: 09/10/2025