UKSIF Board Member – Legal Specialist

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

INTRODUCTION TO UKSIF

UKSIF exists to bring together the UK’s sustainable finance and investment community and support our growing membership to expand, enhance and promote this key sector. Our work drives growth and new opportunities for our members as global leaders in the sustainable finance industry.

We represent over 300 financial services firms, collectively managing more than £19 trillion in assets. Our members include investment managers, pension funds, banks, financial advisers, research providers and NGOs, all committed to advancing high standards and practical progress in sustainable finance.

UKSIF and our members are hugely active in efforts to promote the sustainable finance agenda and work closely with policymakers and others to find new ways to overcome the barriers to the growth of sustainability and deliver progress towards decarbonisation of the economy.

With UKSIF’s Chief Executive and Chair, the Board has an ambitious strategy to grow the organisation’s visibility, impact and influence in order to progress UKSIF’s mission to drive a rapid transition to a sustainable finance system, achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement and SDGs, and advance leadership on sustainable finance.

With UKSIF’s track record of success, strong staff team, stable financial position and engaged membership, the stage is set for UKSIF to deliver high impact on its mission, against a challenging backdrop.

UKSIF Board Legal Specialist
UKSIF’s Board has assessed its competencies and believes that its strategy, operations and current governance structure would all benefit from UK legal expertise. The Board is therefore seeking to appoint a lawyer as a full member of the UKSIF Board to support the Chief Executive and Board and ensure that the organisation’s strategy and goals are achieved. This follows the success of having Sonali Siriwardena from Simmons and Simmons on the Board, who is now approaching the end of her term.

The UKSIF Board seeks a legal specialist with the passion, commitment and drive to advance UKSIF’s ambitious mission and strategy. We are looking for an individual with the capacity to support the Board, Chief Executive and staff team in both the work of the organisation and the ongoing development of UKSIF as a thought leader and key voice on sustainable finance. UKSIF maintains appropriate Directors’ and Officers’ insurance.

Key duties include:
• Work as a full member of the Board to advance UKSIF’s mission and ensure the ongoing development and implementation of UKSIF’s strategic plan
• Advise the Board and the CEO on legal matters, including major contracts and documents to ensure the organisation is protected
• Minimise legal risks and provide support to address legal issues as they arise
• Ensure UKSIF is set up for impact and to influence positively the development of the sustainable finance agenda in the UK
• As a full Board member, you will share collective responsibility for governance, financial sustainability, risk oversight and compliance with company law

We seek candidates with some or all of the following profile and skills:

● A substantial background as a senior lawyer, ideally in a sustainability, financial services or not-for-profit context
● A thorough understanding of UK legal frameworks and contract law/ESG regulations
● Experience in finding solutions to legal issues as they arise
● Understanding of the specific legal challenges facing smaller organisations and membership organisations
● A strong belief in delivering UKSIF’s mission and changing the UK finance system for the better
● A commitment to diversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose backgrounds and experiences will strengthen the diversity of the Board
● A commitment to confidentiality, impartiality, integrity and professionalism, and the ability to act independently of your employer, with an understanding of potential member-related conflicts of interest

Appointment Information
● Elected By: UKSIF Board
● Length of Term: Three years
● Time Commitment: Average of 0.5-1 day per month (including 4 Board meetings, likely membership of one Board committee, half-day strategy session and AGM)
● Accountable to: UKSIF membership/Board
● Compensation: Voluntary appointment

HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and CV/biographical details to info@uksif.org. The Board’s People and Governance Committee will start to consider candidates from 30 March 2026.