Board Member/Director
Job Title: Board Member/Director
Salary: Unremunerated, but travel expenses will be paid.
Location: Nationwide (home-based)
Deadline for applications: 9am on 12th July 2021
Interview dates: W/c 19th July 2021
About Open Rights Group
Open Rights Group exists to promote and protect our rights online; from our right to freedom of expression and privacy to protection from government mass surveillance. We do this by protecting and extending human rights and civil liberties which history tells us are often overlooked or eroded during periods of rapid change.
We challenge threats to privacy by both the government through the surveillance of our personal communications and private companies, who use personal data to increase profits. We challenge threats to free speech through the criminalisation of online speech and online censorship.
Our activities include public education and awareness raising, constructive engagement in policy making using our expert research, campaigning and where necessary legal interventions.
We have three areas of work: digital privacy, free speech online and government surveillance.
Founded in 2005, we have over 20,000 members and supporters and 10 local groups across the UK. Open Rights Group’s main office is based in London, UK and we have a small office in Edinburgh.
Diversity
We are an inclusive organisation and celebrate different backgrounds, approaches, and points of view. We make every possible effort to encourage diversity at Open Rights Group. In this recruitment we would like to increase the ethnic diversity and gender of our Board. We see this as vitally important.
Who we are looking for
We recognise the enormous benefits of a diverse Board and encourage applications from a range of backgrounds and experiences. We are ideally looking to recruit a candidate who is from BAME background and/or identifies as female or non-binary.
We are looking for an exceptional person who shares our commitment to privacy and free expression online and who is driven to help guide our strategy and to oversee its delivery. You do not need to be an expert in human rights or free speech and privacy to apply: our Board is enriched by a wide mix of skills and perspectives.
Open Rights Group completed a skills gap analysis of our current Board members and in response to the needs we identified within that process, we would welcome a candidate with a background in Finance (ideally an accountant).
Practicalities of being an Open Rights Group Board member
We aim to make the meetings accessible for everyone; our meetings will take place online for the time being. In terms of time commitment, we expect Board members to attend the 4 annual meetings, find time to read the papers and be available occasionally to support staff as and when needed. Additionally, Open Rights Group Board members are invited to attend our quarterly Advisory Council meetings and participate in our Advisory Council mailing list. Advisory Council participation is optional for Board members. Our Advisory Council consists of Tech, Legal, campaigning and political experts who advise ORG on a range of issues and inform our policy.
Appointment term
Open Rights Group Board members generally hold Board positions in 3-year cycles (with the option of being re-appointed for another term). This will be for a mid-cycle appointment for a two year term.
The appointment process
Our accountability to Open Rights Group members is very important to us, so we strive to be democratic in the way that we approach Board recruitment. We ensure our members are involved in the process where possible. We have different appointment cycles to achieve this aim. One where our members elect three directors, one where our Advisory Council elects three directors and one cycle where the Board appoints three directors on the basis of a skills gap analysis. In this cycle, our Board will appoint one director.
Application
To apply to become a Board member, please submit your CV and an expression of interest (one side of an A4) outlining your suitability for the role to recruitment@openrightsgroup.org no later than 9am 12th July 2021.
We’re planning to hold the interviews on w/c 19th July 2021.
If you would like to discuss the role, what we are looking for, or your interest in the position in advance of the deadline please do not hesitate to get in touch with Al Ghaff (al@openrightsgroup.org).