UK100 is the only cross-party network of local government leaders in the UK who have committed to ambitious action on climate, clean energy and clean air policy. They do this through collaboration – bringing together the most influential leaders across the country to learn together and agree on priorities for legislative and regulatory change while empowering them to engage with national decision-makers.
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When UK100 was founded in 2016, people didn’t understand why it was important that local government was part of the climate solution. Their Power Shift report is a comprehensive analysis of all the powers and competencies that local authorities do have in the UK that can be used to act on climate. Local government officials can use this report when leaders say: “I want a local climate action plan”.
In 2019, the UK parliament passed legislation to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2050. This was to keep in line with international commitment in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.
But science tells us we need to start now and make rapid reductions much sooner.
It is now our shared responsibility to solve the climate emergency in a way that has a positive impact on communities.
We need to ensure our future is better than our past.
UK100’s research is cited in the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy, launched at the end of 2021. This was the first time the national government offered recognition for the role of local government in climate action. But there’s a lot further to go because this has yet to be translated into effective policy and changes in the law.
“The conclusion is clear: despite the progress of a handful of trailblazers, local authorities are still waiting for Government to put the necessary resources and powers in place to deliver on their Net Zero ambitions.”
From: Powers in Place: The handbook of local authority Net Zero powers, UK:100 Publication, May 2023
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To date, over 340 UK local authorities have declared a Climate Emergency and, as a result, have formally announced their intent to act with utmost urgency — with over 100 of the most ambitious also joining the UK100 network.
About the role
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead UK100 into its next stage of development, building on the strong foundations already in place to ensure the organisation continues to grow in size and prominence, while establishing the strategic direction of the organisation.
By working closely with the Board, you will create and articulate a compelling vision and strategy, ensuring that UK100 nurture external relationships with policy makers and political influencers to help them achieve their political outcomes and organisational aims.
It is crucial that the Chief Executive acts as a public figurehead, representing UK100 across all levels of national and local government, whilst working alongside external organisations and individuals to further develop their networks, establish partnerships and strategic alliances to ensure their brand remains strong and relevant.
As Chief Executive you will:
- Act as a key spokesperson and public figurehead for the organisation, with regular public speaking opportunities and media interviews, representing UK100 across a broad range of external stakeholders (including local and national government)
- Provide visible leadership for UK100, ensuring clear priorities and establishing the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring strategy is reviewed regularly in light of the changing external environment
- Hold ultimate responsibility for the UK100 brand, organisational messaging and communications in order to meet strategic objectives
- Ensure the financial health of the organisation, reviewing income generation plans as needed and playing an active role to grow key income streams/develop new funding leads and relationships
- Front campaigning activity as needed, mobilising members, partners and stakeholders to deliver key objectives
About you
Ideal knowledge & experience:
- Deep understanding of relevant policy and politics regarding air pollution and climate emergency
- Firm knowledge and understanding of the structures of local and national government
- Adept leader with proven strategic leadership expertise – including developing and implementing organisation-wide strategies
- Experienced in media representation for an organisation, including broadcast media
- Demonstrable track record of organisational, financial and HR management within a leadership role relevant to the scale of UK100 (c.15 staff)
- Knowledge and expertise of the funding environment, with the ability to support income generation to grow the organisation
Employee Benefits:
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus 3 days paid leave over the Christmas period (in addition to statutory bank holidays)
- Enhanced pension offering & access to professional pension advice
- Competitive Parental Leave policies
- Subsidised gym membership
- 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Opportunity to request a Sabbatical after 1 year of service
- Company MacBook Air