Tuesday 13 May 2025
The Orwell Foundation is looking for a new Chair of Trustees.
With George Orwell’s vision of a society – where thought is free, truth is valued and brave writing is celebrated – increasingly under threat, there has never been a better time to join us. We are the registered charity which promotes Orwell’s works and values, by celebrating courageous new writing across books and journalism. We do this through the Orwell Prizes – among the most prestigious of the UK’s awards 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. Our educational outreach programmes and resources – including the officially licensed Orwell website – are designed to appeal to everyone to whom George Orwell and his works are a source of inspiration, from school students to world leaders. The Orwell Foundation is authorised by the Orwell Estate and backed by a number of committed sponsors. We are based in University College London, home to the UNESCO-registered George Orwell Archive.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
The successful applicant will be a strong public voice for the Foundation and bring wisdom and energy. We want to hear from candidates who share Orwell’s qualities and values, most notably integrity, personal bravery, decency and a commitment to truth. Interest in, and experience of, fundraising / income generation are also key.
We seek to reinforce the authority of the Foundation by using the expertise and reach of our Board. Applicants may also bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Literary and historical understanding
- Journalism / Comms / Media
- Crisis management / Diplomacy / Government / International affairs
- Legal
- Financial
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to become Chair of The Orwell Foundation’s Board of Trustees, please register your interest by emailing recruitment@theorwellprize.co.uk and putting “Chair Application” as your subject heading. We will send you more information about the role and ask you to send in return:
- 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)
- a completed version of our equal opportunities monitoring form
KEY DATES
- Applications open: Monday 12th May
- Applications close: Wednesday 10th July
- Interviews: Applicants will have an interview with a small panel of trustees, to be held in the weeks commencing 8th and 15th