BE PART OF OUR NEXT CHAPTER
We’re recruiting up to four volunteer directors to help shape the next phase of The Soil Factory.
Food scraps rich in nutrients are leaving Forest Row in lorries, while the soil growing our food needs more organic matter and life.
The Soil Factory keeps more of that fertility local, turning food scraps into living compost, practical learning and stronger connections between people and place.
Station One at the Community Centre is our live demonstration site. We want to strengthen it while building the wider network around it: residents, schools, growers, farms, businesses, educators and community composters working together to repair soil.
Our emerging vision: The Soil Factory: What Could It Become? is our starting point. We are building the team to develop and deliver on a plan.
Could you be part of it?
TWO WAYS TO JOIN THE BOARD
DIRECTOR
Help make strategic decisions, ask good questions and share responsibility for the CIC’s direction and governance. You do not need to take on a named portfolio.
One 90-minute directors’ meeting each month
Time to read papers and prepare
Occasional decisions or discussion between meetings
Around 2 to 4 hours in most months, with more time sometimes needed around accounts or major decisions
DIRECTOR + PORTFOLIO
Take on the same governance role and help lead one practical area of the work. This may suit someone with more capacity or a skill they want to put to work.
Around 6 to 10 hours a month initially, including the directors’ meeting
Ownership of one defined area between meetings
Support from the wider board and delivery team
For both routes, we’re asking for an initial 12-month commitment, with a check-in after six months. Your contribution can develop as the team and funding grow.
PORTFOLIOS WE’D LOVE TO DEVELOP WITH YOU
OPERATIONS
Help make Station One reliable, well-supported and easier for more people to take part in.
EDUCATION
Shape practical learning with schools, young people, growers and the wider community.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT + PARTNERSHIPS
Grow participation, support members and turn relationships into useful projects.
FINANCE + BOOKKEEPING
Keep the CIC financially clear, well-governed and ready to make sound decisions.
These are areas we want to strengthen, not four boxes every person must fit. We’re also interested in what else people might bring.
THE FORMAL BIT
All directors are registered company directors and share the same legal duties, whether or not they hold a portfolio. This includes responsibility for the CIC’s decisions, finances, filings and community purpose. Directors must complete identity verification, and some personal details appear on Companies House.
The role is voluntary. Paid project work may be commissioned separately when funding exists, through a transparent approval process.
Read the official guidance on being a company director.
See The Soil Factory CIC’s public filings and incorporation documents
WHO MIGHT FIT?
You may have board experience or be entirely new to the role. We value practical judgement, follow-through, good questions, collaboration and the ability to reach beyond the usual circles.
Compost expertise is welcome, not required. We’ll provide an induction and handover. We take the work seriously and leave room for play.
START WITH A CONVERSATION
Interested, curious, or know someone who could be a good fit? Tell us a little about yourself, what you might bring and which route feels realistic.
Email hello@thesoilfactory.earth or contact Jon via Whatsapp on 07747732995