Your path to CIWM Presidency starts here
We’re seeking a visionary leader to join CIWM's highly respected presidential team as Junior Vice-President (JVP) for 2026/2027. This role offers you a platform to influence CIWM’s future, act as an ambassador for the entire waste and resource management sector and help shape our journey beyond waste.
The successful candidate, elected by a vote of both CIWM’s Members’ Council and CIWM Fellows (as well as a member of the Early Careers Presidential team), will become Junior Vice-President in June 2026 and will join CIWM’s Presidential Team and Trustee Board for a four-year term. They will become Senior Vice-President in 2027 and then President for the 2028/29 term, representing CIWM's 8,000+ professional members throughout their term.
Applications much be received by the end of closing date 10 January 2026.
Candidates must:
- Be a Fellow of CIWM
- Be supported by either
- their Regional Committee (previously Centre Council)
- or, three members who are either CIWM Fellows or CIWM Trustees (General Councillors)
- Provide a personal statement (between 1,800-2,500 words) outlining their vision for their Presidency
- Provide a CV detailing their relevant experience
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — of any gender, age, ability, race, sexual orientation, religion, or belief system. If you would like to discuss the role, or have any queries regarding the application process, we’re very happy to arrange an informal conversation with the current CIWM Presidential Team, CIWM Trustees and or the CIWM staff team. To arrange a discussion, please email us at governance@ciwm.co.uk.
When considering applying and your suitability for the role we recommend reflecting on the following:
- What can I contribute to CIWM?
- How can my skills and experience add value?
- Do I have the qualities of an inspiring leader?
- Why should members elect me?
Please address these questions when writing your personal statement. Your personal statement and CV will be shared with the CIWM Fellows and our Regional Committee network for consideration when voting.
Candidates will be required to make an online presentation to the voting pool in Spring 2026 on a date to be agreed. After the presentation the voting pool will vote for their preferred candidate and the person with the most votes will be appointed Junior Vice President Elect. Their term will start at the Presidential Inauguration in June 2026. Full details of the presentation date and format will be provided nearer the time.
How to Apply
Further details about the role can be found here. The nomination form can be accessed here and must be submitted along with details of your supporters, your personal statement and your CV by the end of closing date of 10 January 2026. Prior to submitting your application, please review and complete the Application Guidance and Supporter's Declaration form. Please note that we will not be able to accept any aspect of your application after the closing date so any queries regarding any part of the application, including sponsors, must be covered prior to the deadline.
Explore More
Learn about our Presidential team’s work through these links:
Presidential Team
Presidential Reports
If you have any questions or need any help, support or adaptations during the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at governance@ciwm.co.uk or by telephone on 01604 620426.
Guidance for Candidates Outside the UK
CIWM and its subsidiary, the Circular Economy Institute, have members worldwide but the organisation primarily operates in the UK and Ireland, with a UK-based staff team and most members and volunteers located in the UK. While we value input from volunteers outside the UK, candidates should consider whether they can meet the following requirements throughout their 3 or 4 year terms before applying for Trustee or Presidential team roles:
Ability to work within UK time zones (GMT/BST): Most meetings take place during CIWM’s standard working hours (9:00 am–5:00 pm UK time)
Attendance at UK and Ireland meetings/events: Whilst online meetings are increasingly utilised for business, at least one Trustee Board meeting per year is held face-to-face in the UK. Trustees, particularly those in the Presidential team across their four year term, are also expected to attend regular in-person meetings, events and conferences across the UK and Ireland, to engage with and represent members. Some meetings may be arranged at short notice and some event invitations may be received last minute and last for more than one day.
Commitment to CIWM’s environmental principles: Volunteers should minimise air travel and prioritise low-carbon transport options where possible.
Awareness of cost constraints: As a charity, CIWM must manage costs carefully and may not be able to cover significant travel or accommodation expenses for volunteers regularly travelling long distances. All travel from outside the UK will need to be approved in advance.
We value diverse perspectives and encourage those unable to meet these requirements, but still keen to volunteer, to contact us at ceo@ciwm.co.uk to discuss alternative opportunities.
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