Psychology for a Safe Climate (PSC) is a not-for-profit organisation founded in 2010 working to build people’s capacity to respond constructively to the climate crisis. Specifically, PSC aims to support people emotionally in facing the climate reality.

PSC is currently seeking three new directors to join its committed voluntary Board.

We are looking to appoint a new Secretary, who will be responsible for governance and compliance with constitutional requirements. We are also seeking additional Board Members to ensure preservation of the organisation’s culture and values as well as successful succession planning over coming years.

About PSC

We understand that the climate crisis arouses feelings of fear, powerlessness and grief, which are commonly suppressed, ignored or denied. We support people to respond constructively to this crisis by providing them with the opportunity to acknowledge and explore their emotional responses. We offer workshops, professional development, talks and seminars to mental health professionals, climate activists, climate researchers, policy makers and scientists.

2024 is an exciting time of growth and expansion of our many offerings, including our popular Climate Cafes and our newly launched Climate Feelings Space. For more details about our work see the 2022-23 Annual Report which provides an overview of our recent activities, as does our website.

PSC Board - Responsibilities

The PSC Board current responsibilities include all governance and certain operational activities:

• PSC strategy and strategic decisions
• Fulfilling legal obligations as an incorporated not-for-profit with health charity/DGR status
• Ensuring PSC operates ethically and in line with its values
• Financial operations and financial viability, including fundraising
• Employment of staff and fulfilling legal obligations in relation to staff and volunteers

Secretary on the Board - Responsibilities

• Ensuring Board meetings are effectively planned, organised and minuted.
• Liaising with the Chair of the Board to plan meetings
• Accountability - ensuring PSC meets its legal and governance obligations in line with the constitution
• Ensuring effective records are maintained
• Ensuring membership records are maintained and new members are notified of their acceptance for membership

Candidate Background and Experience

We are looking for individuals who, ideally, have:

• A strong commitment to climate action and PSC’s work
• Experience or interest in mental health and psychology
• Experience in the non-profit sector (not essential for the right candidates)
• Availability to commit 4 - 8 hours/month

Particularly, we are looking to add experience to the Board in one or more of the following areas:

• Legal, Governance and Risk
• Human Resources
• Organisational Policy Development
• Fundraising & Philanthropy

Time Commitment

• Service on the Board is of a voluntary nature.
• Meetings are held monthly via Zoom, with the addition of occasional extra meetings when necessary to attend to specific issues.
• It is assumed PSC Board members will read documents prior to Board meetings in order to engage in discussion at meetings.
• From time to time, work on special projects in conjunction with other Board members to assist in progressing the organisation’s purpose and mission.

We will review applications as they come in - please apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom as suitable applications are received.