The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ) has opened applications for candidates to join its Trustee Board.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and lead our new Movement as it continues to grow, develop and strengthen Progressive Judaism across the UK and Ireland.
Candidates wishing to apply through the MPJ Nominations Committee process should do so by filling in this form (Deadline is noon on Sunday 4 October). You can find out more about the process and timetable below and read the Role Description for the position here.
Introduction
On 1 January 2026, Liberal Judaism (LJ) and the Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ) formally combined into a new entity, The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ).
As per the constitution passed at the EGMs of MRJ and LJ in May 2025, the first Chair and Board were put forward by a Nominations Group. Dr Ed Kessler was appointed Chair and a “Launch Board” became the first group of Trustees.
These interim arrangements cease at the first AGM of MPJ, which will take place on 2 December 2026. From that point, the Members of MPJ will elect Trustees. Per the interim arrangements in the constitution, all current Trustees will automatically resign at the first AGM of MPJ and if they wish to continue as Trustees, will be put forward as candidates together with other applicants.
The Constitution envisages two paths to become a candidate for election to the Trustee Board:
Pathway 1: Recommendation of the Nominations Committee
It is envisaged that the majority of candidates for Trusteeship will be put forward to the AGM for election by the Nominations Committee.
The Nominations Committee is tasked with putting forward a “slate” of candidates with the skills, experience and capacity to serve as the MPJ Board, endeavouring as much as possible to ensure that the Board reflects the diversity of the Movement.
To do so, it runs an orderly, fair and timely process to invite applications for, shortlist, interview and recommend candidates. This includes: applications (via a form), a shortlisting process and then interviews, leading to a final proposed selection of candidates being put forward to the Members for election.
This process is in line with best practice in the charity sector for the appointment of Trustees.
Pathway 2: Candidature ‘by Petition’
Under this pathway, a member in good standing of an MPJ community may be put forward directly to the Members of MPJ as a candidate for election. Prospective candidates must be proposed by five Members (a Member in this case meaning a constituent community of MPJ, rather than individuals).
The precise mechanism for a Member community to agree to propose a candidate will vary from community to community; some are likely to require a vote of their Board or Council, others may need the approval of the Chair of the community.
This process exists in order to ensure that a number of communities can together put forward a candidate for election, even if they are not recommended by the Nominations Committee.
Composition of the Board
The Board of MPJ consists of:
- Chair (new Chair to be elected as Chair-Designate at the EGM on 29 September)
- Treasurer
- Trustee with responsibility for Safeguarding
- Up to seven other Trustees
- Two Clergy as put forward by the Clergy Bodies
The Clergy members of the Board are appointed by a separate procedure. The Clergy Body/ies put forward two candidates from amongst their number, who are then interviewed by the Chairs of the Nominations Committee to ensure suitability for the role as Trustee. The two approved candidates will be put forward as part of the “slate” to the AGM on 2 December for ratification by the Members. There is no option for candidature by petition.
Existing Trustees can seek election. Whilst their experience of being on the Launch Board will undoubtedly be relevant and helpful to their application, there is otherwise no preference being given by the Nominations Committee to existing over potential new Trustees.
Timetable
| Via Nominations Committee | Candidature by Petition | |
|---|---|---|
| September | First week of September – applications open for candidates for Trustee | |
| October | Noon on Sunday 4 October – applications close for candidates for Trustee
w/c 5 October – Nominations Committee will shortlist and invite candidates for interview Sunday 18 and Sunday 25 October – provisional dates for interviews for Trustee (in person in London or online) |
|
| November | First week of November – papers will go out for the AGM to take place on 2 December, including the names of the proposed Trustees | First week of November – papers will go out for the AGM to take place on 2 December
Candidates for Trustee seeking petition must get nomination from five Member communities to be sent to MPJ by noon on 17 November to enable Members to be informed of additional names |
| December | 2 December – AGM, resignation of Launch Board and election of new Trustees | |