Voluntary or Paid? Board of Deputies President role under new scrutiny

Debate has resurfaced over whether the President’s role at the Board of Deputies should be paid in some form, prompting conflicting responses from those involved in discussions, Jewish News understands.

Traditionally, lay leaders are viewed as serving out of a genuine passion for the community, rather than financial self-interest.

Many argue that keeping the President’s position voluntary preserves the perception that the role is rooted in grassroots representation.

However, the President’s duties are extensive, including frequent meetings with government ministers, handling media relations, and attending a wide range of communal events. Balancing these demands with an outside career can be challenging.

Sources close to current President Phil Rosenberg deny any behind-the-scenes campaign to change the communal organisation’s constitution to allow for a paid presidency, insisting he has no involvement in such efforts.

But other sources suggest Rosenberg has given the green-light to those arguing for the change.

They also note that Rosenberg is currently on two-month paternity leave and is not participating in related discussions.

As the youngest ever President of the Board, Rosenberg is highly visible in the media and regularly meets with senior government ministers and officials, which some say is why the debate around a paid or voluntary presidency has resurfaced.

Jewish News understands the question was raised at a recent finance committee meeting, resulting in a half-hour discussion.

But discussions have been put on hold as a result of “strong feeling in the room.”

There are also claims that a proposal for a “stipend” system—where the President would receive regular compensation for hours and tasks performed—has been forwarded to Board officials for further consideration.

But this idea was halted with recognition that governance requirements and funding implications had to be fully considered before developing any proposal further.

Rosenberg was elected as the 49th President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews on May 12, 2024.

His three-year stint comes to an end in one year’s time, but he is understood to be open to running for a second term.

Rosenberg was 38 when he became Board president, and had also been working as a consultant.

Although it is understood that, as a result of the climate for Jews across the globe—with rampant antisemitism—he has become increasingly focused on communal work over the past year.

Some also argue that as a result of the Board’s long-standing constitution candidates for the presidents role in the future are likely to remain either independently wealthy or retired.

They will point to the demands placed on Rosenberg since he took up the role, and argue few others from the community would want to become president at a similar age.

But it can also be argued that former president Marie van der Zyl took at the role at a relatively young age, while working as a solicitor and having survived illness beforehand.

She also managed to carry out the role effectively over two-terms, at the same time as bringing up young children.

In Rosenberg’s absence, Adrian Cohen has stepped up to become acting president while Rosenberg is on paternity leave.

Because the Board is a registered charity, diverting limited funds to executive salaries could be viewed negatively by donors, who may prefer resources go towards advocacy and community projects.

Any such change would also require prior approval from the Charity Commission.

Some have suggested funding the President’s role by creating an Office for the job, but regulations safeguarding charitable status would make this challenging.

Opponents of change also highlight that the Board already has a professional staff, including a Chief Executive Officer, who are paid to manage day-to-day operations—so the President is not expected to handle administrative duties.

They argue that Rosenberg, like any President, knew the role was voluntary when he stood for election and emphasised his ability to earn an outside salary.

Some senior Board figures are deeply resistant to any move towards paying the president, stressing the true service to community should be without any financial assistance.