Conservation volunteer roles

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us. 

Currently, we wish to recruit Trustees with skills in three key areas:  

• business and commercial skills 
• experience of estate management or rural surveying 
• philanthropic giving  

 More broadly you would need the following skills and qualities: 

• A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust; 
• A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards; 
• The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy 

If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Invitation to apply for the position of Society Chair

A. Description of the Society

The Society is the third oldest local conservation charity in England, founded in 1897 by many of the public figures who  campaigned to procure the passing of the 1871 Hampstead Heath Act, which saved Hampstead Heath as a public open space in perpetuity, and who went on to found the National Trust.

The Society is an unincorporated association, constituted by its contractual constitution, and is a registered charity. Its charitable objects are as follows:

3. (a)  to preserve those parts of Hampstead Heath which are subject to section 16 of The Hampstead Heath Act 1871* in their wild and natural state, and also to preserve the natural and characteristic features of the later additions to the Heath, so far as is consistent with their enjoyment by the public;

(b) to promote and maintain the amenities and characteristics of the environs of the Heath, and of the buildings and streets of Hampstead; and

(c) to promote public interest in the study of natural history, conservation, and the history of the areas referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule 3.

*[Section 16 provides: The [Metropolitan] Board [of Works] shall at all times preserve, as far as may be, the natural aspect and state of the Heath, and to that end shall protect the turf, gorse, heather, timber and other trees, shrubs, and brush-wood thereon.]

The Society’s geographical remit is limited to Hampstead Heath, the fringes of the Heath, and the old borough of Hampstead (now legally subsumed into the London Borough of Camden).

It is governed by a ‘general committee’ of some 15 trustees which is supported by (i) three subcommittees (each of approximately a dozen members) responsible for the distinct areas of Hampstead Town, Hampstead Heath, and local planning applications, and (ii) a Plaque Selection Panel which is responsible for the erection of plaques on buildings in Hampstead Town commemorating famous residents.

The Chair, along with principal Society officers, is elected annually at the annual general meeting.

The Society has approximately 2,000 members and is in sound financial and reputational shape. Further details of the Society may be found on the Society's website. 

B. General role of the Chair

The general role of the Society Chair includes the duties outlined in the English Charity Commission document entitled “The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do”, namely:

· help plan and run general committee meetings and in members’ meetings

· take the lead on ensuring that meetings are properly run and recorded

· take the lead on ensuring that trustees comply with their duties and the charity is well governed

· act as a spokesperson for the charity

· act as a link between trustees and committee members.

Reference should also be made to “A Chair’s Compass - A guide for chairs of charities and non-profit organisations”. 

Given the local remit of the Society, it is desirable that the prospective Society Chair should be resident in Hampstead (including West Hampstead), Belsized, Highgate or Hampstead Garden Suburb. The prospective Society Chair will be invited to join the general committee and ‘shadow’ the current Chair for the appropriate period before taking over.

C. Core and specific tasks of the Society Chair

Convene, set the agenda for, and chair bi-monthly meetings of the general committee, and approve the draft minutes of those meetings

Convene and set the agenda for the Society’s annual general meeting in June of each year, deliver a verbal annual report at that meeting, and approve the draft minutes of that meeting

Write the annual trustees’ report for inclusion in the annual return to the Charity Commission

Settle and approve the Society's annual financial statements as prepared by the Treasurer and the Society's auditors/examiners

Write a column of approximately 2,000 words for the Society's newsletter published in January, May and October

From time to time, as an observer, attend meetings of the Society's three subcommittees (Town, Heath and Planning) and the Society’s Plaque Selection Panel

Support the Society’s vice-chairs in their chairing of the Society’s three subcommittees (see above)

Oversee recruitment to the general committee and, as required, the Society's three subcommittees

As required, be the public or official face of the Society in dealings with the media, and the City of London Corporation (the freehold owner of Hampstead Heath and the sole trustee of the Hampstead Heath registered charity), Camden Council (including Hampstead Ward local councillors) and other local or governmental bodies

As required, lead (even if only in  a titular or nominal sense) campaigns run by the Society

Attend and, as required, host Society events, including the New Members Party, the Xmas Party and Society lectures (usually two to three a year)

Maintain relations with other non-governmental bodies with which the Society has regular dealings in matters of common interest, including the Vale of Health Society, the Highgate Society, the Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association, the Hampstead Neighbourhood Forum,  Heath Hands, the Kenwood Estate, Keats House, Camden History Society, the London Forum and Civic Voice

Identify, and suggest to its editor, items for inclusion in the Society's newsletter

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA UK) is a charity and independent campaigning organisation established in 1984. We pioneered undercover investigations to combat environmental crime and abuse. We use evidence and analysis to bring about lasting policy and changes to legislation to protect our planet, its biodiversity, climate and all who live here.

Our vision is a future where humanity respects, protects and celebrates the natural world.

We are looking for volunteers to start in September 2025.

EIA UK is seeking two volunteers to support the Elephant Campaign ideally 1-3 days a week and for a minimum of 3-6 months, with data entry and reserach tasks.

The Elephant Campaign undertakes strategic and intelligence-led activities in cooperation with partners to advocate for effective legislative, regulatory and enforcement action to tackle illegal trade in elephant parts and derivatives. 

The volunteers will help the Campaign monitor news about seizures and prosecution of illegal trade of elephant parts and derivatives and enter information into EIA’s Global Environmental Crime Tracker.

Individuals with a keen eye for detail and an appetite for data are encouraged to apply and should have an interest in the environment, a passion for conservation and share the aims of EIA

Do you have what it takes to be an EIA Volunteer?

• Fluency in English. Capacity in any of the following languages will be an asset: Chinese, Vietnamese, Lao, Thai, Burmese, French
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes
• Good data entry skills
• Good research and analytical skills
• Patience and attention to detail and thorough work ethic

What we can offer you as an EIA Volunteer:

• Flexible volunteering hours.
• Reimbursement for subsistence (one meal) and for public transport costs to the office from within the London area.
• Work experience at a leading international environmental NGO.
• Opportunities for training on selected relevant software.
• Working with like-minded people and networking.

At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference. As a Membership and Retail Support

As a Membership and Retail Volunteer you will actively engage with our visitors and encourage them to support WWT as members. Enthusing them with stories of our conservation work and the many benefits of membership, you’ll help us secure the essential support we need to continue our ambitious plans for wetlands conservation.

And if you have an eye for something special and can offer excellent customer service to every one of our visitors, even better. You will also be a support to our retail team and help keep up the great work in offering a wide range of items for them to take home. Experience is always welcomed but not essential as training for this and our membership processes will be provided.

About The Role

Volunteers are integral to the running of our Welney reserve and visitor centre and without their help we wouldn’t be able to welcome our visitors to this amazing 1300 acre wetland of international importance. Our volunteer team are friendly and committed, and say they benefit by gaining new experiences, meeting new people and sharing the story of our work.

At WWT Welney Wetland Centre we want to ensure that our visitors receive a warm, friendly welcome to ensure they have a memorable visit to our Visitor Centre and Reserve. In this role, you will be helping to bring people of all ages and backgrounds closer to wetland wildlife, by providing assistance for visitors to explore the reserve and learn about WWT’s pioneering wetland conservation work, to save wetlands for wildlife and people. In this role you will support the delivery of a range of interactive visitor engagement activities, including guided walks, and other seasonal activities, drawing people in by telling engaging stories about our work and inspiring people to support us as members of the WWT.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll be answering visitor questions, helping them to navigate the reserve, and identifying basic wildlife. You'll get regular briefings to keep you up to date with what's going on at the centre, and we can offer coaching to help you feel more confident talking to our visitors and leading guided activities.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us or leave us a message. 

About You

This role will suit you if you have a positive, friendly, can-do attitude and are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Welney has a close-working team, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated during quieter times is also needed. You’ll have a real interest in and enthusiasm for WWT’s work, nature and the outdoors and can share this with others. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors simply and effectively around their needs is also a key part of this role, being a good communicator in English (other languages are also useful!).

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Practicalities

Where will you be based? Welney Wetland Centre

Who will you volunteer with? Visitor Engagement Team, Events & Marketing Officer

Time commitment?  We are looking for volunteers who can ideally commit to one day a week on a regular basis. Shifts are from 9.15am to 3pm, with suitable breaks. However, we will mutually agree the hours that you can contribute.

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need. This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need. Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing. If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website. We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Assist with the upkeep of ground support equipment and aviation artifacts.

Key Tasks:

• Clean, restore, and preserve historical support equipment.

• Carry out basic repairs and painting as needed.

• Help maintain safety standards and logs.

Skills Required:

• Hands-on DIY or mechanical skills.

• Comfortable using tools and handling equipment.

• Attention to detail and care with heritage items.

• Some basic knowledge of ground support equipment is desirable.

Ideal For:

· Practical people who like working with tools.

· Those with DIY, mechanical, or restoration skills (or wanting to learn).

· Retirees, veterans, tinkerers, or anyone who enjoys hands-on volunteering.

Position Overview

We are excited to offer an excellent opportunity for an entry level development professional who is interested in gaining skills in operations and administration areas, to join SEED Madagascar (SEED) as our Operations and Administration Officer. 

SEED Madagascar is a UK charity dedicated to creating long-term, sustainable change in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high-quality community health, WASH, education, rural livelihoods and conservation programmes, while contributing to international best practices through research and publications.

This role is an office-based role within a team of national and international staff with occasional support in the field to our Conservation Research Team. This post is at the heart of our mission, and the diversity of activities undertaken will provide  wide-ranging experience for an early career development professional who can effectively and efficiently deal with a comprehensive range of tasks related to the complex world of overseas development.

This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about providing a wide range of support to SEED’s team including providing high quality administrative support across the policies and procedures, managing the recruitment of international staff, leading on onboarding for incoming staff and our marketing and support of our short-term conservation programme volunteers.

Title: Operational Support Intern - change of title and responsibilities to Operational Support Junior Officer subject to passing 3-month probationary review.

Location: Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

Commitment: 12 months; Monday to Friday (35 hours a week)

Salary: Voluntary for 12 months, with stipend of 800,000 MGA per month towards accommodation and a contribution of £650 towards insurance

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide pre-departure logistical support and advice with visas, hotels, flights, accommodation, medication etc to new international staff and short-term conservation volunteers

2. Lead on supporting international staff during their initial time with SEED including arrival, orientation, social inclusion, cultural understanding, housing and integration into the SEED team 

3. Provide pastoral care, working with line managers to ensure that new and existing international staff and volunteers’ wellbeing is supported 

4. Support the Conservation team in Sainte Luce on providing orientations and pastoral care of volunteers when required

5. Support the Communications team with advertising the volunteer programme and helping volunteers to increase their fundraising efforts

6. Support on creating, editing and writing website content and resources to ensure organisational and project information is up-to-date

7. Support on the recruitment of international staff, including the advertisement of vacancies

8. Assist in the preparation of reports for internal and external audiences including Annual Reports and Malagasy Ministry reports

9. Work with the Director of Operations and Programmes, and the International Operations Manager in developing, updating and implementing organisational databases, systems, policies and procedures across the NGO

10. Oversee the training schedule for international staff and work alongside national and international staff to increase their skills and capacity, providing mentoring or training where appropriate

11. Work alongside the IT Officer to provide basic IT and equipment management support 

12. Support with the writing of minutes and note taking across the organisation

13. Support project teams where required to develop systems to manage donor compliance, or support with financial or administrative reporting requirements

14. Ensure all of SEED’s policies and procedures are evident throughout the work of the department, including those for safeguarding, whistleblowing and anti-corruption, and undertake continual training to ensure these are always promoted

15. Assist with administration tasks and any other tasks required by the International Operations Manager or Director of Programmes and Operations in line with the tasks of the post

Required Skills & Experience/Person Specification 

• Hold an undergraduate degree in or relating to Business or Development or be able to demonstrate a passion for this area

• Be able to work independently and be proactively

• Have good all round computing skills and experience in Microsoft Office 

• Have previous experience working to deadlines and have ability to successfully manage their time

• Communicate clearly and engagingly in written English across a range of media forms

• Communicate verbally to encompass the range of cultures you will be working with

• To have a good level of written English and be able to proofread documents to a high standard

• To have a curious mind and a patient, problem solving attitude

• Ideally have previous experience living, working or travelling in a developing country, though is not essential

• Be fluent in English. A working knowledge of French is desirable but not essential

• Be capable and comfortable adapting to life in a least developed country with sometimes basic living conditions

• Be comfortable with campsite conditions whilst supporting the team in the field for days at a time

• Be able to work and socialise within a small group of people and to be respectful and take personal responsibility for maintaining a good reputation for the NGO in the community

• Be able to adjust to life in another culture and a foreign language and be able to always work with cultural sensitivity

• Demonstrate the ability, social skills and confidence to give clear guidance and support to other members of the team in respect of the philosophy and procedures of SEED to protect both their safety and the reputation of the NGO.

Position: Volunteer Urban Ranger
Responsible to: Urban Ranger
Location: Various outdoor spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5
Hours: Anything from two hours here and there, to two days a week.
Expenses: Travel expenses will be reimbursed for bus tickets, train tickets or car mileage

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At Better Place Bradford, our mission is to identify and oversee improvements to local parks and outdoor spaces with the aim of providing a healthier and happier environment for babies, young children and families. We work across larger parks, pocket parks, community centres, streets and green spaces across BD3, BD4 and BD5.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, and highly motivated individual, who is looking to gain some practical landscape maintenance experience.

As a Volunteer Urban Ranger, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the upkeep of our sites, regularly checking that each site is safe, inviting, and free from rubbish — noting any issues that arise.

Duties include: Litter clearance, sweeping sand back into the sand pits, weeding, planting, watering plants, affixing signs, checking in on the Little Free Library boxes, strimming, raking leaves, supporting at event days, promoting responsible use and enjoyment of our sites.

This role is for you if you;

• Enjoy being outdoors (in all weather)
• Are not afraid of physical work
• Want to make a difference in your local area
• Are comfortable getting to sites across BD3/BD4/BD5
• Enjoy interacting with members of the public
• Want to gain practical landscape maintenance experience
• Are looking for an intro into the environmental / conservation / ranger sectors

Volunteers must be in the UK already.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in the leadership of Sussex Area Ramblers by supporting the Chair in the oversight and direction of all Area activities, making sure that they are consistent, integrated and in line with Ramblers' mission and strategy.

The Ramblers, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks. 

The Vice-Chair supports the Area Chair in the leadership of Ramblers' activities in East and West Sussex including the provision through the Groups in the Area of organised walks, helping to ensure the Groups are run well, follow good practice and join in national/Area initiatives, the protection of rights of way, and and the preservation and conservation of, the countryside, includung representing the Area to external stakeholders.

The Vice-Chair deputises for the Area Chair, as required, at meetings of the Area leadership teams (Area Council and Area Executive Committee), represents the Area at meetings of the Ramblers' South East Regional Cluster and, in agreement with the Area Chair, leads specific projects in which the Area is engaged, making sure in all cases that Ramblers' policies and procedures are followed with a view to ensuring that the Area, its members and volunteers are kept safe and legally compliant.

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in managing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, organisations and politicians.

The Vice-Chair assists the Chair by making sure that the Area follows all of the required governance, including AGMs and attendance at Ramblers' General Council Meetings.

The role holderwill work closely with the Chair and other members of the Area Executive Committee and Area Council, and where necessary seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' central office.

You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and live in East or West Sussex to hold the role.

About The Role

We’re WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to our world's problems. Together we will unlock their power – and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish. We lead the way, bring life and inspire connection. 

Volunteers are integral to the running of our Welney centre and without their help we wouldn’t be able to welcome our visitors to this amazing wetland. Your role will be helping to bring people of all ages and backgrounds closer to wetland wildlife, by providing assistance to visitors and encouraging them to explore the site and learn about WWT’s pioneering wetland conservation work, to save wetlands for wildlife and people. You’ll support the delivery of excellent customer service for the retail and membership team, inspiring people to support us as members of the WWT, and be a warm and welcoming face for our cause.

We are looking for volunteers who can ideally give one day a week, exact hours to be agreed. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or leave a message with your name and number. 

About You

This role will suit you if you have a positive, friendly, can-do attitude, and are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors of all ages simply and effectively around their needs is also an essential part of this role, being a good communicator in English (other languages are also useful!).

You’ll have a real interest in and enthusiasm for WWT’s work, nature and the outdoors and will be happy to develop this to share with others in a variety of ways: promoting membership; attending briefing sessions and familiarising yourself with events, activities, sightings and developments at the centre; and on a day-to-day basis, answering visitor questions, helping them to navigate what’s on offer. Welney has a close-working team, and much of the time you will be working in a group, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated at other times is also needed.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

This role will suit you if:

You have a positive, friendly, can-do attitude, and are committed to delivering excellent customer service. Having, or being happy to develop, the confidence to engage our visitors of all ages simply and effectively around their needs is also an essential part of this role, being a good communicator in English (other languages are also useful!). You’ll have a real interest in and enthusiasm for WWT’s work, nature and the outdoors and will be happy to develop this to share with others in a variety of ways: promoting membership; attending briefing sessions and familiarising yourself with events, activities, sightings and developments at the centre; and on a day-to-day basis, answering visitor questions, helping them to navigate what’s on offer. Welney has a close-working team, and much of the time you will be working in a group, however, the ability to work under your own initiative and being self-motivated at other times is also needed.

Practicalities

Where will you be based? Welney Wetland Centre

Who will you volunteer with? Retail, Admissions & Membership Manager

Time commitment? We are looking for volunteers who can ideally commit to one day across the week. Shifts are negotiable, with suitable breaks. After completing training and an induction for this role, we ask volunteers to spend a minimum of 6 months volunteering with WWT Welney. 

You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need. This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need. Volunteers receive access to our sites, and discounts in our shops and cafes. Some roles include a uniform or require the use of equipment or protective clothing. If you are based at a particular site or office location, you’ll need to be able to get yourself there and back. Information on locations can be found on our website. We will keep you up to date with what’s happening across WWT and the difference you will be helping to make happen.

We look forward to hearing from you! 

The main duties of a Trustee

• To ensure that the organisation complies with the governing documents, organisation law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objectives as defined in its governing documents.
• To ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives, i.e. the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objectives, no matter how worthwhile or charitable they are.
• To contribute effectively to the board of trustees’ role by giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
• To promote the interests of the Ouseburn Trust within a wider network and throughout the community it serves, and whilst doing so, safeguard the good name of the organisation.
• To declare conflicts of interest whilst carrying out the duties of a trustee.
• To be collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To protect and manage the assets of the organisation and ensure funds are effectively managed.
• To attend meetings and to read papers in advance and to give advance notice if unable to attend. Trustees who fail to attend three consecutive meetings may be asked to resign their seat.
• To make sure the organisation is effectively insured.
• To support employees in their appointment and effective execution of their duties.
• To keep informed about the activities of the organisation.
• To appoint a suitable person from the board to the roles of Chair & Vice Chair.

When appointing new Directors/Trustees serious consideration will be given to the skills, knowledge and experience that will be brought to the Board of Directors.

It is essential that Directors/Trustees understand the management process and carry out their role both diligently and effectively without becoming a barrier to progress or over-stepping their responsibilities.

The requirements of the role

The culture of the organisation is to deliver its charitable aims using a business type approach. Ideally we are looking for someone who:

• has a passion for the Ouseburn Valley and our work within it.
• is sympathetic to the Trust's aims and values and
• understands the role of the third sector in driving local regeneration.

New Directors/Trustees will demonstrate:

• Integrity.
• A commitment and enthusiasm to the work and objectives of the Ouseburn Trust.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a Trustee.
• An understanding and/or experience of management practice with a professional approach to the work of the Board and to the development of the Ouseburn Trust.
• A commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Good independent judgement and a strategic vision.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to work in the best interest of the Ouseburn Trust at all times and to take part in the work of the Ouseburn Trust through involvement in sub-committees.
• A range of skills and experience that will enable the Ouseburn Trust to fulfil its Primary Objectives and an understanding and acceptance of the legal responsibilities, duties and liabilities of Trusteeship.

Training provided

An extensive induction pack is available for new Trustees along with ongoing support from staff and fellow Trustees.

Community researchers wanted to help East London Waterworks Park ensure our community-owned park is inclusive and welcoming for all.

East London Waterworks Park is a volunteer-led charity that has won a 2024 New London Architecture award and raised £2m towards buying land from the Department for Education to transform the 14-acre Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road on the border of Waltham Forest and Hackney, into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming ponds, forest schools and community spaces. 

We are looking for community researchers specialised to contribute to our community-led working circle who are working on on a listening project to ensure often underrepresented voices in conservation and environmental projects are heard and centred. 

There is opportunity to lead on projects and facilitate the direction of the working circle.

The Inclusivity Circle currently meets monthly on a Wednesday evening on Google Meet and spends voluntary time outside of the meeting completing agreed tasks remotely.

While your experienced research skills are crucial, we also value your ability to engage with the community and build partnerships. Experience in conducting community-based research or working with community organisations is important. A strong understanding of community dynamics and the ability to collaborate effectively will be invaluable in ensuring your research findings are relevant and impactful. Our roles are quite flexible. We hope that people bring radical imagination, peace with nature, and courageous inclusiveness to the role. 

Contribute to the creation of a new biodiverse community-owned park with free access natural swimming ponds. Your research expertise will be vital in shaping our new biodiverse park. By conducting listening research on community needs, and potential park uses, you'll help us create a sustainable and inclusive space. Your findings will inform our design, programming, and outreach efforts, ensuring the park meets the needs of our community and contributes to biodiversity conservation.

Are you happy to get stuck in with loads of enthusiasm? Fundraisers here at Ickworth are a diverse bunch and through talks, 2nd hand books, internal events and much more we help towards the conservation of this special place 

 This role will suit you if you are:

• Someone who enjoys talking to members of the public and can engage in a meaningful conversation.
• Comfortable lone working at times, as well as working in a team.
• Up for a challenge and like to reach a target.
• A person that enjoys giving excellent service.
• Happy to volunteer on your own. However, someone will always be available to support.
• Confident building new relationships with people.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Helping grow awareness and support for local & national fundraising
• Understanding different needs and interests of people and inspiring them to give in a way that is right for them.
• Supporting in our bookshop by manning the space, rotating stock, tidying and pricing books while always providing a friendly and welcoming approach.
• Attending regular meetings and suggesting fundraising ideas/feedback so we can fulfil our fundraising plan.
• Using your particular skills in creative ways to raise funds
• Answering questions people may have about the National Trust and being able to explain where donations go and impact they make.
• Ensuring we follow fundraising guidance, regulations and best practice
• Supporting big fundraising campaigns or projects.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines 

By getting involved you could:

• Be part of a passionate team, working closely with staff across departments raising vital funds to protect Ickworth.
• Be making a direct impact in our fundraising spaces, such as bookshop or through programming.
• Help bring the work of the National Trust to life and inspire others to get involved
• Increase your fundraising skills and experience of different ways to fundraise 

You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever. 

 All National Trust volunteers will be asked to

• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity. 

 We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:

• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website 

Skills acquired: Advice & Guidance, Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Decision Making, E-commerce, Event Support, Fundraising, General Administration, Interpersonal Skills, Inventory Management, Market Research, Marketing & Communications, Merchandising, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Retail, Sales Process, Stock / Inventory Management, Teamwork