Wensum Catchment Partnership Chair

Introduction:

The Wensum Catchment Partnership (WCP) is seeking an inspiring and visionary chair with a genuine passion for the Wensum. Working with partners, they will bring the confidence, motivation and enthusiasm needed to help shape a shared strategic vision that leads to meaningful improvements in the catchment.

The River Wensum is a calcareous lowland river with SSSI and SAC designations that, despite protections, fails to meet its Water Framework Directive targets. Established in 2018, the WCP brings local people and organisations together to identify and deliver the interventions that help create a healthy, thriving catchment. The partnership has been recently restructured to ensure decisions are informed by data and evidence, with a strong focus on working with key partners to turn these into action on the ground.

Job Description:

WCP recognises the value of having an independent and proactive Chair to lead its quarterly catchment meetings and monthly Strategy and Management meetings.

The Chair of the WCP needs to be enthusiastic about unlocking the full potential of the restructured partnership, support the aims of the catchment and play a key role in bringing about positive changes in the catchment.

We believe this role will be ideal for someone who is working in, or has worked in, large or complex professional environments or academia but now wants to provide volunteer work that will benefit the environment and the community.

This is an unpaid volunteer role.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Leadership and strategy: Helping to develop and define a strategic vision for recovery in the Wensum and enabling restoration action in the catchment.

·       Meeting management: Liaising with the Wensum Catchment Officer to plan and organise meetings, setting agendas and facilitating constructive debate within meetings.

·       Facilitation: Guide the members of the WCP to consensus and effective decisions, being considerate of diverse perspectives.

·       Communication and representation: Represent the WCP at external partnership meetings and act as a public spokesperson for the organisation.

·       Team building: Working in partnership and collaboration with members of the WCP.

Person Specification:

Experience and skills

Essential:

·       The ability to plan, facilitate and ensure orderly conduct of meetings, online and in person, to guide the WCP towards its strategic objectives. 

·       The ability to understand complex issues and analyse information to inform strategy.

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including verbal/written skills and employing tact and diplomacy.

·       The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all partners and external stakeholders.

·       A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and its importance both within the WCP and the scope of its work.

Desirable:

·       An understanding of and passion for the Wensum Catchment.

·       An understanding of the issues impacting the health of chalk streams.

·       An understanding of the importance of a Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) to land and water management.

·       Knowledge of relevant sectors which might include: Planning, Drinking Water Supply, Land Management and Wastewater Treatment.

WCP – our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

At the WCP we believe it is our responsibility to strive for a society where all of us can be ourselves and feel able to reach our full potential, whatever our identity and background.

We ensure that our partnership and all we do is open to everyone and that we actively address any barriers to participation by any group.

Our case for the WCP catchment depends upon having the broadest and most diverse and inclusive public support possible, because the catchment will benefit from the engagement and attention of people from all backgrounds.

We value everyone who volunteers their support for the WCP. This means listening to and understanding people’s views, creating an environment where everyone is treated with respect and able to contribute fully. It also means making sure everyone feels included and valued for their talent, knowledge, and experience.

Applications must be received no later than 5pm on Thursday 19th February 2026.

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 9th March 2026.