Non Executive Chair And Trustees Volunteer Roles
Can your skills and knowledge help us to grow? Then why not consider joining us. We specialise in supporting people with visual impairments and we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Board of Trustees.
What will you be doing?
As a member of the Board, you will play a vital role in steering and supporting New Outlook. The Board is responsible for providing strategic direction; ensuring we meet regulatory requirements; and overseeing the work of the staff team, thus ensuring New Outlook’s effective, efficient administration and financial stability.
You will be part of a Board team that will help to ensure:
Promoting and Protecting NEW OUTLOOK
- To act as custodian of NEW OUTLOOK’s values
- To ensure that the customers’ voice is heard in the decision-making process
- To monitor compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
- To support and uphold the Code of Governance and the NHF Model Rules (2015)
- To be an ambassador for NEW OUTLOOK as appropriate
Setting Strategy
- To consider and, if appropriate, agree a vision for NEW OUTLOOK and a strategy to work towards that vision
- To assist the Executive Team in the setting of plans and strategies
- To support the work and the role of the Chair of the Board and the chairs of other Committees
- To support the work of the Group Chief Executive and all colleagues; constructively challenging proposals as appropriate
Managing Performance
- To agree key policies
- To take an individual and collective responsibility in monitoring performance against plans, budgets and decisions through regular critical appraisal of operational and financial information
- To ensure appropriate action is taken if expected standards of performance or results are not or are unlikely to be achieved
- To request further information or professional advice when required
Board meetings are held four times a year in Oldbury with two being longer ‘away day’ sessions and you may also be asked to join a Committee or time limited task group.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking to appoint people who can demonstrate a commitment to a high level of engagement and possess a range of experience ideally with a Social Care and Governance or experience as a Chartered Surveyor. We wish to have a wide range of people on the Board and are particularly keen to be representative of the diverse population in the West Midlands.
What difference will you make?
The role of Trustee is non-executive, providing a rewarding opportunity to use your expertise and experience to support and shape our future. We very much value all of our customers and you will have the opportunity to work with us, at all levels, as we seek to grow and develop the business.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
If you have extensive experience of fundraising, there is a volunteer opportunity here for you which offers a chance to make a difference at Ampleforth Abbey in its mission to the Church and society in the 21st century.
What will you be doing?
The Ampleforth Abbey Trust wishes to appoint a trustee with fundraising expertise and experience who will be able to align fundraising with the charity’s overall Strategic Plan and ensure effective income generation.
As the specialist fundraising trustee, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Ampleforth community by setting and monitoring the Trust’s strategic direction to ensure sustainable delivery of core objectives.
Main duties:
- Fundraising strategy: provide expertise, advice and guidance to align fundraising within the charity’s overall Strategic Plan to ensure effective income generation
- Fundraising Steering Group: work with the Chair of the board and invited experts on a Fundraising Steering Group
- Donor engagement: collaborate with the monastic community and the board of trustees to develop and monitor a donor engagement plan
- Compliance and Risk: ensure compliance with legal requirements, assess risks in fundraising planning, alerting the Board of Trustees in a timely manner about any concerns
- To report to the Board at a strategic level on the successes and challenges of the fundraising strategy.
What are we looking for?
- Clear demonstrable and evidenced empathy with support for Ampleforth Abbey Trust’s mission and ethos;
- Experience of participating in the oversight or management of organisations and an understanding of organisational operational and effectiveness issues;
- Experience (professional or non-executive) in strategic philanthropic development and fundraising and an understanding of the key opportunities for the Trust in this area;
- Willingness to use different experiences to support the Trust, and to act as an ambassador;
- A capacity for independent thought, judgement and expression - balanced by influencing skills with an ability to advise and challenge on a constructive and open basis;
- A warm, collegiate and diplomatic style with the ability to take tough decisions when required;
- Good interpersonal, communication and team working skills;
- Able to give sufficient time on a voluntary basis;
- Demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside a personal commitment to core principles of opportunity, openness, transparency and respect for others;
- Experience in a non-executive role.
What difference will you make?
Through your fundraising experience you will have a pivotal role in providing expertise, advice and guidance to align fundraising within the charity’s overall Strategic Plan to ensure effective income generation; collaborate with the monastic community and the board of trustees to develop and monitor a donor engagement plan; and report to the Board at a strategic level on the successes and challenges of the fundraising strategy.
Before you apply
Please provide a CV and a cover letter containing the contact details of two referees.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Wells Cathedral Chapter is seeking a colleague as Chapter Member and Chair of the Finance Committee to join them and the wider team in developing the Cathedral’s life as a place of worship and service, a heritage site of remarkable beauty, and a globally recognised destination for pilgrims and visitors.
Applications close at: 9 a.m. Monday 10th June 2024.
Location: Wells Cathedral Offices, BA5 2UE
About the City of Wells
Situated on the edge of the Mendip Hills in the County of Somerset, Wells is one of England’s most beautiful and compact cities. Built around the beautiful Cathedral of St Andrew, its picturesque surroundings include a charming market square and high street, the Bishop’s Palace, and the magnificent Vicars’ Close, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited street.
About Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral deservedly has gained an enviable reputation for its lovingly maintained gothic architecture, world-class music, and its ministry. Underpinning the life, worship, and ministry of the Cathedral is a diverse organisation where a lot is achieved with modest resources. It oversees a diverse tapestry of activity:
- A world-class music foundation
- A works and estates department
- A team of virgers
- The Cathedral library and archives
- An education, learning, and outreach programme
- Finance, HR, and administrative functions
- Volunteer management
- Trading companies
About the role
The Chapter body is the custodian of the Cathedral and its precincts, and we are dedicated to the care and conservation of these wonderful assets, so they may enrich lives for centuries to come.
As a non-executive member of Chapter and trustee, your role will be critical to the leadership of the Cathedral.
As a member of Cathedral Chapter, the Chair of the Finance Committee will work strategically to support Chapter in ensuring good financial oversight and will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance Officer to enable the effective financial management of the Cathedral. This will include developing a financial plan to align with any revised strategy, overseeing effective governance, budget planning, information management and reporting. In addition, this role has oversight of the Cathedral’s investment portfolio.
The Chapter is the Board of Trustees for the Cathedral, a registered charity, and has the ultimate responsibility for directing and overseeing its affairs – as a place of worship and a community of service, as a significant building and a heritage site of remarkable beauty, as a venue for events and as a globally recognised destination for pilgrims and visitors.
Members of Chapter come from a variety of backgrounds and seek to work collegially in their leadership and responsibilities as they take forward the ministry and mission of a Cathedral which has been servicing Wells and the County of Somerset for almost 850 years.
The objects of the Chapter are:
a) to advance the Christian religion in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England, in particular by furthering the mission of the Church of England;
b) to care for and conserve the fabric and structure of the Cathedral Church building;
c) to advance any other charitable purposes which are ancillary to the furtherance of the purpose referred to in sub-paragraph (a) or (b).
Who we are looking for
With considerable background in finance as either an executive leader or leader of a specialist finance function, the next Chair of the Finance Committee and Chapter Member will be committed to working with the other members of Chapter as they develop the strategy and plans to bring the mission and vision of the Cathedral to life.
They will understand the role of good governance and shared leadership in a complex organisation and will be able to contribute to the wider agenda of the Cathedral as well as lead on finance.
They will have wisdom and kindness in their leadership and enjoy motivating and developing the team around them. People from all areas of the organisation will find them approachable as they stretch thinking and share ideas.
They will be committed to learning and growing with other members of Chapter and personally as the Cathedral develops into its newly established charity status.
The ability to untangle complex figures and interpret them to others who may not be financially minded is key in this role. A strong financial background is essential, together with the ability to challenge and assimilate views to operate collegially whilst being mindful of the Cathedral environment and governance requirements.
Non-executive members of Chapter will be communicant members of the Church of England, or of a church with which it is in communion. Further information is set out in the Cathedrals Measure 2021 and from Rule 83(2) of the Church Representation Rules*. For any further clarification on these points, or should you have a query, please get in touch with Rebekah Abbott.
*83(2) In these Rules, ‘actual communicant’ means a person –
(a) who has received Communion according to the use of the Church of England or a Church in communion with it at least three times during the 12 months preceding the date of the person becoming a member of a body the eligibility for membership of which depends on a person being an actual communicant, and
(b) who either is confirmed or ready and desirous of being confirmed or is receiving Communion as referred to in paragraph 1(b) of Canon B 15A (communicant members of other Churches subscribing to doctrine of Holy Trinity).
Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 10th June 2024.
Being a governor at Nottingham College is a rewarding way to give back your time and expertise for the benefit of our students and the city.
Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 3rd June 2024.
About the role.
Nottingham College, one of the UK's largest with 34,000 students across 10 campuses, emphasizes employment opportunities through innovative teaching and digital infrastructure. The Corporation Board (governor) plays a pivotal role in steering the college's strategic direction, ensuring financial stability, quality education, and community engagement. This is an active, not passive, role demanding oversight and proactive planning to meet evolving educational and governmental needs. The expert Board, representing diverse industries and backgrounds, meets four times yearly and oversees committees focused on learning, finance, governance, and more. Members commit to at least one committee based on skill expertise. In return for their dedication, members receive support and development opportunities, recognizing the crucial role of further education in national economic development and individual growth. Nottingham College is committed to unlocking potential through learning.
Who we are looking for.
As the college for Nottingham and the surrounding areas, we feel it is important you understand our city through having lived or worked here. It is a complex city, with pockets of high deprivation and low aspiration. But there is also a huge amount of untapped potential in Nottingham, and we consider it our duty to unearth talent and aspiration to enrich the lives of our local population.
To support our continued ambition, we are looking to appoint new Board Members (Governors) to our Corporation Board – the governing body of our College. We are specifically looking for talented people who can add value to the discussions which take place at the Board and its committees by providing support and challenge to our leadership through the appraisal of reports, plans and strategies. Based on our plans for Nottingham College we welcome interest from those with substantial leadership experience in the following sectors:
- Education (FE Curriculum & Quality)
- Audit (Professionally qualified)
- Strategic HR (Employee relations, workforce planning & employment law)
Whilst having non-executive/board-level experience is desirable, what’s more important to us is your ability to work as part of our Board and provide the scrutiny required in an organisation of this size from a place of experience. As a Member of our Corporation Board, you will become an integral part of the governance and oversight at the College.
You should live or work locally to Nottingham as your attendance will be required at the meetings of the Corporation Board, which meets four times per year. All Members are expected to join a committee of the Board, plus attend a strategy day and an open day, which we can discuss this with you on your appointment.
Recognising the diversity of our city, we very much encourage the interest of candidates who will support us in our ambition to further diversify the leadership and governance of Nottingham College. We acknowledge there is work to do and working hard to ensure our decision-makers are reflective of the communities we serve. We were delighted to have recently been awarded an AoC Beacon Award for our work around well-being and inclusion, though know there is more to do.
Peridot Partners and Nottingham College are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate(s) will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 3rd June 2024.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
- Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
- Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
- Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
- Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
- Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
- Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
- Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
- Reliability
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
- Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
- Good written and spoken English.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Portsmouth Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Sea, becomes a registered charity in March 2024 under the Cathedrals Measure 2021. The Measure brings cathedrals under Charity Commission regulation and strengthens governance and operational frameworks. One of the aims is that the membership of Chapter, the Trustee body, should bring together individuals with a broad range of skills, knowledge, expertise, and experience to bring in best practice of strategic leadership for the Cathedral and lead it in being transparent and accountable.
We are looking to recruit members to the new Nominations Committee, which is chaired by Sir David Normington, and will advise on the recruitment of non-executive members of the new Chapter along with other Chapter Committees.
We are particularly looking for people who are:
- interested in, and supportive of, the work of the Cathedral; are collaborative and team oriented;
- have experience of serving on a committee or board in their working lives or as a volunteer; and have
- practical experience of recruitment in the public, private or charitable sectors.
You do not need to be a communicant member of the Church of England to be on the Committee. Interest, commitment and sympathy with the Cathedral’s mission are the most important attributes; and there is scope to grow and learn in the role.
We are committed to growing in diversity and inclusion and seek to reflect this in Chapter. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.
The committee will meet two or three times a year and that members will serve a three year term of office. Could one of these members be you?
Please submit a recruitment monitoring form through our website
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
- Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
- Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
- Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
- Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
- Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
- Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
- Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
- Reliability
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
- Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
- Good written and spoken English.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Alpine Garden Society President and Board Chair person
Thank you for expressing interest in joining the Board of the Alpine Garden Society as our President and chair. You do so at an exciting time for the charity as it seeks to embed recent changes to thrive for another 90 years.
Since our founding in 1929 we have been a specialist interest society that has aimed to share our passion for growing and conserving alpine plants. With the increased pressures on society with smaller gardens and the advent of social media, alpines are enjoying a resurgence and so we wish to see the society grow from the strong foundations of the past.
The last five years have seen us adapt to change and develop to the modern society we are today. Our switch to embracing digital technology and use of modern communication has allowed us to harness the decades old love of our interest and bring it to new audiences on a global stage. We continue to indulge in traditional activities like garden visits, plant fairs and shows that we are renowned for by our loyal members.
The next chapter on our journey to our centenary sees consolidation of our operation and putting our membership at the heart of what we do to deliver our charitable mission. We wish to grow our membership from a stable base and seek new and exciting ways to inspire people through our passion for plants.
About Us
Welcome to the Alpine Garden Society! We are one of the largest specialist garden societies in the world. The Society has a wide interest in plants that encompass not only true alpine and mountain plants, but also small hardy herbaceous plants, hardy and half-hardy bulbs, hardy ferns, hardy succulents, and small shrubs. We are passionate about plants.
The Alpine Garden Society was founded in December 1929. The main purpose of the Society was, and still is to educate its members and the public on alpine plants, their cultivation and conservation. We achieve our charitable objectives through staging our National Shows, publishing our quarterly Journal, The Alpine Gardener and by organising talks, events and conferences. Ever since its inception the Society has also built displays incorporating alpine plants at various national Flower Shows.
We are passionate about the conservation of alpine plants and as a registered charity, we fund cultivation and conservation projects across the UK and abroad. We also encourage the development of knowledge and skills in the alpine field by funding the AGS Trainee Scheme.
Alpine Garden Society members enjoy exclusive benefits such as expert-led AGS Expeditions tours all over the world and access to one of the biggest seed exchanges in the world.
The Alpine Garden Society is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by a director alongside a small staff cohort and a team of dedicated volunteers.
We are located adjacent to Pershore College in Worcestershire, where we maintain a quarter of an acre alpine garden adjacent to our office. We have a network of AGS local groups located around the country who stage regional shows, talks and events.
Person Specification – who we are looking for
- An inclusive, empathetic, transparent approach to leadership
- A passion for alpine plants
- A balance of independent judgement and an ability to work effectively as part of a cohesive Board
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- A diplomatic, clear, tactful approach, with the ability to listen and engage effectively
- A demonstrable understanding of the role of charity Board Members
- Proven experience of working effectively with a Board, with an ability to make the most of the skillsets around the table
- Experience of non-profit governance, ideally in a board capacity
- Experience playing a key role in an organisation’s evolution and growth
Role Responsibilities and Duties (three year term)
The President/Chair of the Society has a dual role. In addition to having the same responsibilities as any trustee they also have to act as a team leader with the extra duties and responsibilities that accompany this role.
General responsibilities of the President/Chair
Providing leadership for the board as it fulfils its governance duties and responsibilities toward the organisation, including :
- setting vision, values, mission strategy and high-level policy in accordance with charity regulations and the governing document
- monitor the organisation's performance against established targets
- securing financial stability for the organisation
- assisting the Treasurer to protect and manage organisation property and investments
- safeguarding the organisation's reputation and values
- must guide the Board to ensure that the Society operates in line with its charitable purposes
- must always act in the best interests of the organisation as a whole and not allow any personal interest to sway policy making
- making sure all organisational activities comply with regulations and the law
- reviewing major risks and making provisions for the organisation to respond appropriately
- appointing and managing the Chief Executive Officer (Society Director)
- organising and leading board development activities such as self-assessments
- delegating the above duties appropriately
Specific duties:
Meetings
· planning meeting schedules and setting agendas, in close liaison with the Society Director
· leading meetings and facilitating discussion, encourage all trustees to participate and prevent the more talkative members from dominating the debate
Board leadership
· Alongside the society director, lead trustee recruitment and induction
· Ensure that the whole board is engaged - A Chair must not allow cliques or inner circles to form or allow cliques to influence policy to suit their own personal interests or those society activities in which they are interested.
· Utilise the skills and interests of all board members.
· To oversee the establishment and activities of the board committees, ensuring they are accountable and report properly to the board.
· Deal with conflict on the board
· Give direction to board policy -making. Exercises leadership by setting priorities for the board and steering discussion toward strategic issues
· Monitor the implementation of board decisions
· Work closely with other Officers
Representing the organisation
· Represent the organisation at functions and meetings (both internally and externally), and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate
Financial & legal responsibilities
· The President must be prepared to be a signatory on the Society bank mandates and other official investment documents.
Limited Companies
· Act as a Director of each limited company and also a signatory on the bank mandate forms.
· Undertake the necessary ATOL training and pass the certification process to be the responsible person ATOL holder on behalf of the limited company. This also involves ensuring that the necessary ATOL quarterly returns are accurately completed and submitted on time to the CAA. In addition to ensure that the correct documentation and renewal forms are completed as part of the annual ATOL licence renewal process.
· Ensure that the necessary insurance policies are in place with regard to AGS Expeditions Ltd.
· Assist and advise with the planning of AGS Tours.
Staffing
· Work closely with the Society Director who acts a the CEO to the Society. Both the Director and the President should liaise regularly and work together as a team on behalf of the board. They should jointly seek ways of improving board effectiveness.
· Recruitment - oversee the selection process when a new Society Director is appointed. This will entail ensuring that an appropriate job description is produced, proper selection procedures are followed and also representing the board on the appointment panel.
Renumeration
The position is a voluntary role although all reasonable expenses in pursuit of exercising the role will be covered
How to Apply
To apply for the president/chair role, please provide the following documents:
- An up-to-date CV.
- A supporting statement. Please submit a PDF document (maximum two pages) that outlines a bit about you, what you feel is your most relevant experience qualifying you to be our president, and why you’re interested in becoming president of the Alpine Garden Society. Moreover, we would like to understand how you perceive the role of Chair of a charity like Alpine Garden Society, how you might approach the relationship between Chair and CEO and what is your vision for the society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking to appoint new members to the Fish Legal Committee who will lead our organisation and help us build on our successes as well as increase our membership and influence. Join us in our mission to fight for fish, fishing, and the environment.
The broad policy, managerial, and financial concerns of Fish Legal are managed by the committee—you don’t have to be a solicitor, but you must have a keen interest in issues affecting the water environment, ready to bring your knowledge and skills to your role as a committee member.
You must be prepared to give approximately 10 days per annum as a committee member working on behalf of Fish Legal without remuneration, other than reasonable legitimate expenses incurred—and all members of the Fish Legal Committee must also be willing and eligible to act as a non-executive director of the A.C.A Trustee Company Limited (meetings of the A.C.A Trustee Company Limited are held on the same day as Fish Legal committee meetings).
Becoming a committee member
· Build on our legacy of protecting the water environment and members’ interests
· Make a positive difference to the environment
· Help us make polluters pay
What you bring to the role
· Impressive communication and social intelligence
· Enthusiasm for protecting the marine and freshwater environment in line with our strategy
· Capability to perform the duties of a director in a private limited company
· Excellent independent judgement
· Willingness to join in discussion and the courage to check and challenge
What will make you stand out
There are areas of expertise we’d like to see more of in our committee mix, so we’re very interested in hearing from applicants with one or more of these skillsets.
· digital marketing
· environmental science
· fundraising
· charity and restructuring
Who we are
Rivers, lakes, and coastal waters across the UK are among the richest and most cherished habitats supporting diverse species of fish, mammals, insects, and plants—they are also some of the most vulnerable. Our rivers and other water bodies have historically suffered from pollution, over-abstraction, and host of other impacts which can prove devastating to fragile water ecosystems.
Fish Legal fights to protect all inland and coastal waters in the UK from pollution and other damage. We use the full range of the law—common, statutory, public, and criminal—and we have a long track record of winning cases and securing compensation to enable our members to restore their waters.
Our solicitors (both English and Scots-qualified) represent Fish Legal’s member clubs, fisheries, and riparian owners in seeking compensation from offenders who cause pollution or other damage to rivers and still waters—the compensation we win goes back to those members to carry out habitat work or re-stock the waters.
We obtain injunctions to prevent activities which threaten to damage the aquatic environment and, if broken, offenders can find themselves in contempt of court and can even be jailed.
Funds raised by Fish Legal as well as funds donated by individuals, angling clubs, and federations are effectively pooled so that no one person must foot the costs of bringing defendants to court.
Our sister organisation, the Angling Trust, is the national governing body for the sport of angling in England as well as a leading voice in the protection and enhancement of the aquatic environment—working alongside partner NGOs to advocate greater environmental protection, lobby for positive change, and influence policy development.
Want to join us?
There are currently up to three vacancies and we would love to welcome those who can add to the mix of our committee members by bringing new thinking styles, backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives to our table—and we believe we could make even better decisions if we had a more inclusive mix of people from under-represented communities on our board in order to more closely represent our wonderfully diverse members today.
Email our Governance Manager, Karen Watkinson, to apply directly or arrange an informal chat about the role—and do let us know if you require any additional support to enable your application.
To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter to tell us a bit more about how you will add to the mix of our committee and strengthen our effectiveness with your skillset, perspective, background, or thinking style.
The closing date for applications will be 31 May 2024.
Applications will be reviewed by our Nominations Committee on 11 June 2024 and any suitable candidates will be given further details of our interview process.
We take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your application for this role—we will never pass your details onto a third party. We may contact you by email or telephone about the progress of your application. This processing is conducted lawfully based on legitimate interests.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking to appoint new members to the Fish Legal Committee who will lead our organisation and help us build on our successes as well as increase our membership and influence. Join us in our mission to fight for fish, fishing, and the environment.
The broad policy, managerial, and financial concerns of Fish Legal are managed by the committee—you don’t have to be a solicitor, but you must have a keen interest in issues affecting the water environment, ready to bring your knowledge and skills to your role as a committee member.
You must be prepared to give approximately 10 days per annum as a committee member working on behalf of Fish Legal without remuneration, other than reasonable legitimate expenses incurred—and all members of the Fish Legal Committee must also be willing and eligible to act as a non-executive director of the A.C.A Trustee Company Limited (meetings of the A.C.A Trustee Company Limited are held on the same day as Fish Legal committee meetings).
Becoming a committee member
· Build on our legacy of protecting the water environment and members’ interests
· Make a positive difference to the environment
· Help us make polluters pay
What you bring to the role
· Impressive communication and social intelligence
· Enthusiasm for protecting the marine and freshwater environment in line with our strategy
· Capability to perform the duties of a director in a private limited company
· Excellent independent judgement
· Willingness to join in discussion and the courage to check and challenge
What will make you stand out
There are areas of expertise we’d like to see more of in our committee mix, so we’re very interested in hearing from applicants with one or more of these skillsets.
· digital marketing
· environmental science
· fundraising
· charity and restructuring
Who we are
Rivers, lakes, and coastal waters across the UK are among the richest and most cherished habitats supporting diverse species of fish, mammals, insects, and plants—they are also some of the most vulnerable. Our rivers and other water bodies have historically suffered from pollution, over-abstraction, and host of other impacts which can prove devastating to fragile water ecosystems.
Fish Legal fights to protect all inland and coastal waters in the UK from pollution and other damage. We use the full range of the law—common, statutory, public, and criminal—and we have a long track record of winning cases and securing compensation to enable our members to restore their waters.
Our solicitors (both English and Scots-qualified) represent Fish Legal’s member clubs, fisheries, and riparian owners in seeking compensation from offenders who cause pollution or other damage to rivers and still waters—the compensation we win goes back to those members to carry out habitat work or re-stock the waters.
We obtain injunctions to prevent activities which threaten to damage the aquatic environment and, if broken, offenders can find themselves in contempt of court and can even be jailed.
Funds raised by Fish Legal as well as funds donated by individuals, angling clubs, and federations are effectively pooled so that no one person must foot the costs of bringing defendants to court.
Our sister organisation, the Angling Trust, is the national governing body for the sport of angling in England as well as a leading voice in the protection and enhancement of the aquatic environment—working alongside partner NGOs to advocate greater environmental protection, lobby for positive change, and influence policy development.
Want to join us?
There are currently up to three vacancies and we would love to welcome those who can add to the mix of our committee members by bringing new thinking styles, backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives to our table—and we believe we could make even better decisions if we had a more inclusive mix of people from under-represented communities on our board in order to more closely represent our wonderfully diverse members today.
Email our Governance Manager, Karen Watkinson, to apply directly or arrange an informal chat about the role—and do let us know if you require any additional support to enable your application.
To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering letter to tell us a bit more about how you will add to the mix of our committee and strengthen our effectiveness with your skillset, perspective, background, or thinking style.
The closing date for applications will be 31 May 2024.
Applications will be reviewed by our Nominations Committee on 11 June 2024 and any suitable candidates will be given further details of our interview process.
We take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to administer your application for this role—we will never pass your details onto a third party. We may contact you by email or telephone about the progress of your application. This processing is conducted lawfully based on legitimate interests.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.