4 Advocate educator volunteer roles in Belfast

Training & Conference Trustee x 2 (two opportunities available)

Botanic Gardens Education Network (BGEN)

Location: Home-based, with occasional face-to-face meetings if required
Role type: Voluntary Trustee
Closing date: Tuesday 24th November 2026
Interviews: Early December 2026

About BGEN

Founded in 1989, BGEN is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and the professional network for plant and nature educators across the UK and Ireland.

We connect educators and community engagement professionals, build professional capacity and provide opportunities to share knowledge, experience and best practice through our Annual Conference, training, networking and wider member activities.

BGEN also advocates for its members, helping strengthen the voice of plant and green-space education on matters that affect the sector.

We are now looking for a Training & Conference Trustee to join our Board and help shape BGEN's Annual Conference and year-round programme of training, networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

About the role

This is an opportunity for someone with experience in professional learning, training, conferences, events, programme development or a related field to contribute their expertise to BGEN's programme and wider strategic direction.

The Training & Conference Trustee will work alongside the Training & Conference Workstream Lead, BGEN Coordinator and fellow Trustees to help ensure that BGEN's programme responds to member needs, supports professional development and provides opportunities for knowledge exchange and sharing best practice.

The role combines strategic thinking with practical support. You will contribute ideas, identify speakers and opportunities, support relevant relationships and help ensure events are relevant, inclusive and valuable to members.

The Trustee will not be expected to lead every aspect of every event. Day-to-day event administration, ticketing and routine communications sit with the Coordinator; the Trustee will complement this operational role through strategic input, connections and agreed practical support.

Key responsibilities

Working with the Training & Conference Workstream, Coordinator and fellow Trustees, you will:

• Help shape and review BGEN's annual programme of conferences, training, networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities

• Contribute to the Annual Conference, including themes, programme development and speaker identification

• Identify emerging topics, speakers, partnerships and opportunities

• Bring relevant professional knowledge, networks and connections

• Support speaker and stakeholder relationships where appropriate

• Use member and Trustee feedback and evaluation to assess and improve the programme

• Work collaboratively with the Coordinator on agreed event preparation and delivery

• Promote BGEN's programme through relevant professional networks where appropriate

• Support accessible and inclusive event planning

• Ensure appropriate consideration is given to GDPR, data protection and BGEN's policies and procedures.

About you

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about professional learning, knowledge sharing and bringing people together.

You may have experience in:

• Professional learning

• Training

• Conferences or events

• Education

• Facilitation

• Learning and development

• Visitor or community engagement

• Programme development

• A related field

Relevant transferable skills are also welcome.

You should be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to understand audience or member needs and translate these into relevant activities or programmes

• Experience developing ideas and working collaboratively to take them through to delivery

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

• Strategic thinking and sound judgement

• An ability to use feedback and evaluation to improve future activity

• A commitment to BGEN's charitable aims

• Sufficient time and capacity to fulfil the Trustee role.

Experience of developing professional learning or events programmes, working within a membership organisation or professional network, or working at Board, committee or strategic level would be particularly useful.

Knowledge of current or emerging issues in plant, environmental, biodiversity or sustainability education would also be welcome.

You do not need previous Trustee experience or to work in a botanic garden.

Trustee commitment

The role is home-based, with occasional face-to-face meetings if required.

The expected commitment includes:

• Four online Board meetings each year, lasting approximately 90–120 minutes

• Approximately four to six online workstream meetings each year

• Attendance at the BGEN Annual General Meeting

• Attendance at the BGEN Annual Conference

• Approximately three days per quarter for meetings, preparation, reading papers and agreed follow-up actions

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, with the opportunity to serve one further term in accordance with BGEN's governing document.

New Trustees will receive an induction to BGEN's charitable objectives, governance arrangements, strategic priorities, financial position, current projects and workstreams, with ongoing support from the Chair, fellow Trustees and BGEN Coordinator.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

BGEN is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive Board. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences and believe diversity of thought, experience and perspective strengthens our governance and helps us better support our members.

We will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages outlining:

• Why you are interested in becoming a BGEN Trustee

• Your relevant skills and experience

• How you believe you could contribute to BGEN and the Training & Conference Trustee role

Opening date: Monday 5th October 2026
Closing date: Tuesday 24th November 2026
Interviews: Early December

Thank you for considering becoming a BGEN Trustee.