Governance Volunteer Roles

Introduction

We appreciate your interest in joining Feedback’s Board of Trustees. 

This application pack gives an overview of the organisation, the role and the application process. 

Feedback was founded in 2009, and in 2013 was established as a charity. The Board of Trustees introduced then has overseen Feedback’s development as an organisation and a programme that has helped make food waste the massive issue it now is in society. Today we are known for tackling issues like food access, justice, and the environmental impact of food production and for piloting alternative models for a fair and sustainable food system for all.

Feedback is at an exciting time in its development. We are looking for someone who can bring passion, experience, knowledge and insight as we continue to help further our mission of a food system that regenerates the natural world while sustaining people on a fair basis. 

We have taken positive steps to increase the diversity of trustees on the Feedback Board, but like a lot of environmental charities we don’t have the level of diverse backgrounds, particularly around race and disability, on our governing body we really should. We want to change that.  

If you would like an informal discussion about any aspect of the role and / or the organisation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Shirley who will arrange a telephone call with our Executive Director, Carina Millstone or Chair of Trustees, Ruth Chambers.

Here are the profiles for current staff and Trustees at Feedback.

Aims and Activities

Anti-oppressive statement: Feedback is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Feedback is a UK and Netherlands-based campaign group working for food that is good for people and planet. We want a world where:

• All people have secure access to delicious, culturally appropriate food that is nutritious and does not cause environmental harm
• Global supply chains, farming and fishing contribute to food sovereignty, good livelihoods, mitigate climate change and enable nature to thrive
• Communities have agency to create food economies that are inclusive, equitable, resilient and celebratory

To meet these objectives, we carry out the following activities:

• We delegitimize corporations
• We ideate and advocate for policy change and regulation 
• We nurture community agency
• We widen our circle of allies
• We change culture and public discourse

More information is set out in Feedback's Strategic Framework here

The Role of the Board      

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. Specifically, the Board is responsible for: 

• Ensuring that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of charities and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance. 
• Upholding the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.
• Determining the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning. 

Trustee - Role Description

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to organisational activities contained therein. 
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times. 
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society. 
• Maintaining sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisations’ objects, and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies. 
• Interviewing, appointing, and monitoring the work and activities of the senior paid staff if necessary.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds if necessary
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the course of trustee’s responsibilities to the charity. 

Accountable to 

• Funders, beneficiaries, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. 

Time commitment

• Attendance at quarterly meetings (held in central London on a weekday from 2–5pm)
• Ad hoc advice and support to senior staff and Board members, usually via email.
• Term for all Trustees is 3 years, with the option of re-election by mutual agreement for one further term.

Person Specification

• A commitment to the organisation and fixing our broken food system, including a commitment to Feedback's core values of collaboration, celebration, audacity, solidarity and impact
• Previous governance experience and an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Feedback’s anti-oppression work
• Experience in either marketing, community work and safeguarding, or law

Remuneration

This is an unsalaried position. Appropriate expenses associated with travel will be reimbursed by the charity.

The Recruitment Process

Please write a statement of no more than 500 words detailing why you’d like to be considered and how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Please submit this with your CV.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday 15th May, 9am

Interviews: Week commencing 3rd June 2024

Board meeting dates (successful candidates will be invited to join): 

Thursday 25th July 2024

Thursday 24th October 2024

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Are you passionate about making a difference in your local community? Do you possess the skills, knowledge, and commitment to help shape the future of community initiatives? If so, Broxbourne Big Local (BBL) is seeking enthusiastic individuals like you to join our team of Trustees.

About Broxbourne Big Local: Broxbourne Big Local is dedicated to proactively meeting the needs of the people in the borough. Our primary objective is to provide valuable opportunities and services centred around the Wormley Community Centre, to expand our reach across the borough in the future. Our current Trustees, who are local residents deeply invested in community welfare, have successfully prevented the demolition of the Wormley Community Centre and secured a 999-year lease, marking a significant milestone in our journey.

The Role: As a Trustee of Broxbourne Big Local, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of our organisation. Working alongside like-minded individuals, you will contribute to the ongoing development and sustainability of the Wormley Community Centre and our broader community initiatives. Your responsibilities will include strategic planning, financial oversight, and ensuring that our activities align with our charitable objectives.

How to Apply: If you are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of Broxbourne Big Local, you can find more information in the Trustee recruitment pack.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Join Us: Be a part of a dynamic team dedicated to building a cohesive and sustainable community in the Borough of Broxbourne. Your knowledge, skills, and talent can make a meaningful difference. Join Broxbourne Big Local today and help shape a brighter future for all.

We are a small but rapidly growing charity at an exciting moment in our evolution. We are looking for a couple of exceptional people to join our Board of Trustees. The successful candidates will have a high level of expertise in their field.

Due to the three year terms coming to an end for a couple of trustees we have 2 vacancies on our Board of Trustees. We are looking for trustees that have:

• a passion for the mission of Pledgeball.
• a high level of expertise in your chosen field (see skills required).
• be able to think strategically and focus on the big picture.
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• good, independent judgement.
• an ability to think creatively.
• a willingness to speak their mind constructively.

We are looking for trustees that have expertise in one of the following areas:

- legal

- charity organisation

- pan-European organisational background

What difference will you make?

As part of our trustee board you will oversee our continuously expanding young charity. Your expertise will be essential to helping our aim of promoting the conservation, improvement and protection of the physical and natural environment for the public benefit by:

- advancing education and increasing awareness amongst the community of the benefits of reducing carbon emissions and energy saving and effective ways to make such reductions and savings

- promoting amongst the community the reduction of carbon emissions and energy saving.

Trustee

We’re looking for a Trustee to join our Board to help achieve our vision of London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife.

 We are also keen to hear from aspiring or existing trustees 30 years old and under. We know that diversity of both representation and thought is a powerful key to unlocking the full potential of London Wildlife Trust. Intergenerational perspectives are a key pillar to enabling better decision making and a high performing board.

Role & Responsibilities

Our Trustees serve as a vital pillar in our organisation, providing leadership, expertise and supportive guidance to ensure we achieve our aim and objectives.

We have a range of directorates from policy and planning, nature recovery, outdoor learning, visitor experience and retail. If you share our vision and have experience in any of the areas, my Trustee colleagues, we’d love to hear from you.

We are seeking Trustees who have experience in one (or more) of the below areas:

Visitor attractions: managing visitor experience and/or generating commercial income in a similar charity-led visitor attraction.

Retail: we have a longer term ambition to develop and online retail offering so experience in this area would be hugely beneficial

Outdoor learning: experience and expertise to strategically support our well-established outdoor learning programmes

Legislation and advocacy: an understanding of biodiversity policy and legislation, and an in-depth understanding of nature recovery and political advocacy at a national level, including the regional context of London borough councils, and Greater London Authority

Person Specification 

· A collaborative listener who works effectively as a member of a team. 

· Independent judgment, a willingness to share opinions and an ability to focus on making decisions. 

· Strong communication and relationship management skills. 

· A critical friend who empowers and constructively challenges the Chief Executive and senior management team. 

(Please see job description for full person specification)

Terms of Appointment

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Attendance at 6 yearly meetings plus an annual strategy session, half of which are typically delivered online

Occasional further contribution either in person or online to provide mentoring, advice and guidance

Trustees are elected at the AGM for a term of three years, which may be renewed for one further three-year term and then can be extended for up to two years if required.

Closing Date: Monday 6th May at 9am

Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!

Our vision is a London alive with nature, where everyone can experience and enjoy wildlife. In order to achieve our goal of engaging everyone in protecting London’s wildlife for the future, we know that our staff team needs to better reflect and represent all of London’s communities. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. Alongside our inclusive Talent policy which outlines are commitments including giving fair opportunities to ex-offenders, we also offer an enhanced flexible working policy which is available to you from your very first day.

Read more about London Wildlife Trust’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion on our website.

Join Hope for the Future's Board of Trustees and be at the forefront of combating the climate and nature emergency! 

Hope for the Future is looking for a Treasurer and at least two other Trustees to help lead our work tackling the climate and nature emergency. Hope for the Future is a climate communications charity with a vision of UK communities and politicians working together to secure a healthy planet for all. To achieve that, we train and support citizens across the UK to develop constructive relationships with politicians, countering the ‘us and them’ narrative that gets in the way of meaningful democratic engagement and political progress

We’re looking for candidates who will not only bring a commitment to climate action, but also a finesse for accountability, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Incoming trustees will receive a full induction, so if you’ve never been on a board before, don’t let that put you off applying.

We’re seeking diverse expertise to enrich our board. We’re particularly looking for trustees with skills in finance, HR, fundraising and marketing, all of which will be invaluable in shaping our strategy and impact.

Our track record speaks volumes: from influencing Parliament to catalyzing local action, our engagement spans party lines and drives tangible change. Take the lead in our vital work and make a lasting difference. Apply now and help shape a future where hope prevails over crisis.

Apply

To apply, read the trustee information pack on our website and email a cover letter and CV

Include “Application for the Role of Trustee” in the subject line of the email by 7th May 2024.

We expect interviews to take place dates w/c 13th May 2024.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking for three members of the Commercial and Partnerships Advisory Committee.

The Commercial and Partnerships Advisory Committee is to provide guidance and make recommendations to the Council or Executive Board on matters pertaining to commercial and partnership opportunities and activity, approach to safeguards and controls for partnership working, and advises them on commercial strategies and performance. The RSPB strategy recognises the importance of partnership in order to maximise the impact it can have. Similarly, commercial activities are key opportunities for the RSPB as we seek to grow and diversify our income.

In addition to making an important contribution to the work of the RSPB, through shaping its strategy and direction and influencing key decisions affecting its delivery of conservation outcomes, participating in an advisory committee can provide excellent networking opportunities, an opportunity to acquire practical experience of committee functions, decision-making process and further development of leadership skills, knowledge, and experience.

About you

We are looking for individuals with relevant experience to join our committees to provide independent, objective, challenging advice to support the Executive Board and Trustees in developing, shaping and implementing of RSPB strategies.

Essential skills, knowledge, and experience across one or more of the following areas:

1. Experience in building successful partnerships to further impact and setting common goals and outcomes.

2. Experience in developing and implementing commercial strategies that identify new income opportunities that help diversity the existing portfolio.

3. Experience in dealing with innovative financial products and how to take them to market.

4. Some prior involvement in the not-for-profit sector would be an advantage but not a requirement.

5. Leadership in setting up monitoring systems and KPIs for determining the effectiveness and success of these partnerships and commercial income stream.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the RSPB website, where you can find full details of the role and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role closes 10th May.

We are seeking a new Trustee to join the Board, with experience in either marketing, community work and safeguarding or law.

Anti-oppressive statement: Feedback is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Feedback is a UK- and Netherlands-based campaign group working for food that is good for people and planet. We want a world where:

• All people have secure access to delicious, culturally appropriate food that is nutritious and does not cause environmental harm
• Global supply chains, farming and fishing contribute to food sovereignty, good livelihoods, mitigate climate change and enable nature to thrive
• Communities have agency to create food economies that are inclusive, equitable, resilient and celebratory

To meet these objectives, we carry out the following activities:

• We delegitimize corporations
• We ideate and advocate for policy change and regulation
• We nurture community agency
• We widen our circle of allies
• We change culture and public discourse

More information is set out in Feedback's Strategic Framework here

The Role of the Board

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. Specifically, the Board is responsible for:

• Ensuring that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of charities and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.
• Upholding the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.
• Determining the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.

Trustee - Role Description

• Ensuring the charity complies with legislative and regulatory requirements, and acts within the confines of its governing document and in furtherance to organisational activities contained therein.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
• Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society.
• Maintaining sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisations’ objects, and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies.
• Interviewing, appointing, and monitoring the work and activities of the senior paid staff if necessary.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds if necessary
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the course of trustee’s responsibilities to the charity.

Accountable to

• Funders, beneficiaries, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.

Time commitment

• Attendance at quarterly meetings (held in central London on a weekday from 2–5pm)
• Ad hoc advice and support to senior staff and Board members, usually via email.
• Term for all Trustees is 3 years, with the option of re-election by mutual agreement for one further term.

Person Specification

• A commitment to the organisation and fixing our broken food system, including a commitment to Feedback's core values of collaboration, celebration, audacity, solidarity and impact
• Previous governance experience and an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member of a team
• A commitment to Feedback’s anti-oppression work
• Experience in either marketing, community work and safeguarding, or law

How to apply

Please write a statement of no more than 500 words detailing why you’d like to be considered and how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Please submit this with your CV to Charity Jobs.

Deadline to apply: Wednesday 15th May, 9am

Interviews: Week commencing 3rd June 2024

Board meeting dates (successful candidates will be invited to join):

• Thursday 25th July 2024
• Thursday 24th October 2024

Please view more details about the role in the recruitment pack.

Are you passionate about taking action on climate change, biodiversity loss and social equity?

Do you believe that it's possible to meet today's needs without compromising those of future generations?

If you combine these beliefs with leadership skills and governance experience, we want to hear from you. Our Board of Trustees needs you to help us put Sustainability First in the UK.

Who we are

We’re a small, highly regarded think-tank and charity that promotes practical, sustainable solutions to improve environmental, economic and social wellbeing.

What we do

Sustainability First works towards real environmental and social change. Primarily

focussed on the energy and water sectors, we:

• undertake research

• initiate policy discussions

• make complex issues accessible to the public

• promote under-represented voices

• develop solutions to influence Players in the sector

The opportunity

You will be joining Sustainability First at a critical time, when we are stepping up our ambition to drive change in the energy and water sectors in a way that benefits people and responds to the urgent need to transition to a more sustainable future. You will work collaboratively with our Executive Director in meeting our ambitions to scale our work, drive change across the sector and embed the representation of people into decision-making.

This will include six primary responsibilities:

1 Ensure that Sustainability First has a clear strategic direction aimed at fulfilling its charity objectives and that the Strategy is regularly reviewed.

2 Oversee the governance of the Charity with:

     a. an effective, diverse and relevant Board of Trustees.

     b. appropriate policies, processes & financial management such that the Charity operates within the law, in pursuit of its Strategy and demonstrating good practice.

     c. regular and effective liaison, reporting and oversight of the Executive Director, Company Secretary and, as necessary, staff and panel of experts in order to ensure effective and proportionate planning, use of resources, monitoring and reporting by the Board of Trustees.

3 Set the agenda for and chair Board meetings to ensure engagement of, and discussion amongst Trustees based on the best possible information, input from the Executive Director and team, leading to clear and accountable decision-making.

4 Appoint, support and manage the Executive Director on behalf of the Board.

5 Ensure that the charity has an income generation strategy which is monitored and actively supported by trustees and Chair, in order to achieve the Board’s stated objective to build resilience and capacity for Sustainability First to successfully fulfil its charitable objects.

6 Represent the charity externally as required.

Skills

After many years of service to our charity, our current Chair is retiring. At a time of opportunity and challenge for our organisation, we’re looking for someone with a proven track record of leadership at board level, ideally in the UK charity sector. Your experience of running and growing a small but impactful organisation in a professional or voluntary capacity will be crucial to the work of our Board, dedicated staff and expert associates.

Not one to shy away from a challenge, you will draw on your experience of collegiate collaboration, positive decision-making and effective problem-solving to help ensure funding, organisational excellence, and ultimately environmental and social change.

PERSON SPECIFICATION FOR CHAIR

The ideal candidate will have proven knowledge/ skills/ experience in the following areas:

• Governance and board experience (essential) and in a chairing or leadership role (desirable)
• *Demonstrable leadership skills consistent with Sustainability First’s values and charitable purpose (essential)
• *Ability to both manage and support the Board and Executive Director to help achieve the best outcomes (essential)
• Support the vision and mission of the charity (essential) with experience, networks and profile in one or more of our areas of operation (desirable)
• *Sufficient time and energy to fulfil the role (essential)
• A growth mindset* (essential) and income generation experience (desirable)
• *Experience of small organisations and their particular challenges in a professional or voluntary capacity (essential)
• Experience of working within the UK Charity Sector (desirable)

In addition to preparing for and chairing the Board, the Chair will be an ex officio member of all Board Panels, will line manage the Executive Director and will represent the charity externally as requested.

The commitment is likely to average around two days per month. The appointment is for an initial three-year term with the option to renew.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is 13th May. You can read our recruitment pack in full on our website. Please send a cover letter explaining your reasons for applying, the skills and experience you would bring to this role, and a copy of your CV plus a completed EDI Monitoring Form to our Company Secretary and Head of Finance, Claire Williams.

NEON is recruiting for new board members and co-chairs. Shape and support NEON’s work with social movements by joining our board. 

NEON supports over 1600 organisers and campaigners across the UK working on social, economic and climate justice. This could be anything from anti-racism, to environment and housing activism, and grassroots community organising. We work together to accelerate social movements through training, relationship-building and infrastructure support. We’ve helped a wide range of organisations, campaigns and organising groups win change through building their mobilising, communications reach and messaging.

NEON is looking for two new co-chairs and an additional two board members to join our board as we build and implement our new strategy.

Our board members  should be excited and motivated by NEON’s vision and approach, as well as offering  the time, experience and energy to help NEON thrive. 

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking for four members of the Conservation Advisory Committee.

Conservation Advisory Committee provides independent insight, advice and guidance to our Council of Trustees and Executive Board on conservation strategy, approaches, policy, and programmes, and advises them on positioning, risks and opportunities related to specific projects or policy issues.

In addition to making an important contribution to the work of the RSPB, through shaping its strategy and direction and influencing key decisions affecting its delivery of conservation outcomes, participating in an advisory committee can provide excellent networking opportunities, an opportunity to acquire practical experience of committee functions, decision-making process and further development of leadership skills, knowledge, and experience.

About you

We are looking for individuals with relevant experience to join our committees to provide independent, objective, challenging advice to support the Executive Board and Trustees in development and shaping of RSPB strategies.

Essential skills, knowledge, and experience across one or more of the following areas:

1. Knowledge of conservation delivery on land, including through agriculture and/or partnerships

2. Knowledge of conservation delivery in marine environments, policy, or operational context (including energy / fisheries sector)

3. Experience of effecting positive environmental change at in the public, private or not for profit sector

4. Experience working for or alongside the not-for-profit sector.

5. Understanding of delivery in International Operations and/or the UK Overseas Territories

6.Conservation Finance

7. Understanding of climate and social justice; working with diverse communities, people of colour and indigenous communities

8. Data Management and Analysis 

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the RSPB website, where you can find full details of the role and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role closes 30th April.

If you would like to help shape the Trust's strategic direction and ensure it continues to be a well-run charity that delivers benefits for nature, then consider becoming a trustee.

The Council of Trustees

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is governed by a council of trustees.  The Council is responsible for ensuring effective governance, setting and monitoring the Trust’s strategic direction and policies and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations (including the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006). 

Trustees are required to attend council meetings. There are eight of these per year, although this may be supplemented with additional meetings as needed. Trustees meetings are held on Monday evenings at our HQ at Lower Smite Farm with the option to join online via Zoom. Trustees are also required to attend the Annual General Meeting and meetings of any committees or working groups they are involved in. The Chair, Vice Chair, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary are elected by the Council annually. Council currently has 15 members, you can read the profiles of current Trustees on our website.

The normal mode of communication for council matters is email and electronic format documents. This enables the effective use of time and resources and minimises our environmental impacts where possible.

The Duties of a Trustee

Trustees are committed to devoting time and effort to use their skills, knowledge and experience to help Worcestershire Wildlife Trust achieve its aims:

• Ensure that the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Contribute to the development of the Trust’s strategic plan and review as appropriate.
• Act always in the Trust’s best interests, working with fellow trustees to make balanced and adequately informed decisions, considering the long term as well as the short term.
• Avoid putting oneself in a position where one’s duty to the Trust conflicts with personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation, taking special care when investing or borrowing and never over-committing the Trust.
• Ensure the Trust’s assets are only used to support or fulfil its charitable purposes and in accordance with its strategic aims and policies.
• Avoid exposing the Trust’s assets, beneficiaries or reputation to undue risk.
• Use reasonable care and skill, making use of knowledge and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary.
• Devote enough time, thought and energy to the role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings.
• Comply with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and ensure appropriate accountability to members.

Additional Duties

• Scrutinising papers before council meetings.
• Leading or participating actively in discussions.
• Maintaining a focus on key issues.
• Participating in other meetings or working groups as required.

Interested? Please see the full information and trustee recruitment pack on the Trust's volunteer recruitment webpage. 

The Community Forest Trust (CFT) supports, enables and champions England’s 15 Community Forests, creating a strong and resilient network of woodlands that enhance the environment for people, wildlife and the wider planet.

• Location: England wide
• Salary: Reasonable expenses paid
• Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 29th April

Who we are.

Community Forest Trust supports, enables and champions England’s network of Community Forests so that they have an increasing and positive impact on people’s health and happiness and the environment – improving the agriculture, commerce, and climate of derelict or harmful sites.

Community Forests ensure urban areas are economically, socially and environmentally more sustainable and resilient for everyone. They support the regeneration of local communities and create better places. They also educate and empower people about environmental matters and transform places for the social and economic well-being of the community.

About the role.

CFT  is a registered charity with a Board of Trustees and has a small but dynamic team.

They are currently looking for two new Trustees to join the Board with Finance and HR skills.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to a high-profile agenda and support the delivery of national programmes of tree planting.

All trustees must be committed to helping take the organisation through the next few years of dynamic and exciting change, evolution of operations and on-the-ground delivery.

Who are we looking for?

CFT is looking for a Finance and HR Trustees. They need to be aligned with CFT’s values and able to bring the skills listed below.

Strategic Finance & Risk Trustee:

CFT is seeking a finance and risk Trustee who has a background as a Chief Finance Officer or senior Finance Director who can offer strategic guidance to a multi-faceted, multi-million-pound charity at this pivotal time in their growth.

This individual needs to be a qualified accountant with significant experience in operating at a strategic level. A person who appreciates the needs of a complex and growing organisation with diverse income and expenditure is needed for this role. CFT’s finances are multi-faceted because they apply for funding, distribute grants and are also developing their Green Finance work so that they can monetise the outputs of England’s Community Forests, as appropriate. They are also diversifying their income including through fundraising.

The new trustee will also Chair the quarterly Finance & Risk Committee for CFT and attend the quarterly Board meetings. They will work with the CEO and Finance Manager as well as the external auditors concerning all financial matters and relevant reporting cycles.

Human Resources Trustee:

CFT needs a senior HR professional with Organisational Development experience who can offer strategic advice and support to their People Strategy and Plan. CFT, also, have a multi-faceted people management model with a small team of direct employees and a much larger pool of people who are employed by partners such as ECF and Local Authorities. They work with external professional HR support but want to develop a proactive People Strategy and monitor its operational implementation so that they can ensure all people working across the forests are aligned to the shared ambitions and purpose of England’s forests and are offered a rigorous career pathway.

CFT want to inspire people from diverse and under-represented communities to get involved in forests and to establish and champion working with trees and in forests as the attractive profession that it is.

They, also, want to embed best practices and policies into their People strategy and to ensure EDI, Learning & Development and Safeguarding are key parts of this. This new Trustee will Chair the HR Committee.

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 29th April. 

South Uist Renewable Energy Ltd (“SURE”) is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director for a fixed term of three years.

SURE operates a 6.9MW windfarm on behalf of the community of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides.  The existing board members are democratically elected by the community and this new appointment represents the first board vacancy that is also open to non-residents on a co-opted basis.  This is a fantastic opportunity for a windfarm expert to join the SURE board at a pivotal time.  Upon appointment, the new Non-Executive Director will meet with the Chief Executive and the management team for a comprehensive induction into the operations of the business. 

Standard duties of board membership apply to this role and the collective SURE Board:

• Set the strategic direction of the company
• Protect and enhance the financial performance of the company to maximise the contribution to the wider group of companies
• Focus on risk management and mitigating activity that can be implemented
• Ensure good governance
• Attend quarterly board meetings in South Uist (costs of travel and accommodation will be paid for by SURE)
• Engage in board discussion by drawing on extensive knowledge and expertise to make valuable and meaningful contributions

What SURE is looking for:

• An individual from a corporate background with extensive senior management experience
• Operational expertise in large windfarm projects (≥ 6.9MW), with direct experience of PPA negotiations, insurance policies, fault monitoring and maintenance contracts
• Experience in the windfarm repowering process would be a distinct advantage
• A qualified accountant or someone experienced in providing financial insight at strategic level
• An individual with 10+ years of board level experience

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

The Ramblers work to help everyone enjoy the pleasures and benefits of walking, and to enhance and protect the places where people walk. We are committed to encouraging and supporting walking, protecting and expanding public rights of way and access land, and protecting the beauty of the countryside and other areas.

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, and the protection of rights of way.

The Vice-Chair deputises for the Area Chair, as required, at meetings of the Area Council and Area Executive Committee, represents the Area at meetings of the 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 the oversight of 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 incumbent will 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.