Policy/Research Volunteer Roles

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.

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.

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.

WildComm is a dynamic conservation organisation dedicated to fostering the next generation of conservationists. Through affordable fieldwork training opportunities, we empower individuals to actively engage in impactful research and conservation initiatives, bridging knowledge gaps and cultivating a shared appreciation for the natural world. We offer the opportunity to develop a range of skills, which is a perfect steppingstone for your future career in conservation, or simply to take time out whilst also giving back. We are always looking for hands-on and passionate assistants to join our team and support our goals.

Key activities

We currently have a limited number of positions for participants to assist on our rhino research programme. This programme, situated in the South African bushveld of northern Limpopo, focuses on studying rhino behaviour, with a special emphasis on investigating the effects of dehorning as a method to reduce the risk of poaching. Participants will work closely with experienced staff and rangers to collect valuable data on rhino behaviour before and after dehorning procedures. Through observations, GPS recordings, and other data collection methods, participants contribute to understanding how dehorning impacts rhino behaviour and social dynamics. As a participant, you will play a pivotal role in our efforts in advancing rhino conservation efforts and ensuring a sustainable future for these magnificent creatures.

Whilst on this programme, you will also get involved in a number of other activities, including snare sweeps, invasive species removal, habitat surveys, litter picks and environmental education.

What we are looking for

Everyone at the research centre is passionate about the work they do, so we are looking for someone who is excited to make an active contribution to the project. We are open to your background, what is important is that you are committed to the cause, willing to put in the hours, and dedicated to making a real difference. There are a few qualities that make you more relevant for the programme: prior experience with the project’s field techniques or working in a southern African environment; being reliable, responsible and motivated to work hard; enjoy working as part of a team and be happy to operate under the authority of field research coordinators, whilst being competent working unsupervised; happy to work long and unsociable hours. Some activities involve long days of walking in hot and cold weather, so if you are applying for these activities, you must be prepared and able to cope with such conditions.

At WildComm, we pride ourselves on conducting serious and impactful research aimed at furthering conservation efforts. While we value camaraderie, social interaction, and an occasional beer under the stars, it's important to emphasize that our primary focus is on the research and conservation work at hand. If you're seeking a party atmosphere or are primarily interested in leisure activities, we encourage you to explore other opportunities that align more closely with those preferences. Our projects require dedication, focus, and a genuine passion for wildlife conservation, and we welcome participants who share these values and are committed to making a positive impact on the environment.

Participants are welcome to join us for any duration, but longer stays are encouraged for a more enriching experience.

How to apply

Immediate positions are available with ongoing opportunities. For further information, please see our website. When applying, kindly include your CV along with a brief statement outlining your interest in joining our team, relevant experience or transferable skills, and how you envision contributing to our research programmes. PLEASE ALSO STATE WHERE YOU SAW THIS ADVERT. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.

AgrotheraPA aims to address several challenges, including food insecurity, limited access to holistic wellness resources, and urban stressors prevalent in the City Council 9th District of Philadelphia. By integrating urban agriculture with mental health workshops and community engagement, we strive to foster food sovereignty, promote emotional well-being, and strengthen community resilience in underserved urban neighborhoods.

AgrotheraPA addresses these challenges by establishing community-driven urban agriculture initiatives that provide fresh, organic food, promote mental well-being through engagement with nature, and foster a sense of belonging and connection among residents. By offering workshops, training programs, and access to green spaces, we empower community members to take control of their food security, enhance their emotional wellness, and build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods in the City Council 9th District of Philadelphia.

RESEARCH VOLUNTEER

• Help us compile data and statistics on the positive effects of nature on mental and emotional health, as well as information specific to the City Council 9th District of Philadelphia. Your expertise will guide our impact snapshots, highlighting the transformative power of nature and community resilience.
• Volunteer 2-3 hours for 6 months.