At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity focused on biodiversity and community engagement in south-west London.
- Company: A passionate charity dedicated to enhancing local nature reserves and community involvement.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and contribute to environmental sustainability.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and help shape the future of local green spaces.
- Qualifications: Experience in nature conservation, education, or community engagement is essential.
Based in Barnes in Richmond Borough, we are a charity that increases biodiversity and climate resilience in partnership with the local Council and in collaboration with our local community.
We manage Barnes Common and Leg O’Mutton Local Nature Reserves and, when funding is provided, other local ecologically significant sites.
We recently partnered to receive central government funds for natural flood resilience work around our local Thames tributary, Beverley Brook.
Our monitoring programme includes award winning citizen science.
Established in 2013 and currently with a board of six trustees, the charity has professional staff that support 7,000 hours of volunteer time.
We provide outdoor learning for local schools, as well as running a community engagement programme providing lifelong learning, and a community growing project.
In 2019 we received the Queen’s Award for voluntary service.
We are now looking to expand our board to bring in the capacity and skills we need to capitalise on our opportunities.
What our trustees do: They set the vision and lead the charity: deciding how it is run and ensuring it does what it was set up to do.
Their tasks include: Strategic decision making, oversight of risks, and managing finance and investments Leading and supporting key relationships, including with the Council, partner organisations and the local community Applying their individual skills to support the work of a small professional team working in nature conservation, education and community engagement Who we are looking for: You should have a connection to south-west London as well as a demonstrable appreciation of wild spaces, and an understanding of their contribution to biodiversity and wellbeing, and of the challenges they face.
We are also looking for candidates that: Are committed to understanding and playing their part in charity governance and as trustee Have the ability to work collaboratively and be resourceful, including in making and bringing connections that help us deliver our goals Are able to attend four in person board meetings each year plus a strategy day, plus ad hoc communication / involvement, extent depending on skills brought.
Bring one of the following three specific skills: Practical nature conservation expertise, perhaps in an urban environment, including knowledge of relevant statutory /non-statutory frameworks and potential partners Education expertise relevant to helping us apply our experience in outdoor learning to the forthcoming GCSE in Natural History Community engagement expertise, including perhaps in digital comms, particularly to help build community giving as a key part of our funding model going forward We welcome applicants of all ages and backgrounds, and are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Trustee with experience of community engagement employer: Barnes Common Limited
As a charity dedicated to enhancing biodiversity and climate resilience in the heart of Barnes, we offer a unique opportunity for trustees to engage deeply with the local community while making a tangible impact on our natural environment. Our collaborative work with the Council and local organisations fosters a supportive and inclusive culture, where your skills can directly contribute to meaningful projects like outdoor learning and community engagement initiatives. Join us in our mission to protect and enrich our local green spaces, and be part of a team that values diversity, equity, and lifelong learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee with experience of community engagement
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Barnes Common Limited.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Barnes Common Limited.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Barnes Common Limited.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Barnes Common Limited. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee with experience of community engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Barnes Common Limited. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Trustee with experience of community engagement, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnes Common Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Barnes Common Limited. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
