At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board of Trustees to shape the future of botany and wild plant conservation.
- Company: The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI), dedicated to wild plant appreciation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, training opportunities, and make a real impact in conservation.
- Other info: Remote role with a diverse and inclusive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey to support botanists and promote wild plants.
- Qualifications: Passion for botany, strategic vision, and willingness to learn.
We have an exciting opportunity for one or more Trustees to join our Board.
As a Trustee you’ll have an essential role in contributing towards the future of our charity and making a real difference for botanists, botany and wild plants.
We are also looking for a Chair to lead the Board.
What difference will you make?
It's an exciting time for the BSBI, with the launch of our new website last year, and lots of fantastic projects happening throughout Britain and Ireland.
Becoming a BSBI Trustee is a wonderful opportunity to help shape our ongoing efforts and contribute your skills and experience to help us work towards a world where wild plants thrive and are valued.
Your motivation is what's most important to us, and we aim to identify how we can support you to gain valuable new skills and experience, as well as asking for your time and input.
Training is also available.
As Chair, for example, you will use (and further develop) your skills, knowledge and experience in areas such as in charity governance, financial management, strategy, decision-making and facilitating discussion.
The BSBI aims to be transparent and inclusive in the way we recruit and support our Trustees.
We welcome and value diversity and recognise that difference brings a wide range of perspectives that is valuable to our work.
What are we looking for?
- A commitment to the Society.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Strategic vision.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An ability to think creatively.
- A willingness to speak your mind.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship.
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
We are particularly looking for Trustees with skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas
- Leadership and governance (for the Chair role).
- Finance (an interest and willingness to learn about charity finance, in depth expertise is not required).
- Plant recording (which could include experience of the Vice-County Recorder role).
- Education (academic, teaching or environmental education experience).
- For the Chair we are particularly looking for someone with
- Experience of being on a board and good understanding of governance and the duties of trustees.
- Senior-level environment and / or voluntary sector background.
- A sense of strategic purpose.
- Leadership skills.
- The ability to listen and engage effectively. Comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A strong interest in botany, botanists and wild plants and commitment to our vision and mission.
- Experience of involvement in a membership organisations is desirable.
- Remote
What will you be doing?
The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) works to advance the understanding and appreciation of wild plants and support their conservation in Britain and Ireland.
Through our science and data, training and outreach, events and communications, we work towards a world where wild plants thrive and are valued.
We welcome and support everyone interested in wild plants, from beginner botanists and non-specialists to renowned experts in the field.
We have a growing membership – currently over 4,500.
We are particularly looking for Trustees with skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas
- Plant recording (with experience of the Vice-County Recorder role, or is an active recorder);
- Finance (with an interest in charity finance, in depth expertise not necessary but a willingness to learn);
- Education (academic, teaching or environmental education experience);
- Leadership and governance (Chair role).
Most of all we need Trustees with the enthusiasm and time to help us make a difference for botanists, botany and wild plants.
We are also looking for one of our new Trustees to take on the role of Chair to lead the Board of Trustees and ensure it governs the Society effectively, in line with the BSBI Strategy, vision and mission (bsbi. org/about/who-we-are).
The Chair's role is to work closely with the Chief Executive, Trustees, President and Chairs of BSBI Standing and Country Committees.
We are seeking someone with good leadership and communications skills and experience of charity governance, as well as a strong commitment to our cause and an understanding and commitment to our members’ passion for plants.
Further training and support can be provided in the role.
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Board of Trustees - Members and Chair - Volunteer in St Albans employer: Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI)
Joining the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) as a Trustee or Chair offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the conservation of wild plants while working within a supportive and inclusive environment. Our commitment to diversity ensures that all voices are valued, and we provide training and development opportunities to enhance your skills in governance, finance, and leadership. As a remote role, you can contribute meaningfully from anywhere, making it an ideal position for those passionate about botany and environmental stewardship.
Contact Details:
Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Board of Trustees - Members and Chair - Volunteer in St Albans
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Board of Trustees - Members and Chair - Volunteer in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI), don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI).
How to prepare for a job interview at Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI)
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
