Trustee - Human Resources / Legal / Public Affairs Communications in London

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international conservation charity, headquartered at Jersey Zoo in the Channel Islands, working to save species from extinction through intervention breeding of threatened species, rewilding of ecosystems, and the training of the next generation of conservation leaders. Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes.

Established by author and conservationist Gerald Durrell in 1959, Durrell’s aim is for more diverse and resilient natural landscapes in which species can thrive and people can enjoy a deeper connection with nature. Durrell delivers its conservation mission through three integrated core areas of operation:

• Field Programmes: conservation action where it is needed most
• Conservation Knowledge: training future conservation practitioners, enabling people to connect with nature, delivering the science guiding Durrell’s mission and measuring impact
• Jersey Zoo: a centre of excellence in animal husbandry, research, training, and education

With a track record of more than 50 years, Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes. The quality of our work is as important as how we deliver it. Our values underpin how we approach our work and the work environment we create.

Our Values

• Purposeful: We are clear on why we do what we do, are connected as an organisation, we understand and demonstrate enabling/delivery, we are passionate about what we do and work tirelessly to achieve it.
• Accountable: We are accountable for our actions; we act with integrity and always have the best interests of the Trust at heart. We update our knowledge and deliver excellence, and our ethics are of the utmost importance.
• Supportive: We develop and encourage our staff, work as a team, collaborate with other departments and respect each other. We promote a learning culture, treat people fairly, encourage diversity, and value the opinions and views of others.

Why volunteer as a trustee? Volunteering as a trustee is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills, experience and insight to make a meaningful difference, shaping strategies that protect biodiversity and becoming part of an impactful conservation institution. Trustees attend Board meetings held quarterly in Jersey, with flexibility for virtual attendance when appropriate.

As a Trustee, You Will:

• Safeguard the charity’s mission and values, helping ensure it is well governed, compliant and able to thrive for the long term.
• Shape the future by contributing insight and judgment to strategic decisions that guide the charity’s direction and impact.
• Provide thoughtful oversight, supporting the responsible and effective use of resources.
• Be a powerful advocate, championing the charity’s work, purpose and values and helping extend its reach within the community.

This is an opportunity to contribute at a strategic level while being part of a committed board united by a shared belief in Durrell’s work. If you would like to support our mission and vital conservation work, we would love to hear from you.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Passion and genuine interest in our cause, commitment to our mission and our values.
• Decision-making that prioritises the best interests of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
• Ability to think strategically and contribute to high-level discussions.
• Willingness to be an active participant in Board meetings and related activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; be a strong team player.
• Previous experience as a Trustee or Board Member of a not-for-profit organisation is advantageous but not essential.

We are looking for candidates with the following skill set:

Trustee 1: Human Resources, International & Strategic experience

• Significant senior level experience in HR and people leadership.
• Experience influencing strategic organisational direction and future needs.
• Experience working across international and cross-cultural environments.
• Strong understanding of organisational culture, leadership and people risk.
• Ability to operate credibly and constructively at a board level.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight on people, culture and organisational development.
• Bring an international and cross-cultural perspective to board discussions and decision making.
• Contribute to discussions on leadership, succession and workforce planning and aid in ensuring that agreed actions are acted upon.
• Act as a valued sounding board to senior leaders on people related risks and opportunities.

Trustee 2: Legal, Corporate / Commercial governance

• Legal experience in a corporate, commercial, charity, regulatory or governance environment.
• Strong understanding of risk, compliance and governance principles.
• Ability to advise the board on governance matters and support sound decision making.
• Comfortable acting as a trusted adviser rather than providing operational legal services.

In Addition To General Trustee Duties, This Role Will:

• Support the board by offering guidance on governance, risk and compliance.
• Help ensure decision-making aligns with legal and regulatory responsibilities.
• Provide high level input on contracts, policy and governance frameworks.
• Support strong board practice.

Trustee 3: Public Affairs Communications

• Professional experience in communications, marketing, media or stakeholder engagement in a charitable, corporate or commercial environment.
• Proven track record in understanding reputation, compelling storytelling and audience engagement to support fundraising targets at a strategic level.
• Proven track record in developing and delivering a successful communications strategy that supports engagement and fundraising objectives.
• Enthusiasm for championing the charity’s mission and impact.
• Skill in crafting effective and impactful narratives.

In Addition To General Trustee Duties, This Role Will:

• Advise on communications and engagement strategy at a board level.
• Support the enhancement/further development of the charity’s reputation, messaging and public profile.
• Offer insight into reaching and engaging key audiences and stakeholders.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity’s mission and impact in line with our organisational values.

Trustees do not have operational responsibilities but are there to provide collective oversight. All trustees share collective responsibility for the governance, strategy and success of the charity. We are looking for individuals who can provide support and challenge in a positive and constructive way to enable the Executive leadership team to deliver Durrell’s strategic goals.

Richard Daggett, Chair of Governance Committee will be overseeing the recruitment process for these positions.

Please apply directly via our website. www.durrell.org/get-involved/join-the-team/