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- Tasks: Lead the Regional Advisory Board and engage with local stakeholders to champion waterways.
- Company: Canal & River Trust, dedicated to enhancing wellbeing through waterways.
- Benefits: Voluntary role with travel expenses covered and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape local strategies and advocate for community wellbeing through waterways.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of the region, strong communication skills, and stakeholder engagement experience.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to environmental stewardship and community engagement.
The time commitment is expected to be between 7-15 hours per month, including preparation for and attendance at Regional Advisory Board meetings, engagement with regional stakeholders, and participation in the Trust’s national Council meetings, which take place twice per year. The appointment is for an initial three-year term, with the option to be renewed.
The Canal & River Trust is seeking to appoint a Regional Advisory Board Chair for Yorkshire & the North East. This voluntary, non-executive role will provide leadership to the Regional Advisory Board, ensuring that the region’s needs, opportunities and priorities are well understood and that the Trust’s strategy is meaningfully shaped by local insight.
The Yorkshire & North East region is vast and diverse, covering North, South and West Yorkshire, East Riding, and parts of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Teesside. Across this region, the Trust is responsible for 320 miles of historic inland waterways that flow through open countryside, historic industrial towns, and major cities such as Leeds, Sheffield and York. It also cares for numerous reservoirs, listed and significant structures, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), including Bingley Five Rise Lock, Standedge Tunnel, Tuel Lane Lock and the Tees Barrage.
The Regional Advisory Board Chair will act as an ambassador for the Trust across the region, championing its work and helping to strengthen its relationships with local authorities, partner organisations, business leaders, community groups and volunteers. They will support the Trust to extend its reach, develop new partnerships and maximise the contribution the waterways can make to wellbeing and placemaking across the region.
The Chair will work closely with the Regional Director and senior leaders within the Trust, helping to ensure that regional opportunities are recognised and pursued, challenges are constructively addressed, and that the waterways continue to be valued as a community asset for generations to come. The Chair will also serve as a member of the Trust’s national governing Council, which meets twice per year, contributing regional insight and perspectives to national governance and strategy.
Key accountabilities- Leading and chairing meetings of the Yorkshire & North East Regional Advisory Board
- Ensuring the Board provides constructive support and challenge to the regional team.
- Acting as an advocate for the Trust across the region, engaging with key stakeholders, elected representatives, community leaders and partner organisations.
- Supporting the Trust to strengthen its visibility, influence and engagement with communities across Yorkshire & the North East.
- Bringing regional knowledge and insight to strategic decisions and advising on local opportunities to enhance the impact of the waterways.
- Serving as a member of the Trust’s national Council, contributing to the charity’s wider governance and strategic direction.
- Championing the Trust’s mission, values and commitment to waterways and wellbeing.
The Canal & River Trust welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for the region and a belief in the importance of waterways for wellbeing, placemaking and environmental stewardship.
Essential skills and experience- Knowledge of the Yorkshire & North East region and its communities.
- A genuine commitment to local people and places.
- Experience engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, whether in the public, private or non-profit sectors.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to act as a persuasive and articulate ambassador for the Trust.
- Knowledge of the waterways, environmental sector, heritage assets or place-based regeneration.
- Experience of boating, volunteering, walking, cycling or using the waterways as part of daily life.
- Interest in regional economic development, community engagement or environmental policy.
Candidates will be collaborative, inclusive and committed to the Trust’s ambition to improve the wellbeing of the nation by making life better by water.
RemunerationThis is a voluntary role, but reasonable domestic travel expenses will be paid. If you are passionate about canals and waterways and want to contribute your expertise to our cause, we would love to hear from you!
Regional Advisory Board Chair - Yorkshire & North East in Leeds employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Advisory Board Chair - Yorkshire & North East in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the Canal & River Trust. Attend local events or meetings where you can meet stakeholders and community leaders – it’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the waterways! When you get the chance to chat with potential board members or stakeholders, share your enthusiasm for the region and its communities. Let them know why you care about the role and how you can make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those meetings! If you land an interview or a chat with the Trust, come armed with insights about the Yorkshire & North East region. Show that you understand the local needs and how the Trust can address them – it’ll set you apart from the crowd!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on deadlines and follow up if you haven’t heard back – persistence pays off!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Advisory Board Chair - Yorkshire & North East in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the region. Dive into the job description and think about how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for. This will help you tailor your application to show why you're the perfect fit!
Be Personal and Passionate: This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s your chance to show your passion for the waterways and the community. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to the region and its people. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While you want to share your story, remember to keep it clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. Make it easy for the reader to see your qualifications and passion without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need there to make your application stand out. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Region
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Yorkshire & North East region. Understand its communities, key stakeholders, and the unique challenges and opportunities it faces. This will help you demonstrate your genuine commitment to local people and places during the interview.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with a variety of stakeholders in the past. Whether from the public, private, or non-profit sectors, showcasing your experience will highlight your ability to act as a persuasive ambassador for the Trust.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to rehearse answers to common questions about leadership and community engagement to ensure you come across as both articulate and persuasive.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your passion for waterways and community wellbeing shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to the mission of the Canal & River Trust. This will help you resonate with the interviewers and show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely invested in the role.
