At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Trustee Board to ensure effective governance and strategic direction.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to wildlife conservation in Shropshire.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in leadership and governance; expenses reimbursed.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of four days per month with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation efforts and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and a passion for inclusivity; conservation experience not essential.
Are you the right applicant for this opportunity? Find out by reading through the role overview below.
Voluntary position in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Four days per month on average for a four-year term. Closing date - 15th June 2026. First Stage Interview – Week commencing 29th June 2026. Second Stage Interviews – Week commencing 13th July 2026.
We’re at an exciting time in the Trust’s development. In 2022 we adopted a new theory of change and impact measurement framework setting out how we will implement The Wildlife Trusts’ strategy for 2030 in Shropshire. We build on the Trust’s strong reputation and detailed experience to develop ambitious new programmes to deliver the strategic goals in Shropshire, and in partnership with other Trusts in the Severn basin.
We are looking for a forward-thinking and inclusive Chair to help lead us on our journey, who can combine personal humility with an urgency to achieve the Trust’s strategic goals and the drive to support ongoing organisational development. This is a demanding, yet rewarding role suited to someone who can navigate through complex relationships and communicate well at all levels. Experience of conservation is not essential. More important is an understanding of governance and ideally of the charity sector, an ability to see the strategic picture and the ability to harness the skills of talented board members.
The role requires a time commitment – approximately equating to up to four days per month on average for a four-year term, which can be renewed by mutual agreement. There are four council meetings and an AGM to chair annually (currently there is no vice-chair). This is a voluntary position; it is not remunerated although expenses are reimbursed.
The Role
- To lead the Trustee Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation by ensuring that the organisation acts in accordance with its constitution, the Charity Commission Code of Practice and by managing its activities.
- To work in partnership with the Chief Executive helping them to achieve the Trust’s strategic goals, and with the Board of Trustees ensure appropriate line management of the CEO.
- To optimise the relationship between the board and staff/volunteers; and between SWT and The Wildlife Trusts.
- To attend all board meetings plus RSWT events such as open days, conferences and leaders’ days where appropriate.
Key priorities for Chair during tenure
- To support the CEO and leadership team in the successful implementation of the 2030 Strategy in Shropshire.
- To drive forward becoming a truly inclusive and diverse organisation, supporting our internal development but also reaching out to new audiences.
- To maintain and nurture our standing and relationships within The Wildlife Trusts and with other key partners.
Essential Skills
- A natural team player and good listener.
- Leading, motivating, and empowering others.
- Building trusting relationships – diplomatic, gutsy but caring.
- Rational, clear thinker who forms judgements independently.
- Developing strategy and effecting change.
- Flexibility, sensitivity, and consensus building including conflict resolution.
- Leading with a visionary and strategic perspective.
- Some understanding of relevant legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities (although training will be given).
The Trust is committed to building an equal, diverse and inclusive workforce; we encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.
Chair of Trustees employer: Shropshire Wildlife Trust
The Shropshire Wildlife Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead and influence conservation efforts in a collaborative and inclusive environment. As Chair of Trustees, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the Trust's strategic direction while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on the local ecosystem. With a commitment to diversity and personal development, this voluntary position allows you to contribute meaningfully to the community while gaining invaluable governance experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Trustees
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with others who share your passion for conservation. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for interviews by researching the organisation and its goals. Understand their 2030 strategy and think about how your skills can help them achieve it. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a potential Chair of Trustees, you'll need to navigate complex relationships. Role-play interviews with friends or family to build confidence in articulating your vision and ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Trustees
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you really understand what the Chair of Trustees role involves. Dive into the job description and highlight key responsibilities and skills. This will help us see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Be Authentic:When you're putting together your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get a sense of who you are, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for conservation and governance in your own words.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this specific role. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your leadership skills and ability to work collaboratively. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our Trust!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shropshire Wildlife Trust
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Chair of Trustees. Familiarise yourself with the Trust’s strategic goals and how they align with the 2030 Strategy. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences can contribute to achieving these objectives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and empower others. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully built trusting relationships and navigated complex situations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead the Trustee Board effectively.
✨Prepare for Governance Discussions
Brush up on governance principles and the charity sector. Even if you don’t have direct experience in conservation, showing that you understand the legal duties and responsibilities of a trustee will impress the interviewers. Consider how you would approach governance challenges and be ready to share your thoughts.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
The Trust is keen on becoming a more inclusive organisation. Be ready to discuss how you would support this initiative and reach out to new audiences. Share any relevant experiences you have in promoting diversity and inclusion within teams or organisations.
