At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic alignment for wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation supporting local Wildlife Trusts across the South West.
- Benefits: Remunerated role with flexible home-based work and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to influence conservation efforts and support local communities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife preservation while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors
Location: Home-based, with some travel across the South West
Time commitment: Approximately 4 days per month
Do you care about the work of the Wildlife Trusts and want to make a real difference to the future of our treasured wildlife?
Company Description
South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd (SWWFL) works to inspire people to support their local Wildlife Trusts by encouraging membership and regular donations. Operating across the south and west of the UK, SWWFL manages teams of Membership Recruiters who engage the public at local events and venues. The organisation is wholly owned by the Wildlife Trusts it supports, ensuring that surpluses are reinvested into conservation efforts. Committed to ethical and effective face-to-face fundraising, SWWFL complies with legal standards and the Fundraising Regulator's Code of Fundraising Practice, as well as the Chartered Institute of Fundraising standards, to help secure vital support for wildlife preservation.
About the role
SWWFL, a wholly-owned trading subsidiary of 8 regional Wildlife Trusts, is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Non-Executive Chair of the Board. This is a pivotal leadership position, providing direction to the Board of Directors, supporting the Chief Executive Officer, and strengthening relationships with our owning Wildlife Trusts and partnerships with client Trusts. You will also serve as a Company Director of SWWFL, sharing responsibility for the oversight, stewardship, and long-term success of the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a purpose-driven organisation supporting the work of The Wildlife Trusts across the extended South West.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance, decision-making and accountability
- Work closely with the CEO, providing both support and constructive challenge
- Ensure strong strategic alignment between SWWFL and its owning Wildlife Trusts and client Wildlife Trusts
- Oversee financial performance, risk management and regulatory compliance
- Chair Board meetings and ensure effective participation from all Directors
- Act as an ambassador for SWWFL with external stakeholders and partner Wildlife Trusts
- Lead the annual appraisal and development of the CEO
Governance and Director responsibilities
- Acting in accordance with the SWWFL Memorandum & Articles of Association and Members’ Agreement
- Exercising independent judgement, care and diligence
- Ensuring robust governance, financial oversight and risk management
- Supporting long-term sustainable success of the business
Terms of appointment
- The Chair is appointed by majority vote of the Board
- Term: normally 3 years, may be renewed, with annual performance review by the Board and owning Trusts
- The Chair role is remunerated, via a contracting agreement, in recognition of additional responsibilities
- The person appointed must, therefore, have appropriate and genuine self‑employed status (or equivalent) to receive payment
- Where a Trustee of an owning Wildlife Trust is appointed, they cannot receive remuneration in line with SWWFL governance arrangements
- All Directors (including the Chair in their Director capacity) are subject to SWWFL governance requirements
About you
We are looking for someone who brings:
Experience
- Proven experience of chairing meetings
- Senior strategic leadership experience (ideally in a commercial environment)
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building experience
Skills & knowledge
- Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements
- High level of financial literacy
- Experience in risk management and organisational oversight
- Strategic, decisive and emotionally intelligent
- Collaborative and diplomatic, with strong interpersonal skills
- Confident in an ambassadorial role
- Committed to the mission of The Wildlife Trusts
Time commitment
- Regular meetings with the CEO and Finance Manager
- 6 Board and Stakeholder meetings annually
- 4 Finance & Remuneration Committee meetings
- Meetings with auditors and owning Trust CEOs
- Some travel across the South West will be required, although many meetings are held remotely.
The Chair does not need to be an employee of an owning Wildlife Trust. However, they do need to be a member of their local Wildlife Trust, and they will operate within a Board that includes Directors who are drawn from the owning Trusts: Avon, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire & Isle of Wight, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire Wildlife Trusts. This is a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role in a values-driven organisation, helping to support vital conservation work across the South West and beyond.
Non Executive Chair in Exeter employer: South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd
South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd is an excellent employer for those passionate about wildlife conservation, offering a vibrant work culture that values community engagement and environmental stewardship. With flexible weekend hours, comprehensive training, and the potential for strong earnings, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in Worcestershire. Join a team that celebrates your contributions and fosters personal growth in a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Non Executive Chair in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the wildlife and conservation sectors. Attend events, engage on social media, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re looking for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SWWFL and its mission. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in making a difference in wildlife conservation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the role of Non-Executive Chair. Think about how your experience can drive strategic alignment and governance at SWWFL. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and supporting the Wildlife Trusts’ mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Non Executive Chair in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for wildlife conservation shine through. We want to see how much you care about the mission of The Wildlife Trusts and how your values align with ours.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your experience in chairing meetings and strategic leadership. We’re looking for someone who can bring their expertise to the table, so don’t hold back on those impressive achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead in wildlife conservation.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd
✨Know Your Wildlife Trusts
Before the interview, dive deep into the mission and values of the Wildlife Trusts. Understand their current projects and challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous roles in strategic leadership and governance. Prepare specific examples where you've successfully chaired meetings or led teams, highlighting your decision-making skills and ability to foster collaboration.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Expect questions about your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders. Think of instances where you've built strong partnerships or navigated complex stakeholder dynamics, as this is crucial for the Non-Executive Chair role.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since financial oversight is a key responsibility, brush up on your financial literacy. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets or assessed financial performance in past roles, showcasing your ability to ensure the organisation's long-term success.
