At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board, support the CEO, and drive strategic direction for wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife across the South West.
- Benefits: Earn £12,500 per annum plus expenses while making a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible home-based role with some travel; commitment of around 4 days per month.
- Why this job: Be a key leader in vital conservation efforts and support local Wildlife Trusts.
- Qualifications: Significant Board-level experience and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 12500 - 12500 £ per year.
South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd (‘SWWFL’)
Remuneration: £12,500 per annum (plus expenses)
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?
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
In addition to Chair duties, the postholder will fulfil the responsibilities of a SWWFL Company Director, including:
- 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:
- Significant Board-level 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
- Commercial awareness
- Experience in risk management and organisational oversight
Personal qualities
- 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
The Chair is expected to commit around 4 days per month, including:
- 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.
Eligibility
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.
Why join us?
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.
How to apply
An application pack and form can be downloaded from the SWWFL website or upon request by emailing via the button below (please use ‘SWWFL Chair Application’ as the subject line). A copy of your CV, plus the completed application form detailing your skills and experience relevant to this role, must be included in your application.
The deadline for applications is 7th June 2026. Interviews will take place on 30th June 2026 at Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol.
Chair (Non-Executive) - Board of Directors in Bow employer: SWWFL
SWWFL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a values-driven organisation dedicated to vital conservation efforts across the South West. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and strategic leadership, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that fosters personal growth and impactful contributions to wildlife preservation. The flexibility of a home-based role, combined with the chance to engage with diverse stakeholders, makes SWWFL an attractive choice for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair (Non-Executive) - Board of Directors in Bow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the wildlife and conservation sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Non-Executive Chair role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research SWWFL thoroughly and understand their mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to speak with the Board or stakeholders, highlight your strategic thinking and decision-making abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure your CV and application form are tailored to the role, showcasing your relevant skills and experience. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair (Non-Executive) - Board of Directors in Bow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand what SWWFL is all about. Familiarise yourself with our mission and values, as this will help you tailor your application to show how you align with our goals.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and application form to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic leadership and governance knowledge, as these are key for the Chair role.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and how it relates to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is always a bonus!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWWFL
✨Know Your Governance
Familiarise yourself with the governance and regulatory requirements relevant to SWWFL. Understanding these will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to effective oversight and stewardship.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Leadership
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your strategic leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led boards or teams, particularly in a commercial environment, and how you can apply that experience to support the Wildlife Trusts.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would strengthen relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and provide examples of how you've built successful partnerships in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Conservation
Make sure to convey your genuine passion for wildlife conservation and the mission of The Wildlife Trusts. This role is about more than just governance; it's about making a real difference, so let your enthusiasm shine through during the interview.
