At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board, ensuring effective governance and strategic alignment for wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation supporting vital conservation work across the South West.
- Benefits: Remuneration of £12,500 per annum plus expenses, with flexible home-based working.
- Other info: Commitment of approximately 4 days per month with opportunities for travel across the South West.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to wildlife while developing your leadership skills in a collaborative environment.
- 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
- 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
- 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 employer: SWWFL
SWWFL offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about wildlife conservation to take on a pivotal leadership role within a values-driven organisation. As a home-based Chair, you will enjoy the flexibility of remote work while contributing to meaningful initiatives across the South West, supported by a collaborative and dedicated Board. With a commitment to professional growth and a focus on strategic impact, SWWFL is an excellent employer for those looking to make a real difference in the conservation sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair (Non-Executive) - Board of Directors
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research SWWFL thoroughly, understand their mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss your strategic leadership style and how you can support the CEO.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your governance knowledge! Be prepared to talk about your understanding of regulatory requirements and financial oversight. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a leader but a responsible steward for the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Make sure to include a tailored CV and application form that highlights your relevant skills and experience for the Chair position.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair (Non-Executive) - Board of Directors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see how much you care about the mission of The Wildlife Trusts and how you can contribute to it.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Chair. We’re looking for strong leadership and governance experience, so don’t hold back on showcasing those achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your application form is easy to read and directly addresses how you meet the key responsibilities and personal qualities we’re after.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to engage with us online.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWWFL
✨Know Your Governance
Familiarise yourself with the governance structure of SWWFL and the Wildlife Trusts. Understand their Memorandum & Articles of Association, as well as the Members' Agreement. This will show your commitment to effective governance and help you articulate how you can contribute to the Board's decision-making process.
✨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 committees, managed stakeholder relationships, and navigated complex challenges. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Board effectively.
✨Emphasise Financial Acumen
Since financial oversight is a key responsibility, brush up on your financial literacy. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management, financial performance monitoring, and risk management. This will reassure the interviewers that you can oversee the financial health of SWWFL.
✨Be an Ambassador for Wildlife Trusts
Express your passion for the mission of The Wildlife Trusts and how you can act as an ambassador for SWWFL. Share your ideas on building relationships with external stakeholders and enhancing partnerships. This will reflect your commitment to the organisation's values and goals.
