At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board, support the CEO, and ensure effective governance for wildlife conservation.
- Company: Join a values-driven organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife across the South West.
- Benefits: Earn £12,500 per annum plus expenses while making a real difference.
- Other info: Home-based role with some travel; unique opportunity for impactful leadership.
- Why this job: Be a key leader in vital conservation efforts and shape the future of wildlife.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience, strong stakeholder management, and financial literacy required.
The predicted salary is between 12500 - 12500 £ per year.
Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors
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: Do you care about the work of the Wildlife Trusts and want to make a real difference to the future of our treasured wildlife?
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.
- Lead the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance, decision-making and accountability
- Work closely with the CEO, providing both support and constructive challenge
- Oversee financial performance, risk management and regulatory compliance
- Lead the annual appraisal and development of the CEO
- Ensuring robust governance, financial oversight and risk management
- Supporting long-term sustainable success of the business
Term: normally 3 years, may be renewed, with annual performance review by the Board and owning Trusts
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.
Personal qualities:
- Senior strategic leadership experience (ideally in a commercial environment)
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building experience
- Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements
- High level of financial literacy
- Commercial awareness
- Experience in risk management and organisational oversight
Regular meetings with the CEO and Finance Manager. Some travel across the South West will be required, although many meetings are held remotely.
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.
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’ in your subject header).
Board Member/Non Executive Director in Devon employer: SWWFL
Contact Detail:
SWWFL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Board Member/Non Executive Director in Devon
✨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 sharing your interest in the Non-Executive Chair role. You never know who might have insider info or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research SWWFL thoroughly and understand their mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in governance and financial oversight. Be ready to discuss how you can support the CEO and lead the Board effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! When you get the chance to meet with the Board or stakeholders, demonstrate your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in a non-profit or conservation context.
✨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 the role and familiar with their processes. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and passion for wildlife conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Board Member/Non Executive Director in Devon
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 work of the Wildlife Trusts and how you can make a real difference.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your senior strategic leadership experience and any relevant skills in governance, financial oversight, and risk management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate brevity, so avoid fluff and get straight to what makes you a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWWFL
✨Know Your Stuff
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 Skills
As a potential Non-Executive Chair, it's crucial to demonstrate your strategic leadership experience. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, managed stakeholders, or navigated complex governance issues.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the organisation's future direction, challenges they face, and how you can contribute. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in the long-term success of SWWFL.
✨Emphasise Financial Acumen
Given the financial oversight responsibilities, be ready to discuss your financial literacy. Bring examples of how you've managed budgets, assessed financial risks, or contributed to financial strategy in previous roles. This will reassure them of your capability in this area.