Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors in Exeter

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 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

• 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

• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements
• High level of financial literacy
• Commercial awareness
• 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

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’ in your subject header). A copy of your CV, plus a personal statement 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.