At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Board of Directors and support wildlife conservation efforts.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife in 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 across the South West.
- Why this job: Be a strategic leader and ambassador for vital conservation work.
- Qualifications: Significant Board-level experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
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:
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’ 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.
Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors in Okehampton employer: SWWFL
SWWFL offers a unique opportunity to lead a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation across the South West. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and strategic leadership, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values their contributions and fosters professional growth. The role of Non-Executive Chair not only allows for meaningful engagement with key stakeholders but also provides the chance to make a significant impact on the future of our treasured wildlife.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors in Okehampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the wildlife and conservation sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential collaborators and decision-makers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SWWFL and its mission. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them. Tailor your talking points to show you’re the perfect fit for their strategic goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss your approach to governance and stakeholder management. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate how you’ve successfully led teams and made impactful decisions.
✨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 SWWFL team and making a difference in wildlife conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors in Okehampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to really understand SWWFL and our mission. This will help you tailor your personal statement and show us how your values align with ours.
Craft Your Personal Statement:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the role. Be specific about how your background makes you a great fit for leading our Board.
Keep It Professional:While we love a friendly tone, remember that this is a leadership position. Keep your language professional and ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly formatted. First impressions count!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the necessary documents in one place. Don’t forget to include your CV and personal statement!
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 accountability.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous Board-level experience and how you've successfully chaired meetings. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've provided strategic direction and supported CEOs in past roles.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your stakeholder management skills during the interview. Discuss how you've built strong relationships in previous roles, especially in a collaborative environment, as this is crucial for the Chair position.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for Conservation
Make sure to convey your genuine interest in the mission of The Wildlife Trusts. Share any personal experiences or initiatives you've been involved in that align with conservation efforts, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
