Chair (Non-Executive) - Board of Directors. Job in Exeter LilyLifestyle Jobs

Remuneration: £12,500 per annum (plus expenses)

Location: Home-based, with some travel across the South West

Time commitment: Approximately 4 days per month

South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd (SWWFL), a wholly‑owned trading subsidiary of 8 regional Wildlife Trusts, is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as the Non‑Executive Chair of the Board. This pivotal leadership position provides direction to the Board of Directors, supports the Chief Executive Officer, and strengthens relationships with our owning Wildlife Trusts and partner Trusts. The Chair 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 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

• Appointed by majority vote of the Board.
• Term: normally 3 years, may be renewed, with annual performance review by the Board and owning Trusts.
• Remunerated via a contracting agreement for additional responsibilities.
• Appointee must have appropriate self‑employed status (or equivalent) to receive payment.
• Trustee of an owning Wildlife Trust may not receive remuneration in line with SWWFL governance arrangements.
• All Directors (including the Chair) 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.

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.
• Travel across the South West; many meetings are held remotely.

Eligibility

The Chair does not need to be an employee of an owning Wildlife Trust; however, they must be a member of their local Wildlife Trust and will operate within a Board that includes Directors 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.