At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our board to help shape the future of Yorkshire's wildlife.
- Company: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, dedicated to protecting nature since 1946.
- Benefits: Gain leadership experience, training, and support while making a difference.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we encourage applications from all backgrounds, especially younger candidates.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team working to make Yorkshire wilder.
- Qualifications: Skills in conservation, finance, law, or digital are welcome; no prior trustee experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 25272 - 26400 £ per year.
Are you passionate about Yorkshire's wildlife? We are looking for three new trustees to join our board in October. We seek individuals who share our vision of making Yorkshire that little bit wilder and bringing people closer to nature.
The Wildlife Trust was established in 1946, through the acquisition of our founding nature reserve, Askham Bog in York. Now we have a team of nearly 200 staff, working with approximately 900 volunteers and local communities to foster understanding of the climate and nature crises and inspire action. The Trust directly manages over 100 nature reserves and works across Yorkshire's upland and lowland landscapes as well as around our coast and in the marine environment with partners to care for wildlife and wild places.
We are particularly looking for people who are passionate about the natural world and have skills and experience in one or more of the following:
- Conservation, wildlife or ecology
- Land acquisition, management or farming
- Financial and business skills
- Legal skills
- Charity fundraising
- Digital
You do not need prior experience as a charity trustee. Everyone who feels they have skills and time to offer is very welcome to apply. We are particularly keen to appoint more women to the Board. We also welcome applications from younger people, those from an ethnic minority background, or who are living with a disability, as these groups are under-represented in our current board. We know that greater diversity on the Board helps us to make better decisions and to better represent the diversity of our membership and the communities of Yorkshire.
Our trustees have a key leadership role at the Trust, setting the direction of the organisation and helping us achieve our aims. Becoming a trustee means taking on a voluntary role, using your skills to support and guide the charity to achieve our agreed vision and goals. You can expect to commit at least 5 hours a month to Trust affairs, preparing for and attending meetings. The role can be demanding at times but deeply rewarding, and you will be part of a friendly, energetic team.
As a new trustee, you will receive support through trustee induction meetings, training and peer-to-peer mentoring to help you in your role. Reasonable expenses arising from trustee duties can be covered.
Closing date for applications: 7 September 2026. For a candidate application pack and details of how to apply, please visit: careers.ywt.org.uk. We are holding an online Q&A/information event on Teams on 21 July. Individual telephone discussions will be available in early August for candidates who couldn't make the online event. To attend the online event or to have an individual telephone appointment, please contact Julia Simpson, Executive Assistant, by email.
Trustee - Yorkshire employer: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
As a trustee with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, you will join a passionate team dedicated to making Yorkshire wilder and fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. The Trust offers a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities for personal growth through training and mentorship. This voluntary role not only allows you to contribute to vital conservation efforts but also connects you with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to protecting wildlife and wild places in Yorkshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee - Yorkshire
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee - Yorkshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
