Chair (Non-Executive) - Board of Directors

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: 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

As Chair, you will:

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. 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.