About the organisation
Who we are
The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) is the leading nature charity across the Thames Valley, working to bring about nature’s recovery across one of the most dynamic and pressured regions in the UK.
With more than 65 years of experience, we are a trusted partner to communities, landowners, businesses and policymakers, combining deep local knowledge with a track record of delivering lasting impact for nature.
We care for more than 80 nature reserves, work with farmers and landowners to support nature-friendly land management, and engage tens of thousands of people each year through our learning, volunteering and community programmes. Our consultancy, Future Nature, extends our reach by supporting partners to integrate nature into decision-making and development.
Today, our role goes beyond managing land. We are helping to shape how this region responds to the twin challenges of nature loss and climate change - working with communities, businesses, planners and policymakers to ensure that nature is treated as essential infrastructure for a healthy, resilient and prosperous future.
BBOWT has over 60,000 members, more than 1,700 volunteers and around 150 staff, supported by strong partnerships and a growing network of collaborators. As part of The Wildlife Trusts movement, we contribute to national impact while remaining deeply rooted in the places we serve.
Our vision is simple and ambitious: more nature everywhere, for everyone.
Our Strategy 2030
Nature is in decline at a scale and pace that demands a fundamental rethink.
Berkshire Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust Restoring it will not be achieved through conservation alone. It requires a shift in how people, communities and institutions value and act for nature.
Our Strategy 2030 sets out how we will help drive that shift building a movement for change and working at scale to ensure that at least 30% of land is well managed for nature by 2030.
This means working far beyond our own land, partnering across sectors to shape how this region grows and develops, and embedding nature as essential infrastructure for a healthy, resilient future.
About the role
As a Board, we are looking for trustees who can bring insight, challenge and a willingness to engage with complex, system-wide issues.
We are particularly keen to broaden the diversity of perspectives around the table and welcome applications from people of different backgrounds, sectors and lived experience.
We are increasingly operating at a systems level partnering with farmers, businesses, planners and communities to shape better outcomes for nature and people.
Applicants from ethnic minorities and women, especially those with financial qualifications and experience, are particularly welcomed as both are underrepresented on our board.
You should be willing to engage with complexity, bring external insight, and support the organisation to operate at a systems level.
Core responsibilities Trustees are collectively responsible for:
■ Setting and safeguarding the strategic direction of the Trust
■ Ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and regulatory compliance
■ Supporting and constructively challenging the executive team
■ Monitoring performance against strategic priorities and impact
Our ideal candidate
We are particularly looking for trustees who can:
- Bring insight from sectors such as finance, investment, land use, planning, infrastructure, business or community leadership
- Use their networks and influence to support BBOWT’s mission
- Act as ambassadors for the Trust and for nature’s recovery
- Engage with key strategic questions, including land use, growth, and long-term investment in nature
What we are looking for
You do not need previous trustee experience or a background in conservation. We are looking for individuals who bring:
- Strategic thinking and sound judgement
- Curiosity and openness to new perspectives
- A willingness to challenge constructively
- Commitment to equity, inclusion and collaboration
- A passion for creating a future where nature and people thrive together
Time commitment
The role typically involves around 10–12 days per year, including:
- Four Board meetings and two away days
- Participation in at least one committee or working group
- Time for preparation and occasional additional engagement
What’s in it for you
As a trustee of BBOWT, you will play a key role in guiding an organisation working at the forefront of nature’s recovery in one of the most complex and fast-changing regions in the UK.
You will help guide this work at a critical moment. The challenges are significant, but so is the opportunity to make a lasting difference.
This is is an opportunity to help shape how a region responds to the nature and climate crisis.
You will contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust, ensuring we remain ambitious, focused and effective in delivering our Strategy 2030 - Building a movement for change and helping to secure 30% of land well managed for nature by 2030.
Apply for the role
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