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About the organisation
Joining the Bumblebee Conservation Trust means stepping into a purpose-driven, science-led team dedicated to solving one of the UK’s most critical environmental challenges: securing the future of wild pollinators. Founded in 2006 by Professor Dave Goulson, the Trust has grown from a visionary initiative into the UK’s leading authority on bumblebee populations, ecology, and habitat restoration.
Working here offers a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference. With two UK bumblebee species driven to extinction in the last century and several others facing severe decline, our daily work directly safeguards essential pollinators, protects biodiversity, and restores thriving ecosystems. We bridge rigorous scientific research with practical execution, managing on-the-ground habitat projects, advocating for effective environmental policy, and conducting vital research.
At the heart of our work is a nationwide community movement. Through flagship initiatives like BeeWalk, the UK’s standard bumblebee monitoring scheme, we empower thousands of volunteers, landowners, and local groups to gather essential data that shapes national conservation strategies.
As a dynamic, nationwide charity, the Trust fosters a welcoming, flexible, and inclusive work environment. Every team member—whether working in field conservation, policy, operations, fundraising, or public engagement—plays a visible and valued role in our collective success. We work collaboratively across three core focus areas: creating and restoring connected networks of flower-rich habitats across rural and urban landscapes, leading national research to track population trends, and inspiring the public to transform gardens and community spaces into bee-friendly havens.
If you are looking for a career where your professional skills translate into meaningful, lasting environmental change, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust provides a supportive and ambitious community where your passion can truly thrive.
About the role
Use your finance expertise to help secure a future for bumblebees. The Bumblebee Conservation Trust is looking for a Trustee & Finance Committee Chair to join our Board and support the strong financial stewardship of a science-led conservation charity.
You will chair our Finance Committee and provide strategic oversight of financial planning, reporting, controls, reserves and risk, working with fellow Trustees, our Chief Executive and senior team to help the Trust remain resilient, well governed and able to deliver lasting impact for bumblebees, pollinators, people and nature.
We are seeking a qualified accountant with strong financial management experience, sound judgement and the ability to explain financial information clearly. Charity finance experience would be welcome but is not essential. We warmly encourage applications from people who are new to trusteeship as well as those with previous Board or committee experience.
Based anywhere in the UK. Time commitment is around one day a month. Download the recruitment pack for full details and how to apply. Closing date: 10am on Monday 12th October 2026. Interviews are expected to take place via Zoom on 2nd and 3rdNovember.
Our ideal candidate
The ideal candidate is a fully qualified accountant with robust expertise in financial accounting and management, capable of translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for the Board and key stakeholders. Possessing strong analytical acumen and sound judgment, they demonstrate a solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities associated with trusteeship. As the Chair of the Finance Committee, they bring effective communication and leadership skills to facilitate productive meetings and guide financial governance—though prior experience specifically as a Committee Chair is not required. Central to their approach is an unwavering commitment to equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion across all governance and strategic activities.
In addition to core financial competencies, the candidate ideally brings tailored knowledge of charity finance, charity regulation, and fundraising practices. They offer a deep dedication to the organisation’s mission, standing ready to advocate for the cause and serve as an authentic ambassador to external bodies, charities, and commercial partners. Their profile is further enhanced by broader non-executive governance and strategic management experience across domains such as business strategy, HR, legal compliance, audit, or risk management. Previous experience leading committees or formal meetings is highly desirable, ensuring seamless oversight and confident leadership of the charity’s financial function.
What’s in it for you
Trustees help ensure we achieve our core purpose by overseeing the charity’s management and administration, setting a clear strategy, and ensuring our work aligns with our vision. They support and challenge the Executive so the Trust can grow, thrive, and increase the number and distribution of bumblebees.
Apply for the role
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