About the organisation
Plantlife is the global charity working to enhance, protect, restore and celebrate the wild plants and fungi that are essential to all life on earth.
With two in five plant species at risk of extinction, biodiversity loss is now the fastest it’s ever been – which means our work has never been more vital. We champion and accelerate conservation action in England, Wales and Scotland, and work at the heart of a global network of individuals and organisations, to influence and inspire landowners and land managers, public and private bodies, governments and local communities.
We are using our position as the leading voice for wild plants and fungi to bring lasting and positive change to our natural world – for the benefit of everyone.
About the role
We are looking for up to three new Trustees to work with our highly motivated and sector-leading staff to help deliver tangible conservation impact and engage the public in plant conservation.
You will join a small, dynamic and motivated team, to help deliver tangible conservation impact and engage the public in plant conservation. As a Trustee you will always work as part of a group meaning that responsibilities are always shared.
To actively support this team, it is important that you can devote the time necessary to fully engage and participate with Board business. Below details the expectations of a Plantlife Trustee in more detail.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for applicants with a keen interest, knowledge, and enthusiasm for our work, who are willing to champion wild plants, fungi and the environment, are motivated to deliver meaningful change for nature, and able to devote time to support Plantlife expand its reach and impact.
All applications are welcome. To help balance current Board membership skills, knowledge and experience we would particularly welcome expressions of interest from under-represented groups. This includes those aged 18-30 years as we acknowledge this age group is underrepresented currently, and feel youth representation, influence and impact belongs in decision-making spaces for wild plants and fungi.
We would also welcome applicants with skills, experience or knowledge, in the following areas (these skills, knowledge or experience could be gained from academic courses, work experience, lived experience or other volunteering activities):
- Legal, in particular those experienced in charity law and compliance;
- Skills in digital marketing, social media or PR;
- Campaigning and volunteer management;
- Corporate fundraising, regulatory compliance and green finance.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following skills and competences:
1. Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as a trustee, and to act in the best interests of the organisation, with commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
2. Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and problem solving, and integrity to work effectively as a board member.
3. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion, respect the views of others and challenge effectively for the benefit of the organisation.
4. A strong personal commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
5. Enthusiasm and understanding of Plantlife’s strategic objectives.
6. Willingness to lead according to our values:
- We are Friendly and supportive
- We are Ambitious
- We are Collaborative
- We are Expert and credible
What’s in it for you
To support new Trustees Plantlife offers an induction process, an informal Board ‘buddy’ system, as well as through the opportunity to join site visits that allow Trustees to see the effects of Plantlife’s activities on the ground and meet with staff.
We recognise that some applicants may be new to a Trustee role, we want to reassure these individuals that it is recognised this role is a development opportunity and you will be fully supported and inducted into the role by the Board.
Apply for the role
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