Chair (Non-Executive) – Board of Directors Full Time NEW

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 or upon request by emailing [email protected] (please use ‘SWWFL Chair Application’ in your subject header). 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.