Chair - Volunteer

Overview

We are looking for a Chair to lead our environmental charity with the Board of Trustees. We are looking for an individual to join our dedicated Board to ensure strategic oversight in line with our mission, vision and values.

The Ecology Centre’s vision is to connect people and nature for the sustainable well-being of both. We aim to provide a welcoming, safe and green space for communities to connect with each other and celebrate the joy of nature. We foster connections between people and the environment through environmental education for all and provide benefit to community, health and well-being.

Key responsibilities will include

• Providing strategic leadership to the charity in collaboration with the Board of Trustees
• Guiding the short and long-term strategic development of the charity
• Assuring and strengthening effective governance, including effective controls and monitoring of financial health, risk management and legal compliance
• Building strong relationships with key stakeholders (in the community and beyond) to establish best practice sharing and an effective fundraising strategy
• Managing a collaborative and inclusive culture at all levels of the charity and working closely with the Board of Trustees, Staff Management team and staff and volunteer base to ensure a thriving charity in line with our values.

We are looking for an individual who shares our values and who brings suitable commercial acumen and leadership skills to drive strategic growth and effective governance. This is a voluntary role and, though we ask that Board members are able to devote approximately 3-7 hours per week to the charity’s work, we work in a respectful environment that is flexible to your individual circumstances.

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will play a critical role in designing and overseeing the strategic direction of our charity in collaboration with the Board of Trustees and Staff Management team. You will act as Chair to a close-knit, committed Board of Trustees, ensuring robust financial oversight, governance and innovation.

We are looking for an individual who can help to bring our mission and vision to life and who can oversee the effective commercial management of the charity. Previous experience in environmental and/or third sector roles is welcome but not necessary, and prior Board or Executive Committee experience is not required. Most important are integrity, a team‑working ethos, and a passion to help develop and grow our charity.

While we love to hear from individuals who are connected to our community and can have an occasional presence on-site, we welcome fully remote involvement for the right individuals.

We believe strongly that an inclusive Board makes us better - better at decisions, better at impact, better at living our values. We actively encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in trustee roles, including (but not limited to) people of colour, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from lower-income backgrounds, carers, and those with non-linear career paths. If you face hidden barriers or need adjustments at any stage, we will work with you - respectfully and confidentially.