Volunteer Trustees

What will you be doing?

The pandemic has shown how much we all need and value the green spaces around us, so our work is more important now than ever.  The local countryside has a crucial role to play for everyone, for health and wellbeing, recreation, nature and biodiversity, carbon sequestration, farming and food production, or the enjoyment of scenic landscapes. We have a strong and diverse Board of Trustees.  All of our Trustees perform dual roles.  Collectively responsible for the governance of the charity, each Trustee is also directly involved in some aspect of our day to day work. To help grow our influence and impact, we are now expanding our Board and wish to appoint additional Trustees who have a passion for the countryside. We’re seeking individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience. We particularly welcome candidates with experience in marketing, publicity, or events management, and those with senior leadership experience.  Please note you should live in or near Hertfordshire and have some occasional weekday availability in order to collaborate effectively with our paid staff and volunteers. Duties include:

Draw on your experience to provide input and advice on enhancing our charity's public profile, broadening our reach to more audiences, and growing our membership; Be an advocate for the charity at all times – taking an interest in our campaigns and talking about our work, asking people to join or donate; Provide strategic direction to the organisation, helping set overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance; Help ensure that the charity complies with its constitution, charity law, and other relevant legislation or regulations; Oversee the financial stability and effective administration of the charity; Help protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure proper investment of the charity’s funds; Have oversight of staff and volunteer appointments and resourcing; Safeguard the good name and values of the charity.

What are we looking for?

You will be mostly home-based, carrying out activities around your other commitments and attending occasional meetings on Zoom and at our office in Welwyn.  As a guide, we anticipate this voluntary role will require on average 1 - 3 hours per week.  This includes participation in six Trustee Board meetings per year (these are usually in the evening), the Annual General Meeting, and occasional other meetings and events. All Trustees should have:

a strong interest in the countryside; an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship; the necessary time and scheduling flexibility to fulfill their role; an ability to think strategically; a willingness to speak their mind and participate fully in meetings; good digital skills including internet, email, MS Word, and social media.

In accordance with our constitution, all Trustees must be, or become, members of CPRE Hertfordshire. It’s easy to join online. Trustees may serve for up to 6 years.

What difference will you make?

At CPRE Hertfordshire we want to encourage everyone to connect with the beautiful countryside and its benefits.  As a Trustee you will be able to make a significant and direct contribution to the development and implementation of our strategy and ensure the success of the charity.  And with your events management and/or marketing and publicity activities, you will be helping ensure the ongoing sustainability of our charity. What's in it for the volunteer? CPRE volunteers are motivated to help for a range of reasons, but normally they have a strong interest in protecting and enhancing the environment, as well as encouraging people to enjoy the countryside and all it has to offer.  This is an excellent opportunity to play an influential role in a respected local environmental organisation, to apply your skills and experience to make a real difference and to be part of a friendly and passionate group. Benefits include:

A great opportunity to use your existing experience and to develop new skills Working with others to make a difference both locally and nationally The potential to meet and discuss issues with a wide range of like-minded people Opportunities to attend local and national CPRE training, activities, events and workshops

CPRE Hertfordshire is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) which provides the benefit of limited liability for members and Trustees.