Volunteer New Trustees

What will you be doing?

The CIC was incorporated in 2019 to bridge the gap between the unique heritage hand, sail & oar industry, and the missing scientific data evidence, that is needed to protect the critically endangered species and the fragile marine habitat. One of the greatest challenges in recent years, is the unlawful pollution of our waters by disrespectful water companies, and while the constant news headlines will hopefully lead to prosecutions and eventually a much cleaner marine environment for future generations, it is a monumental mountain to climb to achieve that. Fal Fishery Cooperative are seeking new trustees to work alongside the existing team who feel passionate about everything we believe in, and can offer expertise to assist in making sure we are supported financially for years to come There is a vast landscape of funding out there and we believe that the CIC is addressing a great many challenges that the funders like to see, whether that is reducing carbon emissions, or protecting marine species, or improving the local community’s chance of survival in these difficult cost of living times. We do rely on funding, whether that be the local community via Crowdfunder support, or whether it be scientific research or community or innovation funding, either way there is always a significant amount of time required to explore the funding landscape, make applications in what is often a short time frame, and deliver/monitor/report projects that are successfully supported. Fal Fishery Cooperative has had some excellent coverage and visibility of the work we do, including: BBC Countryfile and Rick Steins Cornwall, ITV’s Julia Bradbury Walks Devon & Cornwall as well as local and national coverage in the news with most of this achieved with our very small team. Now the time is right to seek further support and increase our volunteer trustee programme to ensure we build on this solid platform to match our ambitions, both for the planet and the people We would gratefully encourage anyone, with a background in education, marine research, funding applications, finance, social media, and working afloat, to apply. We also encourage those from the local communities, Mylor/Falmouth/Cornwall/Southwest/UK but are very open to those based further afield, as different time zones do provide longer working hours in the 24hr day, and much of our work is administration that can easily be done from home.

What are we looking for?

We would love to have on board, enthusiastic, innovative and dedicated volunteers with a passion for promoting and preserving our heritage. You will have a proven track record of winning substantial bids and will also have the ability to edit previous applications in order to amend, improve or enhance the chance of success for future bids. You will need to be self motivated, disciplined and reliable as the delivery of on time and accurate bid applications is of paramount importance. You will be working closely with our managing director to write to potential funders such as council grant bodies, government departments or corporate organisations. You will need an eye for detail and the ability to make our bids and grant applications stand out from the crowd. Meeting deadlines and working within the guidelines and parameters set for each bid or proposal is essential. The position is open to one or more people, the time required will vary according to demand. You will also be expected to attend Zoom meetings and to report your progress to the board.

What difference will you make?

By joining our team you will be part of an innovative and exciting venture. You will be helping to conserve a unique heritage whilst aiding the bringing together of oyster gatherers, merchants, processors, boatbuilders, sailmakers, students, researchers and governing bodies. Another essential element of our work is the establishment of a hatchery and aquaculture nursery project created to prevent the extinction of the unique Fal Native Oyster, otherwise known as Ester. In case you did not know, at this time, 85 to 95% of the world stocks of Native oysters have been lost to overfishing, pollution of disease.