Volunteer South Oxfordshire District Chair / Trustee with CPRE Oxfordshire

What will you be doing?

As a District Chair, your activities are likely to include:

Organising (with Secretary) and chairing District Committee meetings. Helping to maintain a strong local committee, with the right balance of people and skills to cover the geographical area and CPRE’s activities Helping to work towards the right development in the right place, by enabling the group to monitor and respond as appropriate to planning applications in the area, keeping abreast of issues, and participating in any review of local planning policy. Maintaining good communications between the District and CPRE Oxfordshire branch as a whole including representing the District as a Trustee on our county-wide Branch Executive Committee.  Supporting volunteer and membership recruitment, such as arranging social events. Being an advocate for the charity – representing CPRE at meetings, talking about our work to the public and to the media. Encouraging support for positive campaign activities on issues such as hedgerows and dark skies. Maintaining relations with other conservation and community groups in the area and with the local authority.

As a trustee, the role includes:

Contributing actively to the role of the Executive Committee in setting the strategic direction for the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. Helping to ensure that the charity complies with its constitution, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations. Safeguarding the good name and values of the charity. Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity. Ensuring the financial stability of the charity and the proper investment of the charity’s funds. Appointing staff and monitoring their performance. Being an advocate for the charity and taking part in events. We ask that all trustees are, or are willing to become, members of CPRE Oxfordshire.

If this sounds a lot - don't worry!   There is lots of training and support available, including a good network of existing volunteers, and we encourage our District Chairs to follow their passions, especially if you have a particular area of interest. 

What are we looking for?

No specific knowledge or qualifications are required, as we are happy to provide training and support. However, ideally you will have:

Evidence of leadership / management experience (in paid or unpaid roles) Good people skills A commitment to CPRE An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to your duties as a trustee Strategic vision and good, independent judgement An ability to think creatively A willingness to speak your mind and participate fully in meetings A strong interest in the countryside Good computer literacy - the internet, e-mail and MS Word or equivalent.

To balance the skills of our current team, we are particularly looking for people with experience in law/ IT / human resources /fundraising /marketing and of course planning and environmental specialists are always welcome. However, we would be happy to hear from anyone who can offer a broad mix of general skills as outlined above.  

What difference will you make?

You will have the opportunity to play a key role in a respected local environmental organisation, applying your skills and experience to make a real difference and becoming part of a friendly and passionate group. The District Chair's role is vital - we have volunteers willing to participate, but we need someone able to provide the necessary leadership to guide and co-ordinate activity, and to build key relationships with local decision-makers.