Volunteer Trustee

What will you be doing?

Joining our board is a fantastic way to help us champion environmental issues such as the climate emergency, renewable energy, biodiversity and sustainable transport. As a trustee you’ll have an essential role in contributing towards the direction of our charity. Trustees also help to provide continuity, govern the charity and guide our future work. We are keen to hear from people with knowledge related to the environment, planning, nature conservation and biodiversity, climate change, farming, income generation or IT. What you will be doing

Developing and implementing our strategic plan to help us to deliver our mission Supporting the effective and efficient administration of our charity Contributing decisions to ensure the financial sustainability of our charity Ensuring we work within charity law and regulations Being a positive advocate for CPRE and encouraging others to support our work Safeguarding the good name and values of our charity We ask that all trustees are, or are willing to become, members of CPRE Providing support, advice and guidance related to your specialist area of knowledge

What are we looking for?

You will  be mostly home-based, carrying out activities around your other commitments. You will be required to attend Trustee meetings either virtually or at our office in Bedford and other in-person meetings throughout the year. A good local knowledge of Bedfordshire is important, so living locally or close to the county of Bedfordshire is essential.  As a guide, we anticipate this voluntary role will take on average 2-3 hours per week including attendance at six meetings per year and the Annual General Meeting. We encourage all Trustees to take on a specific area of responsibility which may require occasional additional hours.   The skills you need

A commitment to CPRE policies, campaigns and initiatives An understanding of, or interest in, the charity sector Some experience of working in a strategic way - paid or voluntary Independent judgement and a creative approach to problem solving An understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of a trustee, or a willingness to learn Good written and verbal communication skills Have access to a computer and the internet at home and be comfortable using them Be able to commit to volunteering regularly to suit your availability including attendance at meetings

This is an excellent opportunity to play an influential role in a respected local environmental organisation, applying your management skills and experience to make a real difference and to be part of a friendly and passionate group. The role is voluntary although we will pay all out-of-pocket expenses with prior agreement, in line with our Volunteers Policy.  CPRE Bedfordshire is a registered charity but currently transferring to a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) which will provide the benefit of limited liability for all our members and Trustees.

What difference will you make?

CPRE Bedfordshire plays a key role in protecting Bedfordshire villages from over development and preserving the countryside in both rural and urban areas.  Our real strength is our team of planning volunteers who work closely with local communities to educate and empower them to stand up for their local environment. We also campaign to raise awareness of countryside issues and encourage people to explore and engage with the countryside around them.    Moving forward we want to develop stronger relationships with those who can help make a difference.  From politicians, planners, developers and other decision makers to environmental groups who share our aims and local communities who need our support.  To do this we need to grow our organisational capacity by developing our supporters, volunteers and staff and diversifying our income streams to ensure the future sustainability of CPRE Bedfordshire.  Everyone at CPRE Bedfordshire is working hard to increase the influence of our charity and our membership to ensure that our voice is stronger. As a Trustee you can help to ensure that we continue to support our local communities.