Trustees

CPRE Hertfordshire, the countryside charity, campaigns to protect and promote the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside for everyone to enjoy. 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. 

We have a strong and diverse Board of Trustees. All of our Trustees perform dual roles. Collectively they are responsible for the governance of the charity. And individually, each Trustee is directly involved in one or more aspects of our day to day work.

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.

What will you be doing? 

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 dedicated group. 

Trustee 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;

·        Safeguard the good name and values of the charity;

·        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.

What are we looking for?

You will be 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, including some weekday availability to work as a team member with our paid staff and volunteers

·        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 and protect the beautiful countryside and its benefits. As a Trustee you will be able to make a significant and direct contribution to the success of the 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. A number of our former Trustees continue to actively volunteer for the charity and have been with us for many years.

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

The role is voluntary although we will pay out-of-pocket expenses with prior agreement, in line with our Volunteers Policy. CPRE Hertfordshire is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) which provides the benefit of limited liability for our Trustees.