Trustee

• Locations

  London, UK

• Salary

  Non-salaried role

• Sector

  Charity & Fundraising

• Type

  Permanent

Would you like the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of the UK’s leading charity devoted solely to the conservation of bats and their habitats? The Bat Conservation Trust (BCT) is looking for trustees who share its vision for a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together. Our mission is to work collaboratively and with a diversity of people to protect bats and their habitats in an ever-changing world.

BCT is a welcoming and inclusive organisation. We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity and welcome applications from those who bring difference. We are committed to building a working environment in which all individuals are free from discrimination and in which opportunities are equal to all.

BCT values diversity and inclusion. You can read more about our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Statement of Values here: https://www.bats.org.uk/the-trust/equity-diversity-and-inclusivity. We are committed to making our Board of Trustees as diverse as possible to enable us to have a more well-rounded perspective and make better and more informed decisions which reflect under-represented voices.  We therefore encourage applications from a wide range of candidates, regardless of background and identity, but we are particularly keen to hear from candidates who will increase the racial diversity of our board as minority groups are currently under-represented among our Trustees.

We always consider individual Trustee circumstances and needs and are happy to make any reasonable adjustments. We strive to be as flexible as possible to ensure our meeting arrangements are inclusive and suitable for all. Currently, fifty two percent of BCT staff consider themselves to have a disability and so we have experience of accommodating different requirements.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking committed, strategic and creative individuals who can bring fresh ideas and new perspectives and are able to join our Board in time to stand for election at our Annual General Meeting in September 2024. You do not need to work in bat conservation or have any prior knowledge about bats, but an interest in bats or wildlife conservation generally, would be helpful.

Based on our recent skills audit, we are particularly keen to attract people with skills and experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Finance
• Fundraising
• Business development
• Senior management experience in environmental NGO
• Technology & Digital
• Parliamentary affairs

You do not need previous Board experience or a detailed understanding of charity governance as we can provide training and guidance. New Trustees are offered the opportunity to buddy with one of our existing Trustees who will be on hand to offer guidance, mentorship and answer questions.

Trustees are selected for election based on their enthusiasm for, and alignment with, BCT’s charitable objects, which are to promote the conservation and study of bats in the UK, and their ability to further them as a Trustee, working as part of a Board.

Commitment

Trustees are asked to participate in four Board of Trustee meetings per year and are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting in September, where possible, but there will be the opportunity to play a broader role at the organisation if you would like to.

Remuneration

The role of Trustee is not a paid role, although travel and subsistence to attend board meetings will be covered.

Why become a Trustee at BCT?

As a Trustee you can make a huge difference – you will play a crucial role in guiding BCT’s strategic direction and help steer important decisions that will have an impact on both our organisation and the wildlife conservation/environmental sector more broadly.

Serving as a Trustee at BCT provides an invaluable opportunity for personal growth and development. You will acquire new skills, and enhance your understanding of governance, leadership, and the conservation sector. It also gives you an opportunity to expand your professional network and can create opportunities for new partnerships and collaboration with your fellow Trustees.

If you would like to have an informal chat about the role with our Chair of Trustees, Jean Matthews, before applying, please contact Jean via vsmith@bats.org.uk.

Please refer to the role description where you will find further details of the responsibilities as well as the skills and qualities we are looking for.  We will need candidates to satisfy us that they are eligible to become a Trustee and refer you to the Charity Commission rules on this: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#who-can-be-a-trustee-and-how-trustees-are-appointed.

If you would like to join our passionate team of people, please email a short statement and CV highlighting your skills and experience to Vicki Smith at vsmith@bats.org.uk.

For this year’s vacancies, we encourage applications as soon as possible but by 31 May at the latest. We will then arrange a conversation with one of our Trustees and successful candidates will have the opportunity to attend our next Board of Trustees meeting on 15 July.

BCT strives to provide an accessible recruitment process. If you require reasonable adjustments for any part of the process, please let us know. We can be flexible with the time and location of the conversation and we can meet with you in-person or remotely.