Chair of Trustees

Salary Voluntary

Location Shrewsbury, Shropshire

The Vacancy

Four days per month on average for a Four-Year Term

Closing date - 15th June 2026
First Stage Interview – Week commencing 29nd June 2026
Second Stage Interviews – Week commencing 13th July 2026

We’re at an exciting time in the Trust’s development. In 2022 we adopted a new theory of change and impact measurement framework setting out how we will implement The Wildlife Trusts’ strategy for 2030 in Shropshire. We build on the Trust’s strong reputation and detailed experience to develop ambitious new programmes to deliver the strategic goals in Shropshire, and in partnership with other Trusts in the Severn basin.

We are looking for a forward thinking and inclusive Chair to help lead us on our journey, who can combine personal humility with an urgency to achieve the Trust’s strategic goals and the drive to support ongoing organisational development. This is a demanding, yet rewarding role suited to someone who can navigate through complex relationships and communicate well at all levels.

Experience of conservation is not essential. More important is an understanding of governance and ideally of the charity sector, an ability to see the strategic picture and the ability to harness the skills of talented board members.

The role requires a time commitment – approximately equating to up to four days per month on average for a four-year term, which can be renewed by mutual agreement. There are four council meetings and an AGM to chair annually (currently there is no vice -chair). This is a voluntary position; it is not remunerated although expenses are reimbursed.

The Role

To lead the Trustee Board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation by ensuring that the organisation acts in accordance with its constitution, the Charity Commission Code of Practice and by managing its activities.
To work in partnership with the Chief Executive helping them to achieve the Trust’s strategic goals, and with the Board of Trustees ensure appropriate line management of the CEO.
To optimise the relationship between the board and staff/volunteers; and between SWT and The Wildlife Trusts.
To attend all board meetings plus RSWT events such as open days, conferences and leaders’ days where appropriate.

Key priorities for Chair during tenure

To support the CEO and leadership team in the successful implementation of the 2030 Strategy in Shropshire.
To drive forward becoming a truly inclusive and diverse organisation, supporting our internal development but also reaching out to new audiences.
To maintain and nurture our standing and relationships within The Wildlife Trusts and with other key partners.

Essential Skills

A natural team player and good listener
Leading, motivating, and empowering others
Building trusting relationships – diplomatic, gutsy but caring
Rational, clear thinker who forms judgements independently
Developing strategy and effecting change
Flexibility, sensitivity, and consensus building including conflict resolution
Leading with a visionary and strategic perspective
Some understanding of relevant legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities (although training
will be given)

The Trust is committed to building an equal, diverse and inclusive workforce we encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.

Who we are

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a vision of a thriving natural world, where Shropshire's wildlife and natural habitats play a valued role in addressing the climate and ecological emergencies, and people are inspired and empowered to take action for nature. We combine projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin) with advocacy and campaigning to restore nature and to engage people. We manage over 40 nature reserves and have almost 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9000 members. SWT is an autonomous charity, but we are increasingly working collectively, as part of The Wildlife Trusts (TWT), to ensure that our local actions have a national impact and help to address global issues.

We value courage, respect, integrity, trust and responsibility. Whilst we are passionate in promoting our aims, we are not judgemental and are inclusive. We want our people to be as diverse as nature, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector, including people from minority backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to creating a movement that recognises and truly values individual differences and identities.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to offering an interview to anyone with a disability that meets all the essential criteria for the post. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.

What we do