Position Description

As a trustee of BBOWT, you will play a key role in guiding an organisation working at the forefront of nature’s recovery in one of the most complex and fast-changing regions in the UK. This is an opportunity to help shape how a region responds to the nature and climate crisis.

You will contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust, ensuring we remain ambitious, focused and effective in delivering our Strategy 2030 – Building a movement for change and helping to secure 30% of land well managed for nature by 2030.

We are looking for trustees who are willing to engage with complexity, bring external insight, and support the organisation to operate at a systems level.

Core responsibilities

Trustees are collectively responsible for:

• Setting and safeguarding the strategic direction of the Trust
• Ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and regulatory compliance
• Supporting and constructively challenging the executive team
• Monitoring performance against strategic priorities and impact

Contribution beyond the Board

We are particularly looking for trustees who can:

• Bring insight from sectors such as finance, investment, land use, planning, infrastructure, business or community leadership
• Use their networks and influence to support BBOWT’s mission
• Act as ambassadors for the Trust and for nature’s recovery
• Engage with key strategic questions, including land use, growth, and long-term investment in nature

What we are looking for

You do not need previous trustee experience or a background in conservation. We are looking for individuals who bring:

• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Curiosity and openness to new perspectives
• A willingness to challenge constructively
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and collaboration
• A passion for creating a future where nature and people thrive together

Selection Criteria

Selection Process

Optional Q&A panel with existing trustees – 21 April
Speed interviews (30 minutes) – 2 June and 4 June
Meet the Team Day – 5 August

Successful candidates from the speed interviews will be invited to attend a meet the team day where a series of informal chats and information sharing will take place for 2 – 3 hours with current trustees and staff members to allow for a final selection to take place. The Nominations Committee will then recommend candidates to the BBOWT Board of Trustees for appointment.

Successful applicants will be invited initially as observers to the Board and relevant committees, and appropriate induction will be arranged. The next AGM (Autumn 2026) will be asked to vote the recommended trustees onto the Board. It is possible that we may co-opt them to the Board in advance of that AGM.

(The Board of Trustees has the power to co-opt trustees. You become a trustee from the date of the Board’s decision to co-opt, and the Charity Commission and Companies House are notified of your appointment. BBOWT’s Articles of Association require that any trustee co-opted during the year has to be voted in by the membership at the next AGM.)

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for a trustee role, please send an up-to-date CV with a covering letter to Jan Honour, Governance & Business Support Officer, [email protected]

If you’d like to find our more about the position, or attend the optional Q&A before applying, please also contact Jan Honour.

The cover letter should set out why you are interested in the role and what you can bring to it. Alternatively, you may submit a short video of yourself, covering the same points. Please send your video via WeTransfer.com to [email protected]

Applicants from ethnic minorities and women, especially those with financial qualifications and experience, are particularly welcomed as both are underrepresented on our board.

The deadline for applications is Thursday 30 April 2026