Trustee for regional environmental charity

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust are looking for new trustees to help us deliver our program of projects and grants to help the people, landscape and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales and the surrounding areas

What will you be doing?

At this crucial time for climate and nature we are looking for people who can bring new skills and experience to our board to fill naturally occurring vacancies, helping us to expand our work to more people and deliver more projects that tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and improve access to nature. Anyone with skills to offer our board and with a passion for our area is invited to apply. We welcome people who are not afraid to challenge the status quo and who can provide new perspectives on our work. 

As a trustee you will play an integral role in shaping the strategic direction of the charity, its effectiveness and accountability.  

Along with other board members you will work collectively to:

• determine the mission and strategy for the organisation, 
• be held accountable for the actions of the organisation,
• safeguard assets and ensure that those assets are used appropriately,
• contribute to effective decision making and information sharing,
• be an ambassador for the organisation,

Underpinning all of this is your ability to work within our culture – which means sharing our values of being creative, caring, honest and enabling.

Trustees are encouraged to volunteer for various sub committees, including: finance, community grants, woodland grants, health, safety and wellbeing, remuneration, and recruitment.  

Whether you are an experienced trustee or looking to take on your first trustee role, if you have the time and energy to commit to the role and can identify with our values, ethos and aims, we’d love to hear from you.

Estimate of time needed: 0-5 hours / month. This includes: 6 meetings per year, 2-3 hours each, more if on committees. At least 2 per year in person at office

What are we looking for?

We are keen to appoint people who are representative of our community, our stakeholders, and our beneficiaries, and will help to increase diversity on the board in terms of skills, age, background, and ethnicity.

We are also looking to expand the collective knowledge base of the board by recruiting trustees with experience relating to our charitable activities and our beneficiaries. That might include experience of:

• An understanding of the local community and landscape, particularly from a land management background 
• Ecologist with an understanding of the state of nature in the Dales
• Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) specialist or entrepreneur
• Youth work background and passionate about giving young people a voice
• A knowledge of Nidderdale National Landscape  

However, this list is not exhaustive, and we want to hear from anyone who believes their background and expertise could be useful to us.

What difference will you make?

Being a trustee with YDMT can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, both personally and professionally. You will have a real opportunity to shape the strategic direction of YDMT and its subsidiary trading company, and support a team of motivated and committed people.

At YDMT we pride ourselves on being a ‘doing’ organisation that makes a practical difference. Your role will have a direct impact on our ability to reach more people and deliver more projects that help to protect and enhance our spectacular landscape and precious wildlife. You’ll be part of a small and passionate team, helping to shape the future direction of a small charity at an exciting time of change and development for the organisation. You will also have the chance to use your skills to improve how YDMT supports its beneficiaries and find new ways to protect and enhance this special part of the world for everyone

Before you apply

Please apply via Reach Volunteering using the link, with a cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role, and a CV. Please apply by the 23rd January if possible, however opportunities are ongoing. We will hold an online open evening for all candidates on 7th January so you can find out more before you apply if you wish, please contact us for the link to the meeting. Interviews will be held in early to mid February, and we hope that successful candidates would be able to join our May board meeting.