Trustees

Trustees x 2 vacancies 

At BTO, we are fortunate to have a fantastic and committed Board of Trustees and we are now looking for two new trustees to join us from 2025 on an initial 4 year term. BTO Trustees work with the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team to enable our organisational strategy,and to manage and administer the charity effectively, bringing a range of valuable expertise from their own knowledge and experience. 

Trustee vacancy 1 Regional Network member
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a member of the BTO Regional Network to contribute to the work of BTO’s Board and to Chair our Regional Network Committee. This opportunity is open to all Regional Representatives, Regional Ambassadors, Regional Organisers, Local Organisers. The committee meets four times a year, once face-to-face and three times via video call. In this important role, as well as undertaking the responsibilities of a Trustee, as Chair of a BTO committee, you will ensure the Regional Network is represented at both committee and Board level, working collaboratively and supportively with BTO staff and the wider network to ensure the network is effective and enabled.

You can find out more about becoming a Regional Representative on our website.

Trustee vacancy 2 Safeguarding and Inclusion 
We are seeking someone to bring their knowledge and experience in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and safeguarding to BTO and our Board of Trustees and to Chair our Governance, Safeguarding and Inclusion committee which meets 4 times a year. BTO is undertaking significant work in the area of EDI, and safeguarding is a critical part of the way we work. Alongside the responsibilities of a trustee, this is an important role that requires working closely and collaboratively with staff, the committee and BTO Board to apply your knowledge and experience within a BTO context. We are looking for applicants with a range of experience across both or either area of EDI and Safeguarding, with a willingness to demonstrate a commitment to both. 

BTO is pleased to be in the process of implementing its framework to become more inclusive with huge support from external expertise, staff, volunteers and Board members. There is more information on BTO’s commitment to EDI on our website. 

The role of a Trustee
Board members have overall legal responsibility for BTO, ensuring financial, regulatory and monitoring performance. BTO provides induction and training opportunities to all Trustees to support them in fulfilling their role. Trustees have the opportunity to contribute to discussions, identify key issues and provide insight, ideas and encouragement on various topics, all of which help BTO to achieve its vision and mission.

We are interested in hearing from people who are passionate about contributing to BTO and are able to demonstrate:

• Commitment to the mission and values of the BTO

• Willingness to meet the minimum time requirement*, as well as contributing outside of Board meetings, through attending events and supporting staff 

• Integrity, vision and good independent judgement  

• Ability to think creatively, make an individual contribution and work effectively as a member of a team to take decisions for the good of the BTO

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• Demonstrate passion, understanding and experience for the sector and BTO’s work.

You will have the opportunity to make a real difference with a charity that has an unparalleled reputation for engaging volunteer science that has a significant impact for the conservation of birds and nature more widely.
 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to working towards greater representation on our Board and tackling the barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We particularly welcome applications from people under-served in the environment sector. We are also interested in hearing from people across the UK as we are a national charity, as demonstrated by our work and supporter and volunteer base.

Time Commitment
Being a trustee is a commitment and we aim to be upfront about what it involves. We provide a calendar of meetings and engagements to all trustees at the start of the year. As an overview, annual meetings and engagements include 5 Board meetings, 1 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and sub committee meetings if you are interested in serving on a subcommittee. There will also be an induction period which takes approximately 10 hours in total but some parts are done independently at times that suit you (like the reading and eLearning).

Expenses
This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Travel and accommodation associated with attending meetings can either be arranged in advance by BTO (so there is no expenditure on the part of the Trustee), or expenses can be reimbursed afterwards.

Not sure it's for you
If you are interested in supporting our work but perhaps you are earlier in your career or think you may not have the breadth of experience required, please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss how we can work with you. 

Find out more
If you have an questions, you can contact Sian Knott, Head of People, Safeguarding and Inclusion.

About BTO
BTO is a national charity with headquarters at Thetford in Norfolk. We also have offices and staff at the David Attenborough Building at University of Cambridge, University of Stirling, Bangor University and Northern Ireland.

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone. We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

Closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 29 September 23:59 (BST) and interviews will be held virtually week beginning Monday 7th October.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)