Chair of Board of Trustees - Beaver Trust

We’re looking for a passionate and dynamic individual to Chair our Board of Trustees. If you have the vision, leadership experience and a passion for landscape restoration, this is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of Beaver Trust.

Who we are

Beaver Trust is a nature restoration charity, established in September 2019, run by a small team with a diverse skill set and extensive experience in beaver ecology and restoration. We provide practical solutions to help people co-exist with beavers. We influence legislation that rebuilds ecosystems and strengthens our resilience in this ecological and climate crisis. Our vision is for thriving waterways vibrant with life, where beavers are embraced as a vital part of our biodiverse landscape.

​​Why Join Us?

As Chair of Beaver Trust, you will play a pivotal role in driving one of Britain’s most exciting and impactful restoration charities. You will have the opportunity to work with passionate individuals dedicated to restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes. This is a unique chance to shape the future of Beaver Trust and contribute to achieving our vision of thriving waterways vibrant with life, where beavers are embraced as a vital part of our biodiverse landscape.​

​The Chair of the Board of Trustees provides leadership and direction to the Beaver Trust’s board, ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance and strategic oversight of the organisation. The Chair works closely with the CEO and trustees to ensure that Beaver Trust’s mission and strategic objectives are achieved.

The Chair guides the board in making strategic decisions, and fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation. The Chair also plays an important role in fundraising, networking, and advocacy for Beaver Trust’s work.

Beaver Trust values diversity, equity and inclusivity and welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds.

Time Commitment

The Chair is expected to remotely chair quarterly board meetings and attend additional committee meetings as required. In person meetings may be held once or twice a year. Additional time will be needed for document review, strategy development, monthly meetings with CEO and ad-hoc meetings, estimated at up to two days per month.

Remuneration

Unremunerated. This role is voluntary and is not accompanied by financial remuneration; however reasonable expenses will be covered (for example, travel, accommodation, subsistence and supporting child-care expenses to attend meetings).

Term

Three-year, fixed-term post with the possibility of extension

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Leadership

• Provide leadership, alongside the CEO, in setting the organisation’s vision, strategy and values.
• Provide leadership to the board, to ensure that trustees act cohesively and effectively in the charity’s best interests, to manage its resources responsibly and act with care and skill.
• Ensure effective governance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the board in supporting the CEO and Senior Management Team, fostering an effective partnership between the trustees and management.
• Support subcommittees where needed in their roles and responsibilities.
• Chair board meetings, ensuring they are well-run, productive, inclusive and focused on key governance and strategic matters.
• Ensure the board operates effectively, addressing skills gaps and recruiting new trustees as required.
• Develop and maintain a strong, productive working relationship with the CEO.
• Undertake an annual review of the CEO’s performance on behalf of the board.

Strategic Planning

• Work with the CEO and trustees to develop and monitor the implementation of Beaver Trust’s strategic plans, ensuring they are aligned with the organisation’s vision, mission and core values.
• Provide guidance on the development of policies, partnerships, and funding strategies that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead the board in reviewing key projects, offering strategic insights into new opportunities and risks.

Fundraising and External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for Beaver Trust, leading by example in alignment with our core values.
• Support fundraising efforts, working with the board and executive team to identify new revenue streams, partners, and donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with applicable external stakeholders as required. This may vary according to the chair’s own experience and networks.
• ​Board Development & Performance​
• Work with all committees to ensure that they are representative of the charity and able to work effectively and productively within their remit.
• Conduct /cooperate with annual evaluations of the Chair, other trustees and CEO/board performance, addressing any issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Ensure succession planning is in place for key roles, including the Chair and CEO.

​Skills and experience

Essential:

• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• A proven understanding of governance and legal responsibilities of charity trustees, with a strong commitment to high standards of accountability and transparency.
• Experience in chairing boards or committees, with strong facilitation skills and the ability to manage diverse opinions and complex discussions, to reach clear and agreed decisions within agreed timeframes.
• Proven track record of strategic planning and implementation, with the ability to provide insight and oversight in complex situations.
• Strong emotional intelligence, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with trustees, staff, stakeholders, and partners.
• Passionate about environmental conservation and committed to Beaver Trust’s mission of restoring beavers to regenerate our landscapes.
• A desire to develop beaver-related knowledge.
• Ability to align with Beaver Trust values and ensure they shape our work.

Desired:

• Experience in fundraising, advocacy, or public relations, with established networks in the environmental sector.
• Understanding of the complexities of practical, political and social aspects of species restoration.
• Understanding of UK environmental law, restoration policy, and sustainable land management practices.
• Beaver related knowledge or experience