Essex Wildlife Trust needs volunteers who are enthusiastic about wildlife and especially the wildlife of Essex. If you want to put that enthusiasm to practical use for the benefit of Essex Wildlife Trust then read on. 

 

The Trust is always keen to involve volunteers in its work and is extremely grateful to the 2000 or so of its members and supporters who currently donate many thousands of hours of unpaid work to benefit the wildlife of the county.
 

What we need now is to hear from anyone who would be just as keen to get involved in the governance of the Trust, especially if you are willing to consider putting yourself forward as a potential Trustee. Those with experience in legal practice, particularly charity and company law, property management and land agency will be especially welcome.
 

There are 12 elected Trustees on the Board, each elected by the members to serve for three-year terms – with a third of the Board standing for re-election annually. The Trust’s constitution requires a Trustee who has served for nine years to step down. 
 

What would be involved?
 

Trustees become fully involved with the work of Essex Wildlife Trust, and are expected to attend ten evening Board meetings annually, two meetings of Forum, occasional Trustee seminars, as well as getting involved with the Trust’s main committees, which focus on issues around its conservation work, managing the Trust’s reserves, running its people and wildlife activities, looking at staff matters and  making sure the Trust’s health and safety policies are up to date and relevant.
 

Trustees also have an opportunity to take part in the running of the Trust’s subsidiary companies – Essex Wildlife Sales Ltd, Essex Ecology Services Ltd, Chafford Gorges Ltd and Thameside Nature Park Ltd – either as Directors or Shareholder/member representatives.
 

Do you fit the bill?
 

All expressions of interest will be welcome and there will be a chance for volunteers to discuss the full implications of standing for election with senior Trustees and staff before taking that first step.

New Trustees are supported through an induction process, are given the opportunity to have a ‘buddy’ Trustee to guide them and will be offered further training if required.