Chair of Somerset Countryside Charity

We are CPRE, the countryside charity. Forming part of a national network, we work here in Somerset for a beautiful and thriving countryside that all of us can enjoy for generations to come.

By volunteering with us you’ll be helping to find positive solutions for the issues facing the countryside and the environment. By applying your skills and experience you can make a real difference and be a central part of a friendly and passionate charity.

As chair you’ll provide leadership to our board of trustees and oversee the future direction and development of our charity. You’ll ensure the requirements of the constitution are met and that our governance complies with charity law and best practice.

We’re ideally looking for someone with leadership and charity board experience and a passion for environmental and countryside issues.

What you will be doing

• Providing strategic leadership to our charity and supporting fundraising, membership and engagement initiatives
• Ensuring our charity meets constitutional and governance requirements
• Ensuring the financial integrity and long-term sustainability of our charity
• Ensuring board and subgroup meetings and our AGM are held on a regular basis
• Building relationships and representing CPRE at community, council and partnership meetings
• Liaising with local CPREs, regional groups and national CPRE
• Supporting trustees and volunteers and identifying candidates for succession
• Safeguarding the good name and values of our charity
• Acting as line manager to 2 part time staff - our Branch Manager and our Planner. Both work from home on a freelance basis but will need to be in regular contact with the Chair
• Advocating the work of CPRE through public speaking and media interviews
• Chairs also represent our charity by being the voting member at national CPRE

The skills you need

• A commitment to CPRE policies, brand, campaigns and initiatives
• Some previous experience in leadership, management and organisational development
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to demonstrate diplomacy, impartiality, respect and confidentiality
• Previous experience of committee work- paid or voluntary
• Knowledge of environmental and countryside issues
• Knowledge of the charity sector including funding and governance
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of working with people from different backgrounds and abilities
• Be able to commit to volunteering regularly to suit your availability, including attendance at meetings
• We ask that all trustees are, or are willing to become, members of CPRE

What's in it for you

• Use your skills and experience to contribute to the success of our charity and make a positive difference to the countryside
• Meet like-minded people and enjoy being part of a team
• Enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience
• We’ll support you to develop in your volunteering role and provide you with relevant training
• We’ll give you a reference for your future work or volunteering
• Get involved with social events and workshops on a local and national level, including the annual CPRE conference
• The opportunity to attend a volunteer induction day at CPRE’s national office in London or a regional centre (currently done online due to pandemic)
• We provide out-of-pocket travel expenses