Would you like to support a charity inspiring wonder in North East Nature?
The Natural History Society of Northumbria ( NHSN) is a regional charity engaging people in the North East to enjoy, understand and protect nature. Inspiring wonder and collective action in all aspects of North East natural history through the delivery of high-quality communications, events, lifelong learning, citizen science, Gosforth Nature Reserve and a regional natural history archive & library.
If you are passionate about North East nature, making a positive difference, and rebuilding the relationship between people and the natural world, we want you on our team. As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to influence our strategy and support our staff and volunteers to help people enjoy, learn and protect North East Nature
We have a dedicated team of up to 10 trustees who are responsible for the purpose and overall strategic direction of the charity, and who provide the governance and accountability framework to ensure we are operating and using our funds in the most effective and efficient way.
Become a Trustee
We are excited to invite enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to stand for election to NHSN’s Board of Trustees. We are looking to strengthen our existing Board with up to four new Trustees.
The Trustee Role (Voluntary)
As a Trustee, you will serve on the governing body of NHSN and be instrumental, alongside your fellow Trustees, in providing the governance that supports the Director in the successful running of the organisation, ensuring that it delivers its charitable objectives and long-term vision and purpose. The Board is ultimately responsible for the organisation’s viability and legal responsibilities.
The Board is seeking to reflect NHSN’s requirement for a skilled and diverse group of Trustees, and we welcome candidates with the skills and experience required to fulfil the responsibilities of a Trustee as detailed in our role description. We are particularly interested to hear from candidates with relevant experience in the following areas:
· Qualified accountant
· Professional legal experience
· Marketing and communications
· Business development
Candidates must have a keen personal interest in the environment, and be willing to learn the role of being a Trustee. Support and training is provided.
How to Apply
To find out more and an informal discussion please contact Clare Freeman, Director nhsn.director@newcastle.ac.uk
To apply, please send your CV plus a short cover letter (max one page of A4), outlining why you would like to become an NHSN Trustee and what you would bring to the role
The deadline for completed applications to be received is 5 pm on Tuesday 30 April 2024.
The Trustee role is entirely voluntary. The time commitment we ask of people in this role is around 8 hours per month, which will include attendance at council meetings, x3 pa, time to read and scrutinise meeting papers and participate in other tasks that arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising, etc. Meetings are held at NHSN’s home, the Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle city centre, with opportunities to chat to other trustees ahead of meetings and refreshments provided.
Our existing trustees are from a variety of backgrounds, and you can find out more about them here.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is free to be themselves and able to give their best. We particularly welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups and will ensure no applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, gender reassignment, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected or other characteristic. If you have the right skills and experience, and our vision and values resonate with you, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Values
- We’re locally focussed
- We’re welcoming to all
- We help each other
- We inspire wonder
- We encourage learning