Chair recruitment

The Trustees of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are seeking a forward-thinking leader to chair the Board of Trustees as we strive to achieve the ambitious goals of our Wilder 2030 strategy. 

Due to the retirement of our long-serving Chairman next year, the Trust is looking to appoint a successor with the experience, skills and passion to lead our talented Board. 

Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and our local marine environment provide some of the most stunning and biodiverse areas in the country. From the coastal marshes of the Solent to globally rare chalk streams, to the chalk downlands of the South Downs, the magnificence of the New Forest and the chalk grasslands, maritime cliffs and slopes of the Island, our counties are a truly special place, although sadly these precious natural assets are increasingly under threat. 

The Trust is dedicated to defending, protecting and expanding these amazing places and the species that call them home to ensure that wildlife can thrive in an increasingly challenging world.  Our new Chair will be ready to play a key role in ensuring we have the strong governance and strategic expertise to deliver for nature. Experience of conservation is not essential, but we would expect the successful candidate to have a genuine interest in our work and a strong desire to make a difference.  

The key priorities of the post-holder will be: 

• To lead the Board of Trustees, chairing meetings and ensuring good governance.  

• To support the CEO and Executive Team in the successful implementation of the Trust’s strategy, Wilder 2030.  

• To line manage the CEO including objective setting and regular one-to-one meetings.  

• To maintain and nurture the Trust’s reputation and relationships with key partners both within The Wildlife Trusts and with a wide range of key individuals and organisations in the local area.  

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is part of The Wildlife Trusts – one of 46 local independent charities working together across the UK to create a wilder future, coordinated by our national body the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts. Nationally, we have more than 900,000 members and a turnover in excess of £200m.  

Our Trust is fast-growing and ambitious – we employ 140 staff, we’re supported by more than 29,000 members and 1,500 volunteers, and our annual turnover is around £11m. We are one of the most significant land managers in the region, with 65 wonderful nature reserves covering more than 5,000 hectares, and more than 400,000 people visit our reserves and education centres each year. 

Please note this role is a voluntary, unpaid position. Out of pocket expenses are covered. 

Further details on the Trust and this exciting opportunity can be found in our recruitment pack:

Selection Process

The recruitment process will run from 19th October 2024 until 31st January 2025 although may close earlier if a successful candidate is found before this date, so please apply sooner rather than later. 

Recruitment will be led by our Trustee Nominations Committee who will initially shortlist candidates, on a rolling basis, followed by an informal virtual conversation. Those selected for the second round will be invited to the Trust’s headquarters for a more in-depth and in-person interview after the closing date. Depending on the strength of applications, it may be necessary to invite candidates back for a final interview.  

Once selected, the successful candidate will be co-opted by Council as a Trustee. They will then work closely with the outgoing Chair and other Board members to ensure a smooth transition into the role of Chair. At the 2025 AGM they will be formally elected by the members as a Trustee, and will be able to take up the role of Chair shortly afterwards. 

To apply, please download and complete the application form and email it to recruitment@hiwwt.org.uk