Address
Form of work
SalaryAbout us
The South East Rivers Trust (SERT) is an exciting and growing organisation, committed to ensuring rivers across the south east are healthy and thriving, supporting the wildlife and communities that depend on them. Our country is home to 85% of the world’s chalk streams—some of the most ecologically rare habitats on the planet. Rivers provide two thirds of our water supplies, and support agriculture, manufacturing and energy, as well as giving us sanctuary and adventure. Our freshwater habitats support a huge variety of wildlife, and provide natural protection from flooding by storing water in the landscape and slowing the flow downstream.
A recent Environment Agency report shows over 90% of rivers in the south east of England are in poor health. If you’re interested in changing this for the better, why not consider joining us and playing a key part in our continuing growth and impact?
Founded by volunteers dedicated to cleaning up the River Wandle in 2012, SERT has grown from a single staff member in 2013 to 30 staff today. We now support 12 different river catchments across the south east from Basingstoke to Surrey, South London to Dover. Our area includes large lowland river systems, globally-rare chalk streams, and Sites of Special Scientific Interest – we protect these through work and projects that enhance and restore rivers and their catchments, through engagement and education for local communities, and through expert data and evidence.
Following a review, we are seeking three new Trustees to join the Board who will bring expertise in one of the following areas:
- Farming, Agriculture, Landownership
- Design and delivery of large technical or engineering-based projects
- Environment Agency/water company/relevant government background
- Community engagement
The Roles
The Chair will lead SERT’s board of trustees to oversee the Trust’s strategy and financial sustainability; ensure the good governance of the Trust; advocate for the Trust where required and provide support and challenge to our CEO and Management Team. The Chair will manage the Trustees, ensuring we have the correct people, skills and experience in place. They will bring a deep, proactive, and reflective attitude towards diversity and inclusion.
Trustees will assist the Chair in ensuring the good governance and financial sustainability of the charity; they will contribute to its strategic development, and share their specific areas of knowledge, experience and expertise to enhance all that we do.
Person specification
- The Trust meets quarterly. In addition, the Chair and Trustees may be expected to participate in quarterly finance committee meetings and other meetings on an as-needed basis in a governance role.
- You will have a passion for biodiversity, conservation and the Rivers movement in the south east.
- You will understand how to ignite the passion in others.
You will bring specific knowledge and expertise that contributes to our growing organisation. We are particularly interested to hear from people who:
- Have significant experience and understanding of farming, and the opportunities available for landowners and environmental organisations to work together to bring positive impacts for all
- Have experience of leading and managing growth and change
- Have experience of working within the water industry in any capacity
- Have experience in any of the following areas: legal, financial, education, community engagement, HR, research, fundraising, engineering, strategic planning, marcomms and ecology
- Can broaden and deepen the diversity of thought and experience represented in our organisation. We aim to represent and reflect the diverse communities that our rivers serve
Previous experience as a Trustee is desirable but not essential. At SERT we believe in equality of opportunity and positively encourage applications from suitably qualified/experienced and eligible candidates regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We are committed to better reflecting society and the communities who use, need and enjoy our rivers within our workforce. All applications will be judged solely on merit.
Please visit our website to see full details and how to apply for the role of Trustee.
The deadline for applications is 14th July 2024; please see our website for full details on the role and how to apply.
