The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this critical part of the natural environment, and our research and expertise is now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda.

We are looking for a Trustee to lead the governance of the Trust, oversee its management and to act at all times wholly and exclusively in its best interests.

Remuneration and Expenses

· This is a voluntary, unpaid role.

· Out of pocket expenses are reclaimable for travel, subsistence and accommodation when required for attending board meetings and when agreed in advance for attendance at other events.

Responsibilities

· To understand how the Trust benefits the public.

· To ensure that the Trust is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit.

· To ensure that the Trust complies with its Articles and all applicable legislation and regulations.

· To ensure that the Trust applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects as defined in its Articles.

· To act wholly and exclusively at all times in the best interests of the Trust and make informed decisions without fear or favour and without personal prejudice.

· To set the strategy and undertake the strategic management of the Trust, whilst recognising the important separation of Trustee and executive responsibilities.

· To manage the Trust’s resources responsibly and ensure its financial stability.

· To act with reasonable care and skill, including engaging external expert help when necessary.

· To ensure proper accounting and statutory records are kept and filed on time.

· To ensure the Trust is accountable through effective and efficient administration.

· To protect and manage the property of the Trust.

· To review and manage the risks faced by the Trust.

· To ensure the proper investment of the Trust’s funds.

· To approve the Trust’s policies.

· To safeguard the reputation and ethos of the Trust.

Collective Tasks

· To approve the business plan and budget annually and monitor progress against it.

· To prepare and approve the annual report and accounts.

· To review and approve financial policies and controls.

· To review and approve all Projects and expenditure above the threshold or authorisation

limit(s) set by the Board from time to time.

· To review and approve other risk management controls, including any real estate matters.

· To appoint and oversee the performance of the Chief Executive.

· To appoint the Chair and agree membership of sub-committees.

· To review and approve conditions of employment where of a material nature (e.g. pensions).

· From time to time review the Board’s own performance.

· From time to time review and approve other relevant governance issues and take responsibility for oversight of a number of individual policies in conjunction with a member of the executive.

· To identify potential partner organisations, donors and other useful contacts and effect introductions to the Executive where appropriate.

Individual Duties

· To read papers, circulated a week in advance, before Board and other Committee meetings.

· To attend meetings of Trustees which are held quarterly. We currently have 2 meetings in person, one of which involves an overnight stay with dinner; the other two are held online. Meetings typically last 3-4 hours depending on the agenda.

· To play an active part in the Trustees’ meetings and deliberations.

· To contribute to productive, disciplined meetings by keeping to agenda topics and contributing succinctly and constructively.

· To exercise due care and attention and use reasonable skill in dealing with the Trust’s affairs.

· To use one’s own skills, knowledge and experience to help, or lead, the Trustees to reach sound decisions.

· To avoid any conflict of interests and personal prejudices.

· To sit on Committees or Advisory/Steering Groups as reasonably required. Current Committees are the Business, Audit and Risk Committee and the Nominations and Remuneration Committee.

· To advise the Trust at the earliest opportunity of any change of address.

· To advise the Board of any potential conflicts of interest that may need to be disclosed.

Person Specification

General qualities

· Commitment to the purpose of The Rivers Trust.

· Commitment to equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity.

· Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfil the role.

· Good, independent judgement and ability to think strategically.

· Prepared to speak their mind.

· Ability to challenge constructively.

· Not be disqualified from being a charity Trustee for any of the reasons set out in section 3.1 in this guide: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essen...

Specific skills and experience

All candidates to be a Trustee of The Rivers Trust are required to demonstrate specific knowledge and experience in at least one of the following areas:

· Charity law and governance.

· River, water and environmental management.

· Charity fundraising.

· Leadership or management of a medium to large organisation.

· Financial management.

· Data analysis and/or research.

· The management of change.

· Monitoring and evaluating performance in the commercial and/or not for profit sector.

· Recruitment and human resources expertise, including employment legislation.

· Business development.

· Risk management.

· Marketing, media and PR.

Everyone who works for us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity and GDPR.

To apply for this role please submit a CV and Covering Letter.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, and not sent by email or other methods.

If you have any questions not answered in the advert or on the Recruitment FAQ, please contact Mark Lloyd mark.lloyd@theriverstrust.org - please don't use this email address to apply as we can only accept applications made through this system.

Closing date: Midday 13th November 2024