Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI)
Board of Trustees - Members and Chair - Volunteer
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We have an exciting opportunity for one or more Trustees to join our Board
As a Trustee you’ll have an essential role in contributing towards the future of our charity and making a real difference for botanists, botany and wild plants. We are also looking for a Chair to lead the Board.
What difference will you make?
It's an exciting time for the BSBI, with the launch of our new website last year, and lots of fantastic projects happening throughout Britain and Ireland. Becoming a BSBI Trustee is a wonderful opportunity to help shape our ongoing efforts and contribute your skills and experience to help us work towards a world where wild plants thrive and are valued.
Your motivation is what's most important to us, and we aim to identify how we can support you to gain valuable new skills and experience, as well as asking for your time and input. Training is also available.
As Chair, for example, you will use (and further develop) your skills, knowledge and experience in areas such as in charity governance, financial management, strategy, decision-making and facilitating discussion.
The BSBI aims to be transparent and inclusive in the way we recruit and support our Trustees. We welcome and value diversity and recognise that difference brings a wide range of perspectives that is valuable to our work.
What are we looking for?
Charity Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for the governance of a charity and directing how it is managed and run. You will need to offer, or be willing to learn about the following
- A commitment to the Society.
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Strategic vision.
- Good, independent judgement.
- An ability to think creatively.
- A willingness to speak your mind.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of Trusteeship.
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
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We are particularly looking for Trustees with skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas
- Leadership and governance (for the Chair role).
- Finance (an interest and willingness to learn about charity finance, in depth expertise is not required).
- Plant recording (which could include experience of the Vice-County Recorder role).
- Education (academic, teaching or environmental education experience).
For the Chair we are particularly looking for someone with
- Experience of being on a board and good understanding of governance and the duties of trustees.
- Senior-level environment and / or voluntary sector background.
- A sense of strategic purpose.
- Leadership skills.
- The ability to listen and engage effectively. Comfortable with challenge and debate and able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.
- Excellent communication skills.
- A strong interest in botany, botanists and wild plants and commitment to our vision and mission.
- Experience of involvement in a membership organisations is desirable.
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What will you be doing?
The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) works to advance the understanding and appreciation of wild plants and support their conservation in Britain and Ireland. Through our science and data, training and outreach, events and communications, we work towards a world where wild plants thrive and are valued. We welcome and support everyone interested in wild plants, from beginner botanists and non-specialists to renowned experts in the field. We have a growing membership – currently over 4,500.
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We are particularly looking for Trustees with skills, knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas
- Plant recording (with experience of the Vice-County Recorder role, or is an active recorder).
- Finance (with an interest in charity finance, in depth expertise not necessary but a willingness to learn).
- Education (academic, teaching or environmental education experience).
- Leadership and governance (Chair role).
Most of all we need Trustees with the enthusiasm and time to help us make a difference for botanists, botany and wild plants.
We are also looking for one of our new Trustees to take on the role of Chair to lead the Board of Trustees and ensure it governs the Society effectively, in line with the BSBI Strategy, vision and mission (bsbi.org/about/who-we-are).
The Chair's role is to work closely with the Chief Executive, Trustees, President and Chairs of BSBI Standing and Country Committees. We are seeking someone with good leadership and communications skills and experience of charity governance, as well as a strong commitment to our cause and an understanding and commitment to our members’ passion for plants. Further training and support can be provided in the role.
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