The Welsh Dee Trust (WDT) is a small independent environmental charity with big ambitions to restore wildlife in the River Dee catchment of North Wales and Cheshire. The Trust has a new strategy for its work from 2020 onwards. We are now looking for new trustees that can help us achieve steer our work and achieve our aims.

The work of the Trust will focus on the practical delivery of projects with the aim of making a significant difference to the wildlife of the River Dee. We are focussing on five programmes of work, each with a specific vision of how it will help to bring about lasting change for the river.

• Restoring River Habitat- ‘Restore natural processes and connectivity of rivers to improve habitat for all species’
• Water Wise Farming- ‘Work with the agricultural industry to reduce the loss of pollutants into watercourses’
• It Shouldn’t be in the Dee-‘Create a community-led approach to eliminating sources of pollution’
• Environmental Flows- ‘Ensure releases from the River Dee’s reservoirs are done in an environmentally suitable way as possible’
• Working in Partnership- ‘Work with organisations to reduce replication and gain the best value for money for our work’

Our Board of Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for Welsh Dee Trust’s management and administration. We are seeking Trustees with experience of Agriculture, Conservation Biology, Education, and Accountancy to help us achieve our goals.

Responsibilities & key duties

• To be an active Board member; part of an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive team developing high-quality strategic goals, targets, policies and procedures to support the work and direction of the Trust.
• To work with the Board Chairperson and other Trustees to ensure that WDT complies with its governing document (its Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To work with the Board to approve budgets and income generation plans to ensure financial stability.
• Take responsibility, along with other Board members for reviewing and managing organisational risk.
• Act in WDT’s best interests: making balanced and informed decisions, thinking about the long term as well as the short term, and avoiding putting yourself in a position where your duty conflicts with your personal interests.

Time commitment and location

• Attend 4 Board Meetings per year in Llangollen.
• Reading and responding to communications and papers in preparation for meetings, keeping informed about the activities of the organisation and wider issues which affect its work.

About you

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal responsibilities of Trusteeship.
• Willing to devote time and effort to your duties, and travel to meetings and events.
• Strategic vision and creative thinking, and an understanding that the role of the board is to govern rather than manage (i.e. strategic, not operational). You are confident of working at this level.
• Integrity and readiness to make sound judgement calls and decisions with far-reaching impact.
• Ability to manage uncertainty, especially financial, and tight resources.
• Able to speak your mind and engage well with a group of highly experienced, passionate and confident Trustees.
• Passion and commitment to environmental conservation.