Candidate Information and Application Pack 2020 Contents 2 Introduction, Devon Wildlife Trust 4 DWT’s Culture & People 5 The Board of Trustees 6 Being a Trustee FAQ’s 8 Trustee Role Description 10 Application Instructions & Selection Process 11 Trustee Application Form Registered Charity no. 213224 1 Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AB Introduction Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee of Devon Wildlife Trust! This pack has been created by current trustees and staff members with the aim of providing the information you need before and during application. If you require a different format, or have any questions not answered by this pack, please email [email protected] Please note that DWT’s offices will be closed over the Christmas break from Thursday 24 December reopening on Monday 4 January and emails will not be monitored during that time. Devon Wildlife Trust Founded in 1962 by a small group of volunteers, Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) is the only charity that exists to safeguard Devon’s unique natural environments and their wildlife. DWT now has thousands of members, hundreds of volunteers, and over 100 staff members. We believe wildlife affects every part of everyone's lives and that everything we do impacts nature. We know that the natural environment is under immense threat here in Devon, nationally, and globally. Our strategic plans include ambitious, innovative and large-scale conservation approaches to protect and enhance wildlife; species reintroductions; wide reaching education and engagement programmes; and campaigning and advocacy work. As part of a national network of 46 Wildlife Trusts - known collectively as The Wildlife Trusts (TWTs) - we have national reach, so our work makes a difference for wildlife everywhere. DWT operates three wholly owned subsidiary companies: ● Devon Wildlife Enterprises (DWE) delivers commercial ecological consultancy work ● Devon Wildlife Services (DWS) operates Seaton Jurassic, our visitor centre in East Devon Registered Charity no. 213224 2 Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AB ● Warren Crocus Company Limited holds the lease for land and property owned by DWT at Dawlish Warren. Along with 7 other Wildlife Trusts, we jointly own and run South West Wildlife Fundraising Limited (SWWFL), a business which works to recruit new members. Our website (devonwildlifetrust.org) provides a good overview of the range and reach of our work, as well as details about our many assets (properties and nature reserves). We highly recommend you have a read of the What we do section of the website. Registered Charity no. 213224 3 Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AB DWT's Culture & People We pride ourselves on being a welcoming community of people - members and supporters, volunteers, partners and staff - who share a love of Devon’s wildlife and who work together to protect it. Our values are summarised as follows: ● Everyone counts - giving everyone a chance to discover and enjoy Devon's wildlife ● Atmosphere of trust - creating an organisation in which people's views and ideas are heard, and where they are willing to take responsibility for leading ● Going the extra mile - staying the course and delivering above and beyond what our stakeholders would expect ● Passion with reason - pursuing our work with drive, and making sure our arguments are reasoned and based on sound evidence ● Considerate partners - being aware of the needs and concerns of those we work with, recognising mutual strengths and sharing credit ● Inspiring minds - sowing enthusiasm to developing, experimenting and broadening our work We know that DWT and the conservation sector has progress to make regarding diversity. We are carrying out this work nationally, within the Trust, and at committee level. Like most organisations across the world, the global pandemic has disrupted DWT. Our staff, trustees, and volunteers have had to adapt to new ways of working. We make full use of a range of communications software to ensure everyone involved is included. Devon Wildlife Trust is committed to excellence in all areas. We hold a number of accreditations, including Investors in Volunteers, Investors in People, and ISO14001 for environmental management. We are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice. Registered Charity no. 213224 4 Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AB The Board of Trustees DWT is governed by a Board of Trustees. We are responsible for ensuring effective governance, setting the Trust’s strategic direction and policies, and ensuring compliance to all relevant regulations (including the Charities Act and Companies Act). DWT's Board has adopted the Charity Governance Code, which sets standards of best practice for governance, and can be found at charitygovernancecode.org/en. Trustees are normally expected to use their skills and experiences to take part in a variety of leadership roles, working groups, committees, and Company Boards. For example: ● the Chair of the Board and Hon Treasurer are trustees elected annually by the Board ● this pack has been prepared by the Nominations and Development Committee ● a Finance and General Purposes Committee meets quarterly to act as an advisory group ● a Strategic Group was set up to support staff in making critical decisions in light of the ongoing COVID19 pandemic Trustees attend Board Meetings (usually 2 Saturday away days and 3 evening meetings), the Annual General Meeting, and any Committees or Working Groups they are involved in. All meetings are held over Zoom at present, but will revert to a mix of video call and in- person (in Exeter, where the Trust is based, or at Woodah Farm in the Teign Valley) when safe. We are incredibly fortunate to have the exceptional support of the Trust's experienced, passionate, and dedicated Senior Leadership Team, CEO, and Governance Officer. "I really enjoy working with positive, creative people (both staff and other Trustees) who share my passion for wildlife and the natural environment and look to widen access to it in a sustainable way. I am so proud of the great projects where we have really made a difference e.g. Beavers, Action for Insects, Horsey Island." - Trustee Audit Response, September 2020 Registered Charity no. 213224 5 Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AB Being a Trustee – FAQs How much time do trustees devote to their role? Being a trustee requires a lot of voluntary work - time preparing for and attending meetings; effort spent understanding complexities and staying updated on the conservation sector. The precise time commitment varies, but probably averages around 3 hours a week. Trustees serve in terms of 3 years, and don't normally serve for more than 2 consecutive terms. What is it like to be a trustee? Our recent audit found numerous reasons why being a DWT Trustee is a rewarding experience. They include social aspects of working in a team, and "working with a group of like-minded people from different backgrounds". As a DWT trustee, you can expect to be: ● inducted to your role and provided with tailored, ongoing support ● part of the team; to share in the Trust’s successes and challenges ● provided with high quality, timely information to support your statutory responsibilities ● involved in aspects of the role that particularly interest you, have your views heard and respected, and to feel that your skills and your contribution are valued ● remunerated for out of pocket expenses related to your role in line with our expenses policy Am I eligible to be a Trustee - and do I have to declare Conflicts of Interest? All trustees are required to either be or become a member of the charity. To be eligible to serve as a trustee, you must not have unspent convictions for any offence involving deception or dishonesty; have been adjudged bankrupt and not been discharged; have made an arrangement with creditors and not been discharged; have been removed from the office of charity trustee on the grounds of misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of a charity; or be subject to a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 or the Insolvency Act 1986. Trustees are asked to make declarations relating to financial, professional, personal or prejudicial interests - anything which conflicts with the charity’s mission and values and/or which hinders their ability to act fairly, impartially and in the best interests of the charity. Is being a Trustee right for me? If you believe you fit the Role Description below, then yes! We encourage you to apply. DWT is seeking to better reflect our commitment to diversity. We particularly welcome applications from people aged under 40; people with disabilities; and Black, Asian, and minority ethnic people. These demographics are underrepresented on our Board of Trustees. Registered Charity no. 213224 6 Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AB You don't need to have had previous Board experience to be a great trustee. Current and previous trustees include a land owner, a student, a business owner, a lawyer, and a retired person, all with their own unique experiences and perspectives on Devon's wildlife. However, we appreciate that having a trustee role isn't for everybody, or now might not be the right time. There are many other ways to get involved with Devon Wildlife Trust, including other voluntary roles, all of which can be found on our website. Registered Charity no. 213224 7 Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AB Trustee Role Description Trustees are committed to devoting time and effort to use their skills, knowledge and experience to help achieve the aims of Devon Wildlife Trust. They are expected to: ● govern in line with our mission, values and charitable objectives ● provide strategic direction (e.g.