Focus on... Our Trustees

Focus on... Our Trustees

We’re looking for new trustees to join our Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust Council of Trustees. Tony Clarke, our new Chair of Trustees, tells us about his own experiences and what you could bring to the charity.

Lifelong passion

I’ve had a lifelong interest in nature. It started from childhood and part of it never left me. When I took up nature photography, I expanded my knowledge, learned even more and that passion doubled. I had been a member of the Wildlife Trusts for years, before volunteering to become a Trustee, first at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and now with LRWT. It’s always been interesting and I’ve never regretted it. My main driver is a desire to see the Trust safeguard nature as an essential part of our daily lives. Even though I’m retired, I bring professional skills from my work life. Being a Trustee seemed a natural fit. One of the things I enjoy about being a Trustee, in addition to the importance of the work, is the chance to work with people from different backgrounds who share a common purpose.

Important and rewarding

The role of the Council of Trustees is to ensure good governance as a charitable body. It’s important that we get this right; it’s how our members, partners and authorities know that we are fit for purpose. Our role covers legal and regulatory requirements as a charity, a company, an employer and a landowner. Trustees also have responsibilities to provide strategic direction and oversight to tackle the challenges going forward. We look at new and creative ways to address the severe loss of wildlife, climate change and their combined impacts on Leicestershire and Rutland. Being part of a successful Wildlife Trust can be very rewarding.

Tony Clarke

Tony Clarke, LRWT Chair of Trustees

One of the things I enjoy about being a Trustee is the chance to work with people from different backgrounds who share a common purpose.

Diversity and inclusion

To be an effective governing body, we need the right mix of skills, backgrounds and ways of thinking that play into the work of Council. This includes increasing our diversity and inclusion.

You don’t need to have had any previous Trustee experience. We are looking for people who have the skills necessary to fulfil the role of being a Trustee , show a passion and enthusiasm for the work of LRWT, along with a diversity of backgrounds and thinking, all of which generates lively discussion and ensures quality decision making.

Trustees

LRWT

Could you be our next Trustee?

I’d urge anyone who is interested in helping local wildlife to have a look at the role description. See if its right for you! If you have any questions or want to find out more, we want to hear from you. You might be able to make a meaningful contribution and we can support you in doing that.

Our trustees bring a diversity of skills, interests and knowledge to the organisation. We are currently recruiting for new trustees and we would love to hear from you. 

Find out more and apply here.