We have an incredibly important few years ahead. To tackle the most pressing issue of our generation, WWF has set out a new long-range vision to stop the decline of our planet’s natural systems and begin to restore them and to inspire the action urgently needed to save our planet.
We are using our scientific expertise, world-leading programmes and thought leadership to raise awareness and campaign on those underlying drivers of nature loss – such as climate change, the food system and how we do business globally – which need to shift most urgently to deliver lasting and transformative change for planet and people alike.
Our Chair of Trustees plays a pivotal part in applying their skills, experience, knowledge and networks to represent WWF-UK and to ensure that we have a secure future and robust governance and are positively engaged with a very wide range of national and international stakeholders.
The Chair provides strong leadership to the Board and to WWF-UK in its national and international work, working with our Chief Executive.
Key Accountabilities
Leading the board of Trustees
- Ensure the organisation operates within its charitable objectives and its activities comply with relevant law and regulation as a UK charity.
- Ensure that the board of trustees fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of WWF-UK; ensuring strong governance and leadership through the board and sub-committees, protecting the financial stability of the organisation and monitoring the organisation’s performance against agreed targets.
- Lead trustees and support the Executive Group in the development and delivery of the organisation’s vision, values, mission, strategy and high-level policy.
- Ensure that the organisation’s reputation, ethics and values are safeguarded and that major risks are regularly reviewed and managed and that mitigating actions are in place.
- Chair Board meetings and agree their frequency and agendas in consultation with the Chief Executive and/or Chief Operating Officer, ensuring that decisions taken by the Board are in the best interests of the organisation and are implemented in order to deliver our charitable objects.
- Foster and maintain constructive relationships between trustees, acting as a point of contact for trustees between meetings as required.
- Chair the Nominations & Remunerations Committee to ensure that the composition of the Board of Trustees reflects the diversity, skills and knowledge required and that succession planning is well managed in line with the organisation’s governance documentation and best practice.
- Support the Chief Executive, and/or Chief Operating Officer where appropriate, with the development and implementation of procedures for board induction, development, training and appraisal.
Working with the Chief Executive
- Lead, with the support of the Nominations & Remunerations Committee, the appointment of the Chief Executive, as required.
- Ensure delivery of WWF’s mission and the organisation’s strategic plan by providing ongoing guidance, advice and support to the Chief Executive, building a close and effective working relationship, while respecting executive responsibility.
- Set and review the Chief Executive’s objectives, carrying out regular one to ones to review performance and development needs and conducting an annual appraisal.
- Chair the Nominations & Remuneration Committee to review and determine the salary of the Chief Executive and members of the executive leadership team.
- Support the Chief Executive in the selection and appointment of members of the Executive Group.
- Guide and mentor the Chief Executive in the effective performance of their role.
Advocacy, High-Level Convening and Fundraising
- Advocate for and represent the organisation, developing relationships with a wide-ranging group of stakeholders including WWF ambassadors, business, politicians, the media and in the broader NGO world.
- Convene high-level briefings, meetings and events to support fundraising activities (utilising your networks), host events and meet existing and potential major financial donors.
- Carry out media activities, as agreed with the Executive, in support of WWF’s mission.
International Engagement
- Attend calls of WWF’s Global Council twice a year and WWF’s global annual conference every two years if schedule allows.
- Attend one meeting a year of the WWF European Chairs.
- Potential to support a WWF UK nominated trustee to join the WWF International Board.
Terms of Appointment
The role of Chair is anticipated to take up about 40 days per annum. Board meetings will take place four times a year, usually in either Woking or London. The chair is appointed for up to two terms of three years.