The Organisation
We are England’s largest new native broadleaf forest, and you will be joining us as we embark upon an ambitious 10 year growth plan. There has never been a more important time to take action against climate change and the biodiversity crisis and grow our next generations of future Forest Guardians who will care for the legacy we are creating for decades to come.

The charity’s vision is to create 30,000 acres of contiguous forest in the heart of England to benefit the environment, wildlife and people for hundreds of years to come. The mosaic of habitats we are creating will help mitigate climate change, enable wildlife to thrive, and provide a haven for people to visit which benefits their health, happiness and wellbeing.

The Forest covers a mosaic of habitats across 7,000 acres of land in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, including 4,450 acres of new woodland and 600 acres of mature and ancient woodland. At just 23% of the way towards our 30,000 acre goal, we are already the largest new native broadleaf woodland in England.

We establish and grow the Forest on land that we have purchased to ensure it is safe and protected for hundreds of years to come.

So far, we have planted 2 million trees. Tree planting on this scale makes a significant positive environmental impact, creating a huge carbon sink and helping to mitigate climate change. Further environmental and social impacts of planting include water purification and flood alleviation.

Important as they are, the Forest is more than just trees; it is an incredible mosaic of habitats helping to boost diversity for plants, animals and people, and also includes grassland, heathland, farmland and wetland.

To find out more about our work click here to visit our website.

The Role
We are looking to expand our Board with additional people who share our vision and are passionate about creating a 30,000 acre forest in the heart of England. Ideal trustees will have the time to commit; can think strategically and are committed to the Nolan Principles of Public Life. 

As a modern Board we are keen to increase our diversity to reflect the people which the Heart of England Forest serves – from the cosmopolitan cities of Birmingham and Coventry to the rural communities of Warwickshire and Worcestershire. We have identified as a Board that we would be better served if we had a wider range of diversity around our Board table, and we encourage applications from people who have a knowledge of the region.

Previous trustee experience is not essential, as full training will be given, and we would particularly like to hear from people with experience, skills, and expertise in:
•    Living / working in under-represented communities within our region
•    Living / working with neurodiversity

If you are passionate about creating, restoring and protecting an incredible woodland legacy; a beautiful forest which positively contributes to the landscape and environment; and an important source of both education and inspiration for young and old alike, we would love you to join us.

Person specification
•    Successful experience of operating with a committee or within another decision making structure within your professional or personal life. This may include experience in a voluntary capacity.
•    Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives
•    A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making
•    A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
•    A proven commitment to the Nolan seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
•    A track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity

To read more about the role, please download our Candidate Information Pack.

Time commitment
Four Board meetings per year in the Heart of England Forest. Some committee work between meetings, much of which can be done virtually.

How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for this role, please ensure you provide:

•    A comprehensive CV, including your recent achievements, and the details of two referees
•    A supporting statement addressing your motivations for applying. This should be no longer than one side of A4

All applications should be sent to applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk with your full name and the Heart of England Forest in the subject heading.

Closing date for applications: Monday 9th January 2023
Final in person interview date at the Heart of England Forest: Friday 10th February 2023

We can also offer informal conversations with CEO and Vice Chair. 

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Melissa Baxter: melissa.baxter@russam.co.uk / 07789 985229.

We look forward to receiving your application.