Trustee - Volunteer Coordinator

CPRE Hertfordshire, the countryside charity, campaigns to protect and promote the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside for everyone to enjoy. The pandemic has shown how much we all need and value the green spaces around us, so our work is more important now than ever. 

We have a strong and diverse Board of Trustees. Collectively all of our Trustees are responsible for the governance of the charity. And individually, each Trustee is involved in one or more aspects of our day-to-day work. 

In this role, your day-to-day involvement will be recruiting and supporting our hugely valuable cadre of volunteers.

What will you be doing? 

This is an excellent opportunity to play an influential role in a respected local environmental organisation. You will be able to apply your skills and experience to make a real difference and be part of a friendly and dedicated group.

Together with Trustee colleagues you will be responsible for governance and oversight of the charity. And in your individual role you will be responsible for recruiting volunteers and for ensuring volunteers are provided with suitable induction, training, support and recognition to that they will have a satisfying and fulfilling volunteer experience and will continue to volunteer with the charity for as long as possible. 

Duties include:

·        Act as an ambassador representing the charity to potential volunteers and the wider public;

·        Using a variety of recruitment channels, identify and attract new volunteers to the charity;

·        Coordinate with staff and volunteer colleagues on inductions, recognition, training and support, ‘thank you’ events, volunteer surveys and other activities;

·        Maintain the charity’s Volunteer Policy, organisation chart, and volunteer records;

·        Liaise with colleagues across the wider CPRE network and with external organisations to keep up to date with best practices;

·        With fellow Trustees, provide governance and oversight of the organisation, helping set overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance;

·        Safeguard the good name, values, and financial stability of the charity;

·        Have oversight of staff appointments and resourcing;

·        Help ensure that the charity complies with its constitution, charity law, and other relevant legislation or regulations.

What are we looking for?

You will be home-based, carrying out activities around your other commitments and attending occasional meetings both online and in-person at our office in Welwyn. You will also need to be available from time to time to meet with volunteer candidates and participate in volunteer events, and to participate in Trustee Board meetings (six per year, usually in the evening) and the Annual General Meeting. 

As a guide, we anticipate this voluntary role will require on average 4 hours per week with some fluctuations. 

Role requirements - you should have:

·        a strong interest in the countryside

·        meaningful previous experience of recruiting and managing employees or volunteers

·        a friendly personality and ability to relate to people from different backgrounds

·        excellent verbal and written communication skills

·        access to a computer and the internet at home, and strong computer and digital skills including Microsoft office applications, strong online research skills, and confidence to use online recruitment platforms

·        happy carrying out tasks independently and as part of a team

·        good attention to detail, a completer-finisher

·        strong individual initiative, a self-starter

·        good judgement

·        have own transportation and willingness to occasionally travel around Hertfordshire to meet with candidates and participate in events

·        some weekday availability across the workweek, including ability to participate in biweekly Monday core team meetings and the ability to respond quickly to candidate inquiries

·        reside in Hertfordshire

It would be desirable if you also have previous experience as a volunteer or supporting volunteers, and / or previous experience as a Trustee or working with others at Board level.

Please note that in accordance with our constitution, all Trustees must be, or become, members of CPRE Hertfordshire. Trustees may serve for up to 6 years.

What difference will you make?

At CPRE Hertfordshire we want to encourage everyone to connect with and protect the beautiful countryside and its benefits. As a Trustee and Volunteer Coordinator you will be able to make a significant and direct contribution to the success of the charity.

What's in it for the volunteer?

CPRE volunteers are motivated to help for a range of reasons, but normally they have a strong interest in protecting and enhancing the environment, as well as encouraging people to enjoy the countryside and all it has to offer. A number of our former Trustees continue to actively volunteer for the charity and have been with us for many years.

Benefits include:

·        A great opportunity to use your existing experience and to develop new skills

·        Working with others to make a difference both locally and nationally

·        The potential to meet and discuss issues with a wide range of like-minded people

·        Opportunities to attend local and national CPRE training and events

The role is voluntary although we will pay out-of-pocket expenses with prior agreement, in line with our Volunteers Policy. CPRE Hertfordshire is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) which provides the benefit of limited liability for our Trustees.