We are a not-for-profit organisation with a vision for woodland in Cumbria to thrive ecologically and economically for the benefit of everyone. We are looking for a new Board member to bring new skills, knowledge, expertise and diverse views to our Partnership Board to help support the delivery of our mission.
Our Board members take responsibility for a range of Cumbria Woodlands work and are the guardians of our mission, culture, impact and resources. The Board is responsible for co-developing our strategy, fiduciary oversight, oversight over the performance of the organisation, and promoting activities to stakeholders regionally and nationally.
We are looking for a new Board member who either lives or works in West Cumbria, to support the promotion of the brand-new Cumbria Coastal Community Forest with businesses, community groups and funders in the region. We are looking for someone familiar with the human and physical geography of the west of Cumbria to advocate for the landscape and people of the region. We will support you to understand the people, partners and government agencies working within the woodland sector. We want to ensure we have the right strategy, team and governance model in place to maximise our contribution and lasting impact within all of Cumbria, and nationally.
Board members are asked to commit a minimum of 8 days per annum, including a minimum of 4 Board meetings per year. We encourage active participation and Board members often give more time. Board members are appointed for a term of 3 years which may be renewed.
It is essential the new Board members have:
- A deep affinity for the values and mission of Cumbria Woodlands
- Experience of living and/or working in West Cumbria
- Experience of working with or on a Board or wanting to learn and gain a good understanding of best practices in how management and governing bodies work together to lead an organisation
- A passion for the natural environment or woodlands or is willing to learn.
About us
Cumbria Woodlands is a not-for-profit organisation which maintains an independent and impartial status whilst working collaboratively with its partners. For the last 30 years Cumbria Woodlands has provided advice and guidance on woodland creation and woodland management; training and development services; consultancy and research; and policy and advocacy work. We exist to support the wider woodland sector by bridging the gap between small woodland owners and commercial forestry, and the gaps between the private and environmental sectors and government. We partner with government agencies, not-for-profit organisation, academics and researchers, and private landowners and land managers to bring benefits to Cumbria both directly and indirectly. We operate locally within Cumbria, regionally and nationally.
Why join us?
Cumbria Woodlands offers you the opportunity to learn about carbon, ecosystem services and land use change, whilst promoting the Cumbria Coastal Community Forest and supporting making West Cumbria into an attractive place to live and work.
Location
UK based (remote meetings) with occasional travel to Cumbria (for in-person meetings).
How to apply
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description quoting reference BOARD2022 to neville@cumbriawoodlands.co.uk. The deadline for application is COB Monday 7th March 2022.
If you would like to discuss the role prior to applying, please contact neville@cumbriawoodlands.co.uk
The role is unremunerated but reasonable travel expenses will be covered to and from Cumbria (if not covered as part of your employment).
Additional information
Diversity and inclusion
Woodland and conservation management principles dictate that a diversity of flora, fauna and age structure are inherently valuable to the sustainability and resilience of a woodland. We are working to apply the same principles to our organisation. To this end, the culture of Cumbria Woodlands values difference (e.g. age, gender identity, race, nationality, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective) as a source of innovation, strength and creativity. We recognise that to be engaged, all members of our team must feel included and valued, and we celebrate a deep sense of pride, passion and belonging.
Data protection
Cumbria Woodlands is committed to all aspects of data protection and data privacy, and takes seriously its duties and the duties of its personnel under data protection laws to protect the privacy of its supporters and stakeholders. We act in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. This is reflected in our website terms and conditions and Privacy Policy, which together explain how we collect, manage, use and protect personal information.
Policies
Candidates must comply with our policies such as conflict of interest and health and safety.
Cumbria Woodlands relationship with Lake District National Park Authority
Cumbria Woodlands is hosted by the Lake District National Park Authority, who act as the accountable body. This is a legal and administrative arrangement and Cumbria Woodlands acts as an independent organisation with its own Board and Chairperson.