Chair (CPRE London Chair of Trustees)

About CPRE London

CPRE is England’s leading countryside charity, comprising a National Office and 42 local CPREs, each operating as a distinct charity. At a national level, CPRE campaigns for a beautiful and thriving countryside that is valued, enjoyed and accessible to everyone. At a local level, the London branch looks to make London a greener and healthier city for all.

CPRE London has a strong reputation for providing evidence-based, well-reasoned and passionate campaigning. In doing this we draw on our core strengths: • We are known as London’s leading environmental charity protecting green spaces and promoting regeneration of previously developed sites • The Greater London Authority, London borough councils and other policy makers recognise us as an authoritative voice in the planning and development of London • A network of more than 100 community groups trust us to provide critical advice to support their local campaigns • We directly support more than 500 friends of green space groups through our GoParks programme • We convene the More Natural Capital Coalition – a coalition of 19 environmental charities working together to identify key green priorities for the capital and advocate jointly for action

In 2024, we aim to focus efforts into three main thrust areas:

1. Creating an M25 of trees around the capital. Green Belt and neighbouring areas have been identified as the biggest opportunity for London to grow its tree canopy as a key part of the response to climate change and the biodiversity crisis. Treescapes should be created with people in mind and designed to also nurture the health and wellbeing of people.
2. Ten New Parks. There are many large protected spaces in London which have been bought with a view to seek planning permission to build on them. We aim to grow awareness of deliberately neglected areas of protected open land, get commitment from decision makers to maintain site protection and grow excitement amongst decision makers around new park creation.
3. London Friends of Green Space Network and GoParks London. We are playing a powerful role in supporting green volunteering through our work like-minded community groups. We aim to grow the reach of the friends of the park movement, grow the capacity of these groups and grow the impact of these groups on public health by promoting the health benefits of green volunteering outdoors.

These are in addition to our core case work supporting local campaigners in their efforts to stand up to threats to local green spaces and the environmental and health and well-being benefits these bring.

CPRE London runs a small office and currently employs four part-time staff members, headed by a Director who reports to the Chair. The organisation has a number of volunteers who work under the leadership of the staff on specific projects and initiatives.   What will you be doing?

The Chair of CPRE London’s Trustee Board plays a key role in leading, developing and delivering the work.

Responsibilities • Leading the Trustee board and the organisation to enable it to fulfil its purpose • Ensuring an effective relationship between the Trustee board and staff/ volunteers, and external stakeholders Acting as a spokesperson and figurehead as appropriate • Supervising and supporting the Director

What are we looking for?

Skills / Experience • Experience in leading meetings and/or previous Board experience is desirable • Ability to network and build effective relationships combined with strong judgement, resilience and decision-making • Proven strategic thinking ability combined with the ability to process detail and get to the heart of an issue • Proven track record in achieving project goals • Excellent communication skills and ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy • A clear and informed understanding of how an effective fundraising strategy is built • A willingness to demonstrate commitment to CPRE London, including its vision and mission, and an awareness of (or willingness to learn about) the issues concerned with safeguarding green spaces in London • Managerial experience in overseeing staff members, including direct line management of the Director • Experience and understanding of the responsibilities of charity trustees • Previous NGO experience is a plus, but not essential.

We are looking for someone with the right mix of managerial/ leadership skills and a willingness to lead the organisation forward to achieve success in its strategy. This role is for a candidate interested in a range of issues around the natural environment and wants to be part of an organisation that campaigns for the sustainable use of land and other natural resources to protect and enhance the environment and quality of life in London. Some knowledge of or familiarity with London’s planning process would be helpful.

What difference will you make?

Specific Roles The successful candidate will work with the Director, staff and other trustees to ensure that the charity’s strategy is achieved and modified as necessary to embrace new ideas or changes in circumstances.

• Ensure CPRE London fulfils its charitable objectives and acts in accordance with the Charity Commission’s good governance guidelines • Provide leadership to CPRE London and its board of trustees in agreeing objectives and ensuring they are successfully put into action • Provide leadership in strategy formation and project accountability and help monitor performance against targets • Safeguard the reputation and values of CPRE London • Represent CPRE London at public meetings, in meetings with local politicians, government officers, and other stakeholders as necessary • Give media interviews as necessary • Ensure CPRE London complies with its memorandum and articles, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations • Represent CPRE London at various national CPRE meetings • Ensure there are adequate resources (financial and human) for CPRE London to fulfil its charitable responsibilities • Plan the annual cycle of Board Meetings; Chair these meetings • Ensure policy and administrative systems are running smoothly with support from the Hon Secretary • Monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are effectively implemented • Act as line manager to the Director Commitment:

Time Commitment

The Chair works on average 2-4 days a month with other trustees and staff in support of CPRE London and its key objectives, either at the office or remotely.

Meetings

The Board meets 4 times a year at our London office, with meetings starting at 18.30 and generally finishing by 20.30. In addition, there is an Away Day meeting in the Greater London area.

Deadline: Sunday 31st March 2024. However, we will consider applications on a rolling basis and reserve the right to appoint before the deadline, so we would encourage those interested to apply early.

How to apply: Applications should be made by submitting a CV and cover letter explaining in how you believe you could benefit CPRE London as a Trustee in the Chair position to hr@cprelondon.org.uk.