Opportunity to join this ambitious, environmental charity at a crucial time to bring your knowledge of planning and strategic thinking to support our new 5-year strategy, at a time where London's green spaces are under increasing threat.

About CPRE London

Our mission to make London a well-planned, greener, climate resilient and nature rich city, which benefits everyone.

Our vision is that by 2035 London has become a well-planned, climate resilient, nature rich city. It is surrounded by a flourishing Green Belt, with a ring of trees and other habitats. It has an expanding network of green spaces, which are well used by all. Streets are greener and encourage walking and cycling. Development includes more affordable, well-designed homes with good facilities nearby to reduce car dependency and support Londoners to live low carbon, healthy lives.

England’s leading countryside charity comprises 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 CPRE London our focus in 2025 is on the following areas::

• Creating an M25 of trees around the capital London Tree Ring Project
• Highlighting the importance of the Green Belt in a climate and nature crisis
• Establishing 10 New Parks
• Expanding and strengthening London Friends of Green Space Network and GoParks London

These are in addition to our core case work supporting local campaigners stand up to threats to local green spaces and the environmental, health and well-being benefits these bring. More details about CPRE’s work is on our website: https://www.cprelondon.org.uk/

Role of Trustee

The Trustee board is the principle governing body of CPRE London and is collectively responsible for the leadership and direction of the charity.

As a Trustee your role includes:

• Developing and overseeing implementation of our strategic plan to help us to deliver our vision.
• Offering independence, external perspective, skills and challenge
• Mentoring and supporting the staff and volunteers.

What we are seeking: Although keen to appoint dedicated Trustees offering a breadth of skills who share our aims, the Trustee board have identified key areas where specific knowledge and experience would be welcomed to complement the existing team:

Knowledge, skills and experience of housing policy and/or the planning system and planning law, relevant to ensuring that we encourage and influence planners and developers to maximise use of using housing stock, other buildings and brownfield sites in the creation of genuinely affordable housing, and that development is in line with our vision for London. Additional, useful background knowledge for any of our trustees includes:

• Technical knowledge of ecology / horticulture / forestry
• Experience with an environmental organisation or charity but this is not essential.

To best represent London’s diverse community on our Boards of Trustees and ensure all residents benefit from our green space advocacy, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

What are we looking for?

In addition to the specific knowledge and experience mentioned above, our expectations of all our Trustees would be:

• A commitment to CPRE policies, campaigns and initiatives
• An understanding of, or interest in, the charity sector
• Some experience of working in a strategic way - paid or voluntary
• Independent judgement and a creative approach to problem solving
• Excellent communication skills and ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy
• Capacity and 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
• Experience and understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trustees - or a willingness to learn.
• This role is for candidates with an interest in a range of issues around the natural environment, who want to be part of an organisation that campaigns for the sustainable use of land, to protect and enhance the environment and quality of life in London.

Please see the attached details of our expectations for the role of Trustee.

What difference will you make?

Opportunity to contribute to our new strategic plan and help steer the direction of CPRE London for the next 5 years. Your chance to influence through teamwork: working 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; optional involvement with our team of dedicated volunteers.

Commitment:

Typically, 1-2 days a month with other trustees and staff in support of charity and its key objectives, either at the office or remotely. There are 4 Board meetings a year at our London office, from 18.30 and generally finishing by 20.30, plus an Away Day meeting in the Greater London area.

Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term, which can be extended for a further 3 years.