The River Restoration Centre Board - 2 x non-exec Director roles

The River Restoration Centre (RRC) is the UK's expert advice centre for best practice river restoration, habitat enhancement and catchment management. It is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and is governed by a non-executive Board of Directors.  The Board is responsible for setting strategic direction, ensuring the effective and efficient operation of the organisation, and overseeing the performance of the Managing Director. We are looking for two new directors and are seeking people with a strong interest in supporting the development of healthy river systems.

Prospective directors should identify with the purpose and aims of the RRC and be aware of the importance of the work that we do. They should also:

• have the skills, knowledge, and experience (as set out in the Director Profile) required to enable them to contribute to a diverse and effective Board which delivers a high standard of governance.
• be alert to, and able to mitigate, conflicts of interests in relation to their other duties, roles, and responsibilities.
• be able to devote sufficient time to enable them to fulfil the responsibilities of a Board member.
• be willing to take on further specific Board roles and tasks in the future.
• be committed to approaching their role with rigour, objectivity, and respect for others.

The Board holds four Board meetings and one strategy development day per year; some meetings are held entirely online while others are face-to-face, but there is an option to join each meeting virtually when in-person attendance is not possible. Directors are asked to contribute their specific skills to supporting the RRC in a relevant area for a further two to three days. Supporting RRC events such as site visits and the annual conference is encouraged. Expenses incurred in fulfilling these duties are reimbursed. Board members serve for three years on appointment, with the option of further three-year terms if mutually desired. More detail about the roles, duties and commitment associated with being an RRC Director can be found in the Terms of Reference.

We are looking for people who are interested in using their skills and experience to help us achieve our vision of ‘naturally functioning rivers systems benefitting people and wildlife’, and who have (or wish to develop) non-executive director experience. Given that the Board’s work is principally focused on helping the RRC to be an effective and efficient company, applicants should be interested in aspects of organisational governance. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have strengths in the following areas:

• Working with or within ecological/environmental contracting organisations
• Financial management/accounting
• Funding schemes for environmental projects
• Marketing and communications
• Membership organisations/schemes

The RRC is a small, friendly, supportive organisation that values people for who they are and for the unique perspective they bring.  We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities who would like to contribute to the work of the RRC through our Board of Directors.

To apply, please send:

1. A covering note (not more than two pages) which summarises your suitability for the role. Within this you should outline:

a) Your skills, knowledge, experience, and personal attributes and how they relate to the Director Role Profile. Describe how you would bring these to the work of the RRC Board, using supporting examples.

b) Why you are interested in serving on this Board.

c) Any other information that you think may be relevant to this voluntary position, including declaring any potential areas of conflict.  Please also confirm that you are not disqualified from being a company director.

d) Your current position and any other non-executive roles you hold and have previously held.

2. A copy of your CV.

Applications should be sent by email to rrc@therrc.co.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is 22nd May 2023.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview on 6th or 7th June 2023.

Final candidates will be invited to attend an RRC Board meeting on 28th June. They will also be invited to join us for our AGM and a site visit to see a restoration project the following day on 29th June. This will give candidates the opportunity to meet current directors and staff and gain a good understanding of the RRC’s work. Travel and overnight accommodation costs will be covered by the RRC. If applicants are unable to attend in person, there is the option to join one or both meetings online.

If you wish to have an informal discussion about this opportunity or have any enquiries about the recruitment process, including matters relating to conflicts of interest, please contact Martin Janes, the Managing Director, on 01234 752979 or at martin@therrc.co.uk.

For more information please see the RRC Strategic Plan 2022-2025 summary.