Outdoor Education Trustee

Role Title: Outdoor Education Trustee
Direct Report: Works closely with the Chair, Chief Executive and the board of trustees and Fieldwork Manager.

Background: Any of the following: Environmental Sciences, Outdoor Education
and Adventure, Adventure Tourism, Outdoor Health and Safety

**Overview**
The board of trustees is currently seeking new members to join the board. In particular, we are seeking someone with expertise in outdoor education and/or the delivery of outdoor adventure/training programmes to support both the CEO and the Fieldwork Manager, providing strategic support on a range of challenges and opportunities related to our frontline charitable activities in the field.

Wild Things is at an exciting time in its development, having recently embarked upon a new and exciting programme which places older people and health & wellbeing at the centre of their work. Trustees play an essential role in the governance of Wild Things, working as a team to define the organisation’s strategic direction and to support and champion the work of the charity.

As a trustee, you will also play an essential role in ensuring the charity is running as it should, that it represents its beneficiaries and that the organisation remains true to its mission and objectives as well as ensuring that the charity’s activities remain transparent and are sensibly managed. You will also contribute your professional expertise to all strategic decision-making of the board. This is a unique opportunity to influence the shape of Wild Things as it grows and develops as well as providing a chance to champion the benefits and importance of a mutually beneficial relationship between the natural
environment and communities that live within it.

**Responsibilities**
In partnership with other trustees you will:
Monitor the financial standing of the charity including maintaining oversight of
cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources.
Provide guidance to the CEO and Fieldwork Manager on matters relating to
outdoor health and safety, fieldwork policy, the management of a highly skilled
team of outdoor instructors and the development of Wild Things outdoor
adventure, education and community services which includes the delivery of
accredited training courses.

Represent the interests of Wild Things beneficiaries at a strategic level (including benefits to communities and to the natural environment)
Ensuring that the organisation remains true to its charitable mission and objectives

Supporting the new CEO in developing ways to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the charity’s work.

**Person Specification**
- sports etc), winter and/or summer mountain leader training, emergency services, armed forces, bushcraft practices, outdoor experience providers or other relevant backgrounds.
**Essential**
Demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following areas: outdoor adventure and educational activities; outdoor leadership; outdoor health and safety;
Management of a team of outdoor instructors; adventure tourism; conservation
project management; outdoor adventure/education service development;
bushcraft; other outdoor pursuits.
Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.
A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Good communication and leadership skills
Competent use of IT skills.
**Desirable**
Knowledge of charity SORP and any impending changes.
Knowledge and experience of charity finance practices.
Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the
charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
**Time commitment**
The board meets quarterly with one strategy-day per year. The AGM normally takes place alongside one of these board meetings. This amounts to roughly 5 days per year not including some ad hoc consultation with other board members and the CEO as required.
**Location**
Board meetings are usually based at the charities offices in Findhorn Village Centre, Church Place, nr Forres though, more recently, board meetings have been hosted online.
**Expenses**
Whilst this is a voluntary role, all reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
**Application**
If you are interested in joining Wild Things, please submit your CV and a brief explanation of your interest in Wild Things and suitability to the role. If you have any questions or would like an informal discussion before applying, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Chief Executive Officer, Luke Strachan.