Trustee - Environmental Charity

Willowbrook Farm Charity (Oxfordshire, UK-wide reach)

Role: Trustee (voluntary)
Time commitment: Approx. 4 to 8 hours per month (flexible)
Location: Mostly remote, with occasional visits to Willowbrook Farm, Hampton Gay, Kidlington, Oxfordshire
Term: Typically 3 years (renewable)
Expenses: Reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed (in line with policy)

Willowbrook Farm Charity is rebuilding and growing. We are rooted in a working farm in Oxfordshire and welcome people from across the UK to take part in hands‑on learning and nature connection. Our work supports wellbeing, reduces isolation, and nurtures responsible Earth stewardship through practical education in sustainability and biodiversity.

We are looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide our next chapter.

As a Trustee, you will help ensure Willowbrook Farm Charity is well‑governed, financially resilient, and able to deliver meaningful, inclusive programmes. You’ll play a key role in shaping our direction, strengthening our foundations, and helping more people access the benefits of nature, community, and ethical learning.

• Help set and review the charity’s strategy, priorities, and annual plans
• Support strong financial oversight, including budgets, reserves, and risk management
• Ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable objects, values, and legal duties
• Contribute to safeguarding, equality, health and safety, and GDPR oversight
• Champion the charity’s mission and act as an ambassador in your networks
• Support fundraising and sustainability, for example, introductions, advice, and scrutiny
• Attend Trustee meetings and contribute to decisions and actions between meetings

You do not need prior Trustee experience. We will support your induction and learning.

We’re seeking Trustees who are warm, grounded, thoughtful, and motivated by equity, nature, and community benefit. We value:

• A collaborative approach and good judgement
• Integrity and willingness to ask questions
• Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding
• Interest in sustainability, biodiversity, education, or wellbeing
• Confidence to support and challenge constructively

Lived experience is valued. We welcome applications from people who feel underrepresented in charity governance.

• Finance, accounting, or charity treasurer experience
• Fundraising, trusts and foundations, major donors, or corporate partnerships
• Legal, HR, governance, or risk management
• Safeguarding leadership or compliance (children and adults at risk)
• Education, youth work, training, or curriculum design
• Health, social care, mental health, or social prescribing
• Environmental sustainability, conservation, farming, or land stewardship
• Arts, Culture and Heritage
• Community engagement, inclusion, or lived experience of barriers to green space
• Comms, marketing, digital strategy, or brand development
• IT, Cyber Security, Design

If you bring something different, we still want to hear from you.

• Board meetings: typically every 6 to 8 weeks (online)
• Meet the farm (we will require you to visit the farm once if appointed)
• Optional involvement: occasional working groups or focused support between meetings
• Occasional Farm visits: occasional, for connection and understanding (not required, but encouraged)

We aim to be flexible and respectful of people’s time.

• The chance to shape a charity with deep values and practical impact
• A warm, purpose‑driven team and a role in rebuilding something meaningful
• Trustee experience, training support, and governance insight
• A connection to nature, land‑based learning, and community work
• The satisfaction of helping people and the environment together

We are committed to equality, inclusivity, and creating a respectful, welcoming space for all. We are guided by ethical stewardship of land, animals, and community, and we take safeguarding seriously.

• A cover letter with why you’re interested
• A CV
• A mention of any particular skills you’d like to contribute
• Your location and availability

We will invite shortlisted candidates for an informal conversation.

If you’d like a chat before applying, we’d love to hear from you.