TCV
Connecting people and green spaces
Job Vacancies
Chair of Trustees
Location: UK wide, including Scotland and Northern Ireland
Salary: £0
Hours: 1 per week (part time)
Contract Type: Fixed term until 31/12/2030
Apply by 2nd November 2026
About the role
At The Conservation Volunteers, we have a wonderful opportunity for a new Chair of Trustees to join our board and lead an organisation that has brought people and green spaces together for more than 65 years. Each year, our work connects more than 100,000 people with nature. In doing so, we strengthen communities, support physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence and skills, improve prospects and create healthier places for people and wildlife.
Our next Chair will guide a committed Board, work in close partnership with our Chief Executive and executive team, and help TCV remain ambitious, resilient and focused on achieving lasting impact for people, communities and nature as well as driving forward financial sustainability.
Candidates will have a sound understanding of Charity Leadership & Governance, a passion for Conservation & Nature and be a great ambassador, that can help elevate & promote the work we do with external stakeholders. Previous experience as a Chair would be welcome, but it is not the only route to success; what matters most is the ability to lead with integrity, curiosity, and shared purpose.
At the heart of our work is a simple belief: everyone should be able to enjoy and benefit from nature, while helping to create greener, healthier and more biodiverse places for people and wildlife.
We focus particularly on people and communities who face barriers to enjoying the outdoors, including those living in urban areas experiencing high levels of deprivation. We want our leadership to reflect the breadth of the communities we serve, and we warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences.
Geographically, we are looking for candidates UK wide, including Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you require further information, or would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Deputy Chair, Joanne Gilbert (joanne.gilbert@tcv.org.uk) or CEO Rebecca Kennelly (rebecca.kennelly@tcv.org.uk).
As part of your application, please send a detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements along with a covering letter (maximum two sides). The covering letter needs to demonstrate your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification (please note, the covering letter is an important part of your application).
Please also include details of two referees, together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and the period of time that they have known you. Rest assured, referees will not be contacted without your prior consent.
To fulfil the role, you must be resident in the UK and have the right to work in the UK.
Safeguarding
TCV is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of children and adults at risk.
All employees are expected to follow TCV's Safeguarding Policy, complete mandatory safeguarding training, and promptly report any concerns.
Safeguarding is a core part of working safely and responsibly at TCV.
A bit more about us
We are The Conservation Volunteers.
Our vision is Better Nature For All.
Our mission is to connect people together to protect and restore nature, delivering lasting benefits for both
Since 1959, The Conservation Volunteers has been a charity creating opportunities for people to create, improve and care for nature in the green spaces around them across the UK.
Our variety of projects cover a bit of everything involving nature. Volunteers muddy their boots in parks, community gardens, woodland, sites of special scientific interest, nature reserves, schools and hospital grounds, helping create a glorious network of protected green space across the UK.
This work connects people with nature, and that connection delivers powerful results.
Join in, feel good.
Please take a moment to view the recruitment pack.
Please view the job description.
It's important to demonstrate that you meet the criteria outlined in the job description.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and covering letter to Joanne Gilbert no later than noon on 2nd November 2026. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applicants. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience.
Please be aware that if you are chosen to move forward to an interview, you will need to complete our application form as the next step.
Interviews will be held on provisionally week commencing 30 November 2026 via Microsoft Teams.
Occasionally, we receive a large number of responses to our advertisements. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date (2nd November 2026), please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in TCV.
To better understand who is applying for and obtaining roles at TCV, please complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Form. You can download this in either PDF or Word format. This information is crucial for identifying and eliminating barriers that may prevent people from joining us. Rest assured, this data will not be part of your application evaluation.
Our goal is to create a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone's individuality is recognised and valued. We believe that embracing diversity helps us achieve our goals more effectively. We welcome applications from all individuals who wish to be part of our future, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we offer interviews to all applicants who have a disability, impairment or mental or physical health condition who meet the minimum criteria for the job. We provide reasonable adjustments and are committed to having an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
If you wish to be considered under this scheme, please tell us in the appropriate part of the application form.
Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support their application, for example to help structure or edit written responses or as an accessibility aid. TCV does not prohibit appropriate use of AI for these purposes. However, the information you submit should accurately reflect your own experience, skills and understanding.
During interviews and other assessments, we expect candidates to respond independently without the use of AI tools, unless its use has been agreed as a reasonable adjustment.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during your application. If you would like to discuss your requirements further please contact the People Team via email or by telephone on 01302 388883. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
Pre-employment checks
Any employment with TCV will be subject to the following checks prior to your start date:
Still have questions?
Find out more about what we do.
Find out more about the benefits of joining us.
Find out how we'll use your information.
Read what TCV teams, volunteers and Community Network members have been doing across the UK by signing up to our newsletter.