Charity Trustee

Who are we? The Welsh Palaeo Survey Group (WPSG) is a nonprofit scientific organization staffed by early-career scientists across disciplines worldwide, dedicated to rescuing and safeguarding Wales's at-risk palaeontological heritage. Founded in 2025 by Charlie Hulbert and Joshua Patterson, WPSG was established to address the vulnerable time between routine surveys by Wales's existing palaeontological infrastructure. Welsh museums, universities and established paleontology and geology groups already dutifully monitor fossil sites susceptible to damage. However, institutional fieldwork necessarily operates within constraints of staffing, funding, research priorities and scheduled survey periods. WPSG is designed to complement these existing preservation efforts by operating at a much higher survey frequency. Local volunteers aim to maintain a consistent field presence at priority coastal and inland fossil sites, responding to reports of potentially significant newly exposed material within a few days where conditions and capacity allow. This is particularly important along dynamic coastlines, where erosion, tides, storms and cliff falls can unpredictably denude fossil material between scheduled fieldwork. By detecting and documenting time-sensitive discoveries during intervals when established institutions reasonably cannot, WPSG hopes to assist in the conservation of the nation's paleohistory before it is lost. Core Trustee Roles for WPSG Chair The Chair leads the trustee board and makes sure meetings run smoothly. They guide discussions help the board make decisions together and act as the main point of contact for the charity. The Chair supports good governance and keeps the charity focused on its aims. This role must be held by a UK national because it involves direct responsibility for compliance and communication within the UK charity system. Secretary The Secretary keeps accurate records of trustee meetings and maintains the official register of trustees. They handle annual filings to the Charity Commission and make sure the charity meets its reporting deadlines. The Secretary also manages internal documents and helps the board stay organised. This role can be held internationally which makes it ideal for members outside the UK who want to support the charity's structure. Treasurer The Treasurer manages the charity's bank account and oversees all financial activity. They track income and spending prepare the annual financial reports and make sure the charity follows financial rules. The Treasurer works closely with the Chair and Secretary to keep the charity stable and transparent. This role must be held by a UK national because it involves direct responsibility for UK banking and financial compliance. Benefits Trustees gain professional development through real experience in charity governance and heritage planning.
Trustees build strong networks with people in geology museums education and the charity sector.
Trustees receive training that supports their role such as governance safeguarding or heritage management.
Trustees help shape the Cambrian Museum of Palaeontology and take part in building a new heritage institution.
Trustees have influence over the charity's direction and help guide long term strategy.
Trustees receive public recognition through the website social media and museum plans which supports their professional profile.
Trustees get access to internal planning documents and early project information which gives insight into how the charity operates.
Trustees become part of a heritage charity that protects Welsh fossil sites and supports science education. If this feels like something that you want to do, give it a go and help the WPSG!