Trustee

Trustee (Communities and Enterprise) Voluntary The National Forest is seeking to appoint a new Trustee to bring enthusiasm, ideas and expertise to support the organisation to take forward its communities and enterprise work. About the National Forest The National Forest is about so much more than trees; it is pioneering new ways of working to transform landscapes, lives and livelihoods.  The last three decades have seen the National Forest Company (NFC) drive forward delivery of the National Forest, taking it from a leap of faith to the success story we see today: a restored forest landscape; an emerging visitor destination; and communities that are connecting with nature. With a new Vision to 2050 now in place, highly experienced and dedicated Trustees, and a small but exceptionally committed staff team, the NFC is well placed to meet the challenges ahead.  The role The Trustee role provides an exciting opportunity for an executive looking to develop further, an experienced non-executive director, or an individual pursuing a portfolio career. They will be a strategic thinker, have an understanding of governance and trustee responsibilities and an awareness of charity culture.   This is an opportunity to work with a highly professional organisation that is achieving extraordinary results through its passionate staff, Trustees, ambassadors, and supporters locally, regionally and nationally. The successful individual will have the right experience and outlook to steer work on communities and enterprise, including strategy and policy, major projects and evidence and would suit someone with expertise in one or all of the following:  

• Community engagement 
• Education 
• Health & wellbeing 
• Sustainable tourism    As a Trustee, this is an opportunity to enjoy a diverse and interesting programme, a stimulating environment, and a voice on the national stage.  Length of appointment The term is for at least three years, commencing from 1 January 2027, with the possibility of a second term of up to three years. Time commitment The Trustee role requires the equivalent of approximately one day per month, to include preparation for and attendance at meetings. The Trustee will be led by the Chair and work closely with the Chief Executive and senior team. They will attend five Board meetings each year, one of which is virtual, and a Board strategy session. Three Communities & Enterprise Working Group meetings are held each year with a mixture of face-to-face and virtual attendance. Opportunities to attend NFC events in London, the National Forest and elsewhere are also available. Remuneration This is a ‘pro bono' post, and no salary is payable, but travel, training and other expenses reasonably incurred will be re-imbursed. Location Board meetings are generally held at the NFC's office in Moira, near Swadlincote, South Derbyshire. So, if you are interested, please apply via The National Forest website, which you will be navigated to by clicking the apply button at the top of the page. The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 11 October 2026.