Job Description
JOB TITLE Volunteer Trustee - Property, Planning & Environmental Risk Lead REPORTS TO:Chair of the Board of Trustees
JOB SUMMARY |
The Property, Planning & Environmental Risk Lead Trustee provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for WRAS’s land acquisition, planning, construction and environmental compliance activities. The role ensures WRAS makes informed, responsible and future proof decisions as the charity explores opportunities for improved facilities, site development and long term operational resilience. The post holder brings specialist expertise to support the Board in understanding risks, opportunities and regulatory responsibilities relating to property, planning and environmental matters. |
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (Baselines need to be provided to then set KPIs/outcomes) |
- Quality and timeliness of strategic advice provided to the Board.
- Evidence of strengthened governance in property, planning and environmental risk areas.
- Effective oversight of planning applications, regulatory processes and environmental compliance.
- Timely completion of assigned actions within agreed Board or Chair deadlines.
- Contribution to risk mitigation, feasibility assessment and value‑for‑money decision making.
- Constructive collaboration with Senior Management and relevant sub‑groups.
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RESPONSIBILITIES |
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At Board Level- Provide strategic leadership on land acquisition, planning, construction and environmental compliance.
- Advise Trustees on long term vision and investment strategy for property development and capital projects.
- Ensure all property related decisions align with WRAS’s mission, values and regulatory obligations.
- Offer expert insight into planning law, regulatory processes and environmental considerations.
- Strengthen governance by ensuring the Board understands risks, opportunities and legal responsibilities.
- Lead or contribute to committees or working groups focused on property, planning or capital projects.
- Actively demonstrate and uphold the WRAS Trustee Code of Conduct, ensuring full compliance with Charity Commission standards, legal and accountability obligations, and the Nolan Principles of conduct in public life.
Working with Senior Management - Guide Senior Management on realistic expectations regarding property criteria, planning constraints, timelines, costs and regulatory hurdles.
- Provide evidence based advice on land availability, site suitability, ecological constraints and development feasibility.
- Act as a steadying influence, helping prioritise essential requirements over aspirational features.
- Support navigation of planning applications, regulatory processes and site development.
- Review and advise on environmental impact assessments, biodiversity considerations and ecological responsibilities.
- Support identification and mitigation of environmental, operational and financial risks.
- Provide oversight on construction project planning, contractor selection, timelines, budgets and risk mitigation.
- Ensure compliance with planning, environmental and construction regulations including biodiversity net gain, flood risk, noise pollution and ecological protection.
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ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES |
- Act as an ambassador for WRAS, promoting the charity’s interests and strengthening its profile.
- Provide specialist expertise to support high quality Board decision making.
- Offer insight, challenge and guidance on new initiatives and emerging opportunities.
- Undertake agreed actions between meetings within the time frames set by the Board or Chair.
- Participate in site visits, planning consultations and project meetings as required.
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Person Specification
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE |
Essential- Proven experience in land acquisition, property development or estates management.
- Strong working knowledge of planning law and local authority planning frameworks.
- Experience overseeing or advising on construction or capital projects.
- Understanding of biodiversity, ecology and environmental protection.
- Ability to interpret environmental risk assessments (flood risk, noise impact, ecological surveys).
- Strong governance awareness and ability to provide strategic challenge.
Desirable - Experience in wildlife, environmental, conservation or animal welfare sectors.
- Knowledge of biodiversity net gain (BNG) and ecological mitigation strategies.
- Experience engaging with planning consultants, architects or environmental specialists.
- Familiarity with capital fundraising for property development.
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KEY SKILLS |
- Excellent communication skills, able to translate technical issues for non specialists.
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
- Ability to assess risk, feasibility and compliance implications.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to balance ambition and realism.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Trustees, Senior Management and external partners.
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PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES |
- Calm, balanced and resilient when navigating complex or sensitive issues.
- Proactive, solutions‑focused and confident in providing expert challenge.
- Ambassadorial, representing WRAS with credibility and professionalism.
- Reliable, organised and able to manage priorities to ensure governance matters progress without delay.
- High integrity, professionalism and commitment to WRAS’s mission and values.
Time commitment; Trustees are expected to allocate sufficient time to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. This includes: - Preparing for and attending monthly Board meetings.
- Participating in relevant sub groups.
- Attending site visits, planning consultations and project meetings as required.
- Completing assigned actions within agreed time frames.
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How to apply, please send cv to linda@eastsussexwras.org.uk
This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.
