APPOINTMENTOF CHAIR

WWF-UK:

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Humanity is wiping out life on Earth and we are fast approaching the point of no return, when the damage can no longer be undone. WWF’s most recent Living Planet Report, published last year, showed the abundance and diversity of wildlife are in steep decline, with wildlife population sizes falling on average by 60% between 1970 and 2014. The imperative for action to reverse this damage is urgent – we are the first generation to know we are destroying the natural world, and the last that can do anything about it.

We launched our new 10-year strategy in 2018, which both builds on and reaches beyond the work we have been known for since our foundation in 1961. At WWF, we are proud of our rigorous science, outstanding conservation programmes, dedicated staff and strong brand. We now want to use these assets to drive changes that will make it politically, socially and economically unacceptable to degrade our planet’s precious natural resources. We must restore nature and protect our planet for future generations, and we will do so by fostering a more assertive and urgent

campaigning mentality and building capacity, across the organisation, to be more agile, faster-paced and structured so we can deliver real change.

We cannot achieve the changes we need to see without good governance and clear direction. Our Chair of Trustees plays a pivotal part in applying their skills, experience, knowledge and networks to represent WWF-UK and to ensure it has a secure future and robust governance and is positively engaged with a wide range of national and international stakeholders.

Please find included in this pack a more detailed role description for our Chair of Trustees. I would be very pleased to speak to you about the role in more detail.

Tanya Steele, Chief Executive, WWF-UK

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of Trustees at WWF-UK. Our current Chair, Sir Andrew Cahn, will step down in 2020 and we are looking for someone to continue with the exceptional progress he has made.

OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVEAN INTRODUCTION FROM

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Founded in 1961, WWF has grown to become the world’s leading independent conservation organisation, with its mission to create a world where wildlife and people can thrive together. WWF-UK is a key national organisation within the WWF international family, whose secretariat is based in Switzerland and which has primary offices and associates in over 40 countries around the world. The black and white panda of WWF has come to stand as a universal symbol for the conservation movement as a whole across the globe.

This is, without doubt, a time of unprecedented threats to our planet: global wildlife populations have declined by 60% in little more than 40 years, almost nine square kilometres of forests are lost every hour, and there could be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. Hugely significant geopolitical, economic and social shifts provide a complex and evolving context to these urgent challenges.

However, against this challenging backdrop enormous opportunities exist and, at WWF, we are positioned to play a pivotal role. For example, at a national level, we are at the forefront of efforts to shape the way in which the UK can be a global champion for the planet, by influencing the UK government’s implementation of its 25–Year Environment Plan. In the same vein, and in the context of the UK’s exit from the EU, we will seek to capitalise on this moment to shape the way in which the UK goes on to manage the environment and natural resources.

We are now entering a new strategic phase of our work. To step up to the many urgent challenges we face, we have developed ambitious and bold new priorities for the next 10 years that aim to tackle the root causes driving the decline in the natural world. Key to this will be increased advocacy with, among others, policymakers and business leaders on the national and global stage, including ahead of and at key meetings taking place in 2020.

It is not, of course, only externally that there are critical challenges and opportunities ahead. Recent events have shown that WWF is by no means separate from the profound evolution of organisations within the sector. There are fundamental questions about the role of INGOs and the state, about power, accountability and transparency and organisational culture. The way in which WWF responds openly, honestly and with integrity to the outcomes of the independent investigation commissioned into allegations made by the media will be crucial and we will surely have a part to play in the sector-wide drive to restore credibility and trust, and to ensure scrutiny, transparency and safeguarding in future.

ABOUT WWF

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We have an incredibly important few years ahead. To tackle the most pressing issue of our generation, WWF has set out a new long-range vision to stop the decline of our planet’s natural systems and to inspire the action urgently needed to save our planet.

We are using our scientific expertise, world-leading programmes and thought leadership to raise awareness and campaign on those underlying drivers of nature loss most urgently needed to deliver lasting and transformative change for planet and people alike.

Our Chair of Trustees plays a pivotal part in applying their skills, experience, knowledge and networks to represent WWF-UK and to ensure that we have a secure future and robust governance, and are positively engaged with a very wide range of national and international stakeholders.

The Chair provides strong leadership to the Board and to WWF-UK in its national and international work, supporting our Chief Executive.

WWF-UK is an important member of the WWF Network and our Chair fulfils a key role as a member of the International Board. This may also include joining or chairing International Board sub-committees, in addition to engaging with the Chair of WWF International and those of other national organisations.

THE ROLE

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LEADING THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES:• Ensure the organisation operates within its charitable objectives and its activities comply with relevant law

and regulation.

• Ensure that the board of trustees fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of WWF-UK, protecting the financial stability of the organisation and monitoring the organisation’s performance against agreed targets.

• Lead trustees and support the Executive Group in the development and delivery of the organisation’s vision, values, mission, strategy and high-level policy.

• Ensure that the organisation’s reputation, ethics and values are safeguarded and that major risks are regularly reviewed and managed and that mitigating actions are in place.

• Chair Board meetings and agree their frequency and agendas in consultation with the Chief Executive and/or Chief Operating Officer, ensuring that decisions taken by the Board are in the best interests of the organisation and are implemented.

• Foster and maintain constructive relationships between trustees, acting as a point of contact for trustees between meetings as required.

• Chair the Nominations Committee to ensure that the composition of the Board of Trustees reflectsthe diversity, skills and knowledge required and that succession planning is well managed in line with the organisation’s governance documentation and best practice.

• Support the Chief Executive, and/or Chief Operating Officer where appropriate, with the development and implementation of procedures for board induction, development, training and appraisal.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

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• Advocate for and represent the organisation,

developing relationships with stakeholders and key policy influencers in business, politics and in the broader NGO world.

• Represent the organisation at high-level meetings and events.

• Support fundraising activities, including meeting existing and potential major financial donors as required.

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• Lead, with the support of the Nominations Committee, the appointment of the Chief Executive as required.

• Ensure delivery of WWF’s mission and the organisation’s strategic plan by providing ongoing guidance, advice and support to the Chief Executive, building a close and effective working relationship, while respecting executive responsibility.

• Set and review the Chief Executive’s objectives, carrying out regular one to ones to review performance and development needs and conducting an annual appraisal.

• Chair the Remuneration Committee to review and determine the salary of the Chief Executive and members of the executive leadership team.

• Support the Chief Executive in the selection and appointment of members of the Executive Group.

• Guide and mentor the Chief Executive in the effective performance of their role.

SUPPORTING THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE:

SUPPORTING ADVOCACY &FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES:

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• Member of the WWF International Board which has responsibility for the governance and effective performance of the WWF Network.

• Attend two meetings per year of the WWF International Board: one in Geneva, and one coinciding with the annual WWF International conference hosted by a member country.

• Attend one meeting a year of the WWF European Chairs.

• Participate in two additional conference call meetings of the WWF International Board.

• Regular informal contact with the Chair and Director General of WWF International, and the Chairs of other WWF national organisations.

• May additionally serve on or chair sub-committees of the WWF International Board.

PARTICIPATE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF WWF INTERNATIONAL:

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Excellent leadership skills.

• Demonstrate understanding and experience in international organisations.

• Commitment to WWF, its mission and its values.

• Demonstrable understanding of the work undertaken by the organisation.

• Experience of leading a high-performing Board or Committee in an organisation with comparable complexities to WWF.

• Evidence of having made an outstanding contribution within your industry or profession.

• A successful track record of leading the formulation and delivery of organisational strategy.

• Strong networking and relationship-building experience in high-profile roles and a track record of consensus building with stakeholders both internally and externally to your organisation.

• Evidence of wider engagement beyond the sector in which you are or have been directly employed.

• Strong experience and current knowledge of charity governance processes, with an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of charity trusteeship.

• Commitment to selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

• Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort (approx. 30 days per annum).

• Direct experience of a charity/INGO.

• Past experience of working as a CEO/Executive, including private, public or third sector experience.

ESSENTIAL:

DESIRABLE:

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• A strategic and creative thinker, able to provide direction and leadership in a way that inspires confidence in and commitment from others.

• Diplomatic with excellent ambassadorial skills and the ability to negotiate, influence and convince through personal credibility.

• A confident communicator and an inspiring and engaging public speaker.

• Robust judgement and the ability to seek and challenge information to reach and take decisions.

• Undisputed personal integrity and a personal style that demonstrates authority, commitment and consistency, and will inspire the trust and confidence of the Board, the executive team and WWF’s wider stakeholder group.

• Ability to assimilate and analyse information quickly in order to debate complex issues at the highest strategic levels, and the capability to chair a diverse organisation.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

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TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

HOW TO APPLY

The role of Chair is anticipated to take up about 30 days per annum. Board meetings take place at the Living Planet Centre in Woking.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to WWF-UK on this appointment.

Candidates should apply for this role through our website at: www.saxbam.com/appointments, using code BWFP.

Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter.

Closing date: Friday 11 October 2019.

Initial interviews with Saxton Bampfylde will take place between 28 October and 15 November 2019. Candidates should be available on 28 November for a first round interview with WWF. A final panel interview will take place on 2 December with the Selection Committee.

According to GDPR guidelines, we are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. You will be asked to complete a consent form when you apply and please do not include any Sensitive Personal Data within your CV (although this can be included in your covering letter if you wish to do so), remembering also not to include contact details for referees without their prior agreement.

The equal opportunities monitoring online form will not be shared with anyone involved in assessing your application. Please complete as part of the application process.

GDPR personal data notice

WWF is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity.

WWF therefore welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

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