Butterfly Conservation (BC) is the UK wildlife charity dedicated to saving butterflies, moths and our environment. It was formed in 1968 following the alarming decline of many beautiful butterflies and moths. The charity has approximately 40,000 members, 32 volunteer-run branches, and employs over 80 people throughout the UK. It operates 36 nature reserves and leads, or is involved in, 73 landscape-scale projects to conserve habitats.

Butterflies and moths are a vital part of our wildlife heritage and are valuable as sensitive indicators of the health of our environment. The stark fact is that butterflies and moths continue to decline at an alarming rate, despite BC’s best efforts over the last 40 years. BC's data shows they are both declining faster than most other well-documented groups of plants and animals, so the charity's task is both daunting and complex. For many species, we know what needs to be done to halt the decline and support recoveries. In order to tackle those losses and achieve the aims of the charity, BC must dramatically increase its capacity and influence over the next few years. Its work will benefit other wildlife and the ecosystems upon which all life depends.

BC entered an exciting new phase of its evolution in 2021 with the launch of a bold and extremely ambitious 2026 Strategy which promises to deliver a step change in UK nature conservation. Over the next five years, BC plans to turn the nature crisis into opportunity by taking imaginative steps to conserve butterflies and moths and help restore biodiversity and rebuild the relationship between people and the natural world.

The Board of Trustees has a commitment to Butterfly Conservation and its objectives. It has an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. Together with the CEO and Senior Leadership team, it determines the strategic direction and priorities for BC and reviews progress against these on a regular basis.

Alongside their main Board contributions, Trustees also take an active role on one or more of BC’s Sub-committees, which currently include Audit and Risk, Governance, and Investment.

This year, Butterfly Conservation is particularly looking for an individual with the appropriate experience and potential to become a candidate for the role of Chair of Council in 2023 when a new Chair will be elected from among the Trustees on Council.

Applicants will have senior leadership experience in organisations of a similar size, ideally in a not-for-profit context. They will have an understanding of current issues in the field of conversation, including the biodiversity and climate crisis. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about BC’s new 2026 strategy, which promises to deliver a step change in UK nature conservation, and passionate about the environment. They will have good, independent judgement, the ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak their mind.

BC encourages applications from people across all communities who are looking to make a difference to the environment and UK society. The urgency of BC’s mission leaves no space for stereotypes of gender, race, religion, appearance, background, or ability. We are all unique and must work together to save butterflies, moths and the environment. BC is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can be free to be themselves and be able to give their best. BC encourages applications from people across all communities who are looking to make a difference. If you have the right skills and experience, and our mission and values resonate with you, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Butterfly Conservation welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. Disabled people, ethnic minorities and candidates from a wide range of age groups and socio-economic backgrounds are currently under-represented on the Board and are therefore particularly encouraged to apply. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. 

Terms of appointment

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. Council Members attend four Council meetings and up to four Sub-committee meetings per year, with the total time commitment estimated to be around nine days per year; if the successful applicant were to be elected to the Chair in due course, the time commitment would increase accordingly. The appointment is for a three year term, which may be renewed twice through re-election by the Membership.