Committee Member (Commercial & Partnerships - Pwyllgor Cynghori Thematig ar Fasnach a Phartneriaethau)

Member of the Commercial and Partnerships Thematic Advisory Committee

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking for members of the Commercial and Partnerships Advisory Committee.

About the RSPB

Our purpose is to advance the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and the natural world, by protecting and restoring habitats and landscapes, saving species, and connecting people to nature.

We believe that the planet is facing a nature and climate emergency and that we have a moral duty to pass on the natural world in a better state to future generations.

We work locally in all four countries of the UK and internationally protecting and restoring endangered, threatened, and otherwise vulnerable habitats and species, and addressing the nature and climate emergency. We do this through five main work areas: science, species, places, people, and policy. We are proud that we can apply our broad capabilities to the many complex challenges facing species and ecosystems to make a positive difference.

We bring people together who love birds and other wildlife, and who want to do something to restore the health and diversity of the natural world. We also enable more people to take positive action for nature.

Our Values

Our shared values are the core beliefs or principles that guide our actions. They are courage, clarity, collaboration, and connection.

Our values-led behaviours are the actions that demonstrate these beliefs. Guided by our values, they describe how we live our shared values in practice.

More information about the RSPB can be found here: About the RSPB

About the Role

The Commercial and Partnerships Advisory Committee is looking to fill three vacancies.

The Commercial and Partnerships Advisory Committee is to provide guidance and make recommendations to the Council or Executive Board on matters pertaining to commercial and partnership opportunities and activity, approach to safeguards and controls for partnership working, and advises them on commercial strategies and performance. The RSPB strategy recognises the importance of partnership in order to maximise the impact it can have. Similarly, commercial activities are key opportunities for the RSPB as we seek to grow and diversify our income.

In addition to making an important contribution to the work of the RSPB, through shaping its strategy and direction and influencing key decisions affecting its delivery of conservation outcomes, participating in an advisory committee can provide excellent networking opportunities, an opportunity to acquire practical experience of committee functions, decision-making process and further development of leadership skills, knowledge, and experience.

About the Thematic Committees

There are three Thematic Advisory Committees: Conservation Advisory Committee; Communications & Engagement Advisory Committee and Commercial &Partnerships Advisory Committee. These work alongside the four Country Advisory Committees: Northern Ireland; Scotland; Wales and England. The Advisory Committees have broader membership than the scrutiny committees and through their advice to the Executive Board and Council help shape the RSPB strategy.

The role of an Advisory Committee is to provide guidance and make recommendations to the Council or Executive Board. The RSPB Advisory Committees consist of 8 regular members, including Trustees, executives, and members of the RSPB Youth Council, with up to 4 guests attending for their expertise or skills on particular topics. Each Advisory Committee is chaired by an RSPB Trustee.

All Advisory Committees take part in annual horizon-scanning, as well as considering some topics in detail advise the Council and the Executive Board. Members of advisory committee have the opportunity to progress towards becoming future Trustees.

About you

We are looking for individuals with relevant experience to join our committees to provide independent, objective, challenging advice to support the Executive Board and Trustees in developing, shaping and implementing of RSPB strategies.

Essential skills, knowledge, and experience across one or more of the following areas:

1. Experience in building successful partnerships to further impact and setting common goals and outcomes.

2. Experience in developing and implementing commercial strategies that identify new income opportunities that help diversity the existing portfolio.

3. Experience in dealing with innovative financial products and how to take them to market.

4. Some prior involvement in the not-for-profit sector would be an advantage but not a requirement.

5. Leadership in setting up monitoring systems and KPIs for determining the effectiveness and success of these partnerships and commercial income stream.

Time commitment

Committee members are appointed for a term of three years which may be renewed by mutual consent for a further term of three years. Committee members are expected to attend up to four meetings annually within regular working hours and to dedicate adequate time to allow for a full induction, and to engage appropriately with meeting materials and with the Committee Chair.

This committee role is voluntary, but we reimburse expenses.

**Next steps **

To apply, please provide the following:

• A brief cover-note (no more than 500 words) that explains your interest in the vacancy, and how you are suited to this role.

• A CV

Please ensure your application reaches us by 10 May 2024

We will then review all applications against our eligibility criteria promoting diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity when considering the combination of skills, experience and knowledge required on the Committee.

Interviews will be held by end of May 2024

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

If you would like to get in touch, please contact Fisayo Olujitan, Governance Administrator at Fisayo.Olujitan@rspb.org.uk who will be happy to help you.