If you are looking for an opportunity to play a role in shaping the future work of the Institution and environmental sector, we would like to hear from you.

The IES needs new trustees to help steer the Institution through its next stage of development and uphold an environmental science profession that is that is informed, trusted and a positive contributor to a sustainable society, economy and environment.

We are seeking trustees who are able to devote the time required to play their role effectively, with specific skills or access to relevant, influential networks that can help us fulfil our charitable objectives. We are particularly looking for people with senior-level experience, expertise and knowledge in the following areas:

• Financial management
• Risk assessment and management
• Understanding of charity law and governance
• PR, marketing and brand awareness
• Marine and coastal science

We are also seeking individuals with good links with UK Parliament or devolved governments.

Equal opportunities
The IES is committed to fostering an inclusive culture of volunteers and staff which reflects the diversity that exists within society and provides equal opportunities from which everyone has the potential to benefit. We particularly encourage individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to apply for trustee positions as these groups are currently underrepresented within the IES Council. 

Who can apply?
Elected directors must be a Fellow, Member or Associate Member of the IES.

What's involved?
Trustees of the IES also serve as Directors. They are known as Council Members to reflect their membership of the IES governance board, the Council.

The three main roles of Council are:

1. Providing scrutiny – Checking that the office is spending resources in support of the charitable aims of the organisation, and in sensible and prudent pursuit of the long-term strategy.  
2. Setting strategy – Working with the CEO in setting the direction of travel for the organisation, evaluating membership services, and launching new services and projects that fit with the objective and aims of the organisation. 
3. Adding value – Council Members bring in expertise and contacts to the organisation.

Trustees are asked to commit ten days a year to the IES. This includes attending four Council meetings which are usually held at the IES offices in London. Meetings are hosted during the week and during working hours. Remote access options are available. In addition, there is usually one away day per annum. Between meetings, trustees are expected to contribute electronically to office and Council discussions and are expected to sit on one of the IES’s subcommittees.

Further information
The closing date for applications is Monday 18th March 2019. Candidates will be invited to take part in an informal discussion with the Chair or CEO. 

All applicants are required to provide the following information:

• A complete and up-to-date CV;
• A supporting letter outlining the skills, experience and knowledge you will bring to the Council (this should state whether you have any unspent criminal convictions and be no more than 2 pages long);
• Details of at least two referees that we may contact (we will not contact your referees without your prior consent); and
• Your contact details, including your email address and contact telephone number, and preferred method of contact.

At 1pm on 11th March, we will be holding a webinar about what is involved in being an IES trustee. If you are interested in applying, we urge you to sign up for this.

For an informal and confidential discussion regarding trustee vacancies, please contact Adam Donnan (adam@the-ies.org) on 020 3862 7484 prior to the closing date. This will play no part in the selection process.