Crustacean Compassion - Chair

The Organisation

Crustacean Compassion is an award-winning not-for-profit animal welfare organisation with a difference. They are the leading organisation campaigning for and dedicated to the humane treatment of decapod crustaceans such as lobsters, crabs, prawns and langoustines.

Decapod crustaceans are not adequately covered under UK animal welfare legislation. Crustacean Compassion engage with legislators and policy makers to strengthen and enforce animal welfare law and policy; work to persuade and enable companies to sell higher welfare products across their shellfish product ranges; and seek to educate both the public and policy makers on the science of decapod crustacean sentience and on their humane treatment and care. Their work is grounded in scientific evidence and ethical reasoning.

The Role

It’s an exciting time to join Crustacean Compassion, as they develop their organisation and continue to secure lasting legal and corporate advances for decapods. Despite their small size they are well-respected for their reasoned, determined and creative approach, and participation in high-level initiatives. They have received significant public and political attention both in the UK and internationally.

At present the Board is comprised of the founding members of the organisation. Crustacean Compassion is keen to open up their practice to fresh perspectives and new expertise, to help develop the organisation, expand the strategic objectives and secure further funding. They are currently recruiting for multiple voluntary positions, covering a variety of skills. Central to this is recruiting an experienced leader as the new Chair of the Board.

The Person

Crustacean Compassion is looking for a leader with a professional and measured approach to work and communications. While previous Chair experience and knowledge of the animal welfare / policy environments would be very desirable, it is not essential. Other criteria includes:

-Commitment to Crustacean Compassion, its vision and mission
-Strategic and creative
-Impartiality, fairness and confidentiality
-Willingness to speak your mind in a constructive manner
-Tact, discretion and diplomacy
-Respect for others
-Effective team member
-Good communicator and excellent interpersonal skills

Further Information

For comprehensive information about Crustacean Compassion and all they have achieved so far, please download the Candidate Information Pack. The pack also goes into greater detail about the role responsibilities and time commitment.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about the work of Crustacean Compassion and believe you can lead their board, please submit an application, including the following:

-An up to date CV with the details of two referees (they won’t be contacted without your knowledge)
-A supporting statement which addresses how you meet the criteria and explains your motivations for applying

All applications should be sent to [email protected] with your full name and ‘Crustacean Compassion’ in the subject line.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity, you can contact Melissa Baxter on
07789 985 229 / [email protected].

Interviews with Crustacean Compassion: TBC

Crustacean Compassion is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation. This incorporates equality of opportunity, as well as being fair and inclusive. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in our organisation. These include people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQIA+ people. We are happy to discuss additional support or access arrangements that applicants may need.