Who we are
The Open Spaces Society was founded in 1865 and is Britain’s oldest national conservation body. A charity and a pressure group, we campaign for new, tougher laws to protect common land, town and village greens, urban and rural open spaces and public rights of way in town and country, throughout England and Wales. We give technical and practical advice on their law, protection, management and administration.
The society has some 2,000 members.
The role
Role description
The Open Spaces Society has been campaigning to protect rights to common land, village greens and public paths for more than 150 years. It is Britain’s oldest national conservation organisation. We are looking for additional trustees to join our enthusiastic board of seven members.
Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.
Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:
1. set a direction for the society,
2. ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,
3. ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.
The duties of a trustee are to:
4. ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,
5. ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,
6. ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,
7. in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,
8. contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,
9. safeguard the reputation and values of the society,
10. ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability,
11. appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,
12. act in the best interests of the society at all times.
Person specification
Commitment to the society’s mission
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
Strategic vision
Objective and insightful judgement
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).
Supporting document(s)
- oss-trustee-application-form.pdf - Download
