Trustee (Fundraising)

Who we are

The Alde & Ore Estuary Trust exists to protect and preserve human life, property and the natural environment around the Alde and Ore Estuary in Suffolk. We raise and manage funds to support improvements to vital flood defences where government funding alone is insufficient. Through our work, we help safeguard local communities, homes, businesses, farmland, wildlife habitats and cultural landmarks that make this area nationally significant.

Working closely with the East Suffolk Water Management Board, the Alde & Ore Community Partnership, the Environment Agency and other local stakeholders, we play a vital role in helping secure the long-term future of this unique landscape. The challenge is substantial, requiring investment from government, charitable trusts, businesses and individual donors, alongside strong community support.

Today, the Trust is entering an exciting phase. As plans for major flood defence improvements continue to develop, we are seeking a new Trustee who shares our commitment to protecting the estuary for future generations and can help strengthen our fundraising efforts. Our plans include fundraising in the region of over £2 million in the next five years.

About the role

As a Trustee, you will join a committed, collegiate board working to oversee the Trust’s governance, strategy and long-term success. Trustees play an important role in ensuring the organisation remains focused on its charitable objectives while supporting the development of sustainable funding streams for this ambitious project.

We are specifically seeking someone who can contribute to our fundraising ambitions. While the Trust works with professional fundraising consultants, we would like to appoint a Trustee who is excited by the prospect of acting as an ambassador for the organisation, helping to build relationships, open doors and champion our cause externally.

We are looking for someone who can provide strategic guidance, utilise their networks where appropriate and help identify opportunities to secure support from individuals, businesses, foundations and other potential supporters.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in protecting one of the UK’s most important estuarine landscapes. The Trust’s work will help safeguard communities, nationally important habitats, cultural assets and local livelihoods for generations to come. By joining the board, you will contribute to a long-term project with lasting environmental, economic and social impact.

Who we are looking for

We welcome applications from people with a genuine interest in the future of the Alde and Ore Estuary and a passion for protecting communities and the environment.

Candidates may come from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Experience in fundraising would be particularly valuable, including philanthropy and major donor fundraising; corporate partnerships and sponsorship; trusts and foundations fundraising; business development and relationship management; or professional services, commercial or public sector leadership roles.

Previous trustee experience is not essential. We are interested in individuals who can bring sound judgement, strategic thinking, enthusiasm for our mission and a willingness to advocate for the charity and support our fundraising.

We are committed to building a diverse board and welcome applications from people with different experiences, perspectives and backgrounds.

Time commitment

The Board meets quarterly at the Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh. Meetings usually begin at 11.00 a.m. and finish by 3.00 p.m. Whilst trustees can join remotely via Zoom when necessary, we strongly value face-to-face participation wherever possible.

In addition to board meetings, trustees may be asked to contribute occasional time between meetings, including attending events, introducing potential supporters, participating in fundraising discussions and engaging with key stakeholders.

Overall, the expected commitment is approximately 1-2 days per month on average, with some flexibility depending on opportunities and activities during the year.