Conservation charity ZSL creates new Board Observer volunteer opportunity

INTERNATIONAL conservation charity, ZSL, is recruiting an exciting new role on its Council – a Board Observer.

ZSL, a science-driven NGO, is working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world by protecting critical species, restoring ecosystems, helping people and wildlife live together and inspiring support for nature.

With conservation projects around the world, and ground-breaking research carried out in ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, science underpins all of ZSL’s work. ZSL’s research informs its own conservation work and helps to inform policies and targets set by governments around the world. The Living Planet Index is widely used to measure progress towards the biodiversity targets set in Montreal in 2022, and the reintroduction of threatened species relies on the thorough health analysis provided by ZSL’s veterinary experts.

ZSL’s two zoos, London and Whipsnade, provide world-class care to threatened species, some of which are Extinct in the Wild and part of crucial conservation breeding programmes, and inspire millions of people about wildlife and nature every year.

Thirteen trustees make up ZSL’s Council, which functions as the governing body of ZSL. The Council is collectively responsible for ZSL’s governance and provides leadership and oversight of the strategic direction of ZSL, in line with the organisation’s charitable purposes.

The new volunteer role offers the opportunity to observe the trustees and contribute to crucial discussions around conservation and business. It is designed to provide a launch pad for an individual looking to gain non-executive and council experience.

Assigned a mentor from the existing board of trustees – all volunteers – the individual will attend ZSL’s council meetings held at its headquarters at London Zoo, in Regent’s Park, to observe the content discussed, and be encouraged to share their own knowledge, expertise and experience during the leadership meetings.

Shruti Ajitsaria, a lawyer and ZSL trustee who will be mentoring the new Board Observer said:

“ZSL’s Council are responsible for steering the vital work of conservation NGO ZSL – and if we are to truly help protect the diversity of life on earth, we must have diversity ourselves.

“As an Asian female lawyer, my perspectives add a richness to our board discussions and support to the executive committee, and we want even more of this from different standpoints and backgrounds  – I am passionate about ensuring that we build a pipeline of diverse talent – and the Board Observer role is one way in which we aim to achieve this.”

ZSL’s President, Professor Sir Jim Smith said:

“This is an exciting opportunity to join ZSL’s board of trustees, at a pivotal time in this organisation’s history.

“With the pressures facing the natural world ever increasing, ZSL is uniquely placed to tackle these challenges and the board of trustees plays a crucial role in guiding that work.”

ZSL is actively seeking to diversify its Council, and therefore seeking applications from people with Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, disabilities, and LGBTQ+ identities, who have been historically underrepresented in the conservation sector and as members of the Council.

Prof Smith added:

“As ZSL approaches its landmark 200^th anniversary, we want to make sure our board represents a true mix of voices and experience – we’re excited to have unveiled this new Board Observer role and look forward to meeting candidates.”

To find out more and apply for the exciting new role, please visit: https://careers.zsl.org.