Education Trustee – Marwell Wildlife
Location: Hampshire, UK (Board and committee meetings held onsite at Marwell Zoo)
Type: Voluntary Trustee Role
Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Background
Marwell Wildlife is an internationally respected charity committed to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources. We work both overseas and here, in the UK, as part of a wide portfolio of conservation, science, education and tourism activities. Whether it is restoring desert ecosystems in Tunisia, translocating and managing previously extinct-in-the-wild species like the scimitar horned oryx, mapping fragmented landscapes in Kenya, or breeding sand lizards to release in the UK, we are action orientated.
About Marwell Wildlife
Marwell Wildlife is a conservation charity dedicated to restoring nature and inspiring people to act for wildlife. We own and operate Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, which is one of the South East’s leading visitor attractions. Through our science, education, and outreach, we work locally and globally to advance biodiversity conservation and connect people to nature.
Our Organisational Strategy, ‘Marwell 2035’, has recently been published. It details how we plan to grow the impact of Marwell Wildlife through growing our commercial success, realising our zoo masterplan and continuing to lead in the field of hands-on conservation. We are at an exciting point in the journey of our charity, and we are excited to welcome an Education trustee to help us in achieving our goals.
The Trustee Role
As a registered charity, our governance and overall leadership rests with our Board of Trustees, who work alongside the Chief Executive and Director team.
Whilst membership of the Board is voluntary, it is a highly rewarding experience and Trustees contribute actively, taking significant responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of our organisation. Trustees are encouraged to contribute fully to the vibrant life of Marwell, with those already in this role finding it extremely fulfilling and are a vital part of the Marwell family.
With exciting times ahead, we are looking to complement our existing Board of Trustees with a suitably experienced and highly qualified Education professional.
This role, like many Board appointments, is non-executive but critical in our overall governance, leadership and understanding of best practice.
Purpose of the Role
The Education Trustee will provide strategic oversight and passionate advocacy for Marwell’s education mission, from early childhood engagement through to postgraduate study. They will champion innovation, quality, inclusivity, and sector relevance as the charity seeks to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and grow its reputation as a leading conservation and sustainability education provider.
Essential Skills, Experience & Knowledge
1. Education Leadership
Significant senior-level experience in the education sector, such as schools, FE, HE, early years, alternative provision, lifelong learning, or science/environmental education.
Proven track record of shaping or overseeing curriculum development, teaching and learning innovation, or pedagogical best practice.
Strong understanding of education sector regulation, quality assurance frameworks, and safeguarding responsibilities.
2. Strategic Influence Across the Education Continuum
Ability to champion Marwell’s ambition to provide education “from cradle to career”, supporting learning opportunities across:
o Early years and primary
o Secondary and post-16
o Alternative or supplementary education
o Higher education and postgraduate pathways
o Professional development and skills training
• Experience supporting organisational growth in reach, engagement, or progression outcomes.
3. Experience with Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
Strong network within education, academia, or skills ecosystems, with the ability to introduce or build relationships with:
o Schools and multi-academy trusts
o Colleges and universities
o Research institutions
o Local authorities and education commissioners
o Sector funders and professional bodies
Experience in collaborative programme design or multi-institutional initiatives.
4. Understanding of Education Commercial Models
Appreciation of how education services can contribute to sustainable income diversification while maintaining ethical and mission-aligned delivery.
Ability to scrutinise and advise on:
o Paid educational visits
o Short courses and CPD
o HE partnerships
o Postgraduate research opportunities
o Internships, placements, and accredited programmes
Desirable Experience
• Background in conservation, biology, ecology, environmental science, or STEM-related education.
Leadership within a university, teacher training provider, research organisation, or specialist education setting.
Experience of:
o Setting up or accrediting new educational programmes
o Developing alternative provision or inclusive education pathways
o Creating or scaling outreach programmes
o Embedding sustainability education or ESD frameworks
Understanding of digital learning environments, virtual learning technologies, or blended teaching models.
Personal Attributes
• Passion for conservation, sustainability, and the transformative power of education.
• Strategic thinker able to align educational excellence with organisational mission and impact.
• Inclusive and learner-centred mindset, with commitment to widening participation.
• Collaborative, diplomatic, and supportive, contributing positively to Board relationships.
• Curious and forward-thinking, open to new pedagogies, technologies, and educational models.
Sound judgement and integrity, able to balance opportunity, risk, and evidence.
Governance & Commitment
• Willingness to undertake the legal and ethical duties of charity trusteeship.
• Commitment to Marwell’s values, conservation mission, and long-term education goals.
Commitment to attend:
o Quarterly Board meetings
o Relevant sub-committees (e.g., Education, Conservation or Impact)
o Strategic away-days, educational events, or stakeholder engagements
Impact Expectations
The Education Trustee will support Marwell to:
• Enhance the quality, reach, and relevance of its education programmes.
• Expand provision to complement mainstream education and alternative pathways.
Grow partnerships with universities and strengthen higher education and postgraduate footprints.
• Position Marwell as a trusted, innovative leader in conservation education.
C Ensure that education is a central driver of mission, impact, and organisational sustainability.
Ensure the Charity’s Purpose is undertaken and adhered to
Act in the Charity’s best interests
Marwell Wildlife is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.
If you believe you meet the requirements of this role, and would like to apply, we would love to hear from you. Please email your CV and accompanying letter outlining why you believe you would be suitable for this role to the Marwell HR Department, by emailing to HRadmin@marwell.org.uk by Friday 10 July 2026
Potential first stage interview date: W/C 20 July 2026