THE SOUTH EAST RIVERS TRUST

Job Description
Learning & Engagement Manager

Reports to  Director of Water, Land and Catchments

Responsible for  To lead and champion the Trust’s expertise in engagement, education, and
volunteering - driving how we influence, inspire, and empower people and
communities to value and protect rivers across the South East.
 Hybrid work at home and in the office based in Leatherhead with occasional travel
across the South East.

Location

The role
We are seeking a strategic, experienced, and passionate  Learning & Engagement Lead to shape and lead the
Trust’s  education,  volunteering,  and  community  work.  This  key  leadership  role  focuses  on  ensuring  our
engagement  activities  are  effective,  inclusive,  and  impactful  -  helping  people  connect  with,  care  for,  and
champion their local rivers.

You  will  set  the  direction  for  community  engagement,  building  capacity,  embedding  best  practice,  and
guiding  the  Trust’s  approach  across  all  relevant  initiatives.  A  central  part  of  the  role  is  developing  and
implementing  our  Engagement  Strategy,  including  supporting  the  team  through  a  period  of  community
consultation and pilot projects that will shape the future of our outreach.

You will oversee the development and delivery of programmes that reflect best practice, are evidence-based,
and responsive to emerging opportunities, funding, and partnerships. This includes expanding our education
offer,  volunteer  programmes,  and  outreach  work  to  ensure  they  contribute  meaningfully  to  the  Trust’s
broader environmental goals. Collaboration across the organisation will be essential to ensure engagement
is fully integrated into the design and delivery of our work on the ground.

The  South  East  Rivers  Trust  (SERT)  is  a  busy,  charitable  organisation,  consisting  of  approximately  40
employees and 10 Trustees, working across the rivers in the South East of England. Our rivers flow through a
mixture of urban and rural locations, benefiting people’s wellbeing and pleasure, which we want to protect
and enhance. We work to improve our rivers through education and practical conservation; we are looking
to actively grow our team to deliver practical work, to improve water quality and to enhance natural beauty
for all.

Key duties & responsibilities

1.  Leadership of Engagement, Education, and Volunteering
•  Oversee  the  development  and  implementation  of  the  Trust’s  first  Engagement  Strategy  –  spanning
Volunteering, Education and Outreach – embedding expertise and delivering long-term resilience and
impact.

•  Oversee the successful development phase of our new National Lottery Heritage Fund project - Chalk
Streams in the City.  This project will revitalise four urban chalk streams in London and has engaging local
communities at its heart. Newly developed educational programmes for schools, citizen science training,
and outreach events will connect thousands of people with these rare natural treasures.

•
•

Lead  the  growth  of  the  Trust’s  community  engagement  and  education  function  by  identifying  new
opportunities, developing partnerships, and securing funding to expand the Trust’s reach and impact.
•  Embed best practice and continuous improvement across programmes ensuring consistency, innovation,

and relevance.

•  Oversee the evaluation and learning from engagement programmes supporting the team to measure

impact, share and adopt insight.

•  Work closely with other teams to ensure engagement is integrated across the Trust’s wider conservation

work.

•  Work closely with the H&S Manager and Safeguarding Lead to ensure all engagement activities are

planned and delivered safely and appropriately.

•  Build and maintain relationships with funders, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen the Trust’s reach

and sustainability.

•  Represent the Trust externally as required as a champion for education and community-led conservation.
2.  Staff Leadership, Mentoring and Support
•

Lead the Working with Communities Team through a transitional phase in line with the Trust’s plans for
growth, line managing the team.

•  Continue to support staff beyond direct line management through mentoring, coaching, and professional

development - ensuring a consistent culture of learning, collaboration, and high-quality delivery.

•  Maintain  an  inclusive  and  supportive  working  environment  across  staff  and  volunteers  -  promoting

wellbeing, safety, and equity in all engagement activities.

3.  Support SERT’s mission and values.
•  Actively engage and support the work and growth of SERT, delivering the Trust’s vision, mission, and core

values.

•  Other duties as commensurate with the role.

Person specification
Requirements
Training & Experience
Proven experience in leading and delivering outdoor community engagement,
environmental education and volunteering programmes.
Demonstrated ability to set strategic direction and embed good practice across
functional areas or programmes.
Experience of successfully leading a team and managing staff.
Track record in successful fundraising and securing income, especially through
trusts and foundations.
Experience working with a broad spectrum of communities, particularly those
currently underrepresented in environmental action.
Experience of partnership working and stakeholder management, including funders
and delivery partners.
Knowledge & Understanding
Understanding of risk assessment and H&S requirements for public and volunteer
engagement activities.
Knowledge of the rivers and communities of the South East and the environmental
challenges they face.
A good understanding of the funding streams appropriate for engagement and
education activities and experience of Lottery funding.
Skills & Personal Attributes
Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence, inspire, and engage a
range of audiences.
Strong project and programme management skills, including planning, monitoring,
and evaluation.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in engagement work.
A positive ‘can do’ attitude with a passion for inspiring people to connect with and
protect the natural environment.
Miscellaneous
Commitment to equality of opportunity.
Happy to work some weekends and evenings, particularly through months April –
September, with time off in lieu.

Essential  Desirable

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Current driving licence and vehicle which can be used for work purposes, and happy
to drive a van.
Suitable, safe home working environment.

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