Vacancies

About BART

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is an environmental charity dedicated to restoring, reconnecting and protecting the rivers of the Bristol Avon catchment.

Our strategic plan, Vision of a Healthy River, is structured around three core priorities:

• Climate resilience
• Biodiversity recovery
• Community engagement

As BART grows in scale and influence – delivering complex restoration programmes, developing citizen science networks, and operating through our trading subsidiary (BART River Services Ltd) – robust governance and proportionate risk management are increasingly critical.

Purpose of the Role

The Trustee (Legal Expertise) will strengthen the Board’s oversight of legal risk, governance compliance, and strategic decision-making as BART expands its delivery and partnerships.

This is a governance role. The Trustee will not act as BART’s retained solicitor but will:

• Support the Board in identifying and managing legal risk
• Provide strategic input on complex agreements and structures
• Help ensure compliance with charity and company law obligations
• Support sound, proportionate governance as the organisation grows

Key Responsibilities

As a Trustee, you will:

• Fulfil the legal duties of a charity trustee under Charity Commission and company law
• Contribute to strategic direction and long-term sustainability
• Ensure BART operates in line with its charitable objectives
• Support oversight of financial health and risk management
• Act in the best interests of the Trust and its beneficiaries

In addition, the Trustee with legal expertise will:

• Provide strategic guidance on:
  • Partnership agreements and MOUs
  • Commercial contracts and procurement
  • Employment and HR compliance
  • Land access and restoration agreements
  • Trading subsidiary governance
  • Data protection and regulatory compliance
• Help the Board determine when external legal advice is required
• Contribute to the Finance & Risk Committee (or equivalent sub-committee)

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified solicitor or barrister (current or former practising certificate)
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory frameworks
• Ability to interpret and explain legal risk in clear, practical terms
• Strategic mindset with the ability to operate at Board level
• Commitment to environmental restoration and public benefit

Desirable

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Charity law
• Environmental or planning law
• Commercial and contract law
• Employment law
• Public sector contracting
• Land agreements or conservation covenants
• Governance of trading subsidiaries

Time Commitment

• Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year
• Participation in relevant sub-committees
• Occasional ad hoc strategic input between meetings

The role is voluntary and unpaid, though reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.

Strategic Importance of the Role

Over the next 3–5 years, BART anticipates:

• Increased delivery of capital river restoration projects
• Greater engagement in development and planning contexts
• Expanded citizen science and community programmes
• Growth in commercial activity via BART River Services Ltd
• More formalised multi-agency partnerships

Legal expertise at Board level will ensure that growth is matched with strong governance, proportionate risk management, and organisational resilience.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

BART is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We actively welcome applications from individuals who bring varied backgrounds, lived experience, and perspectives.

If you are interested in the Trustee position at BART, please send applications and completed Declaration Form (link below) to Simon@bristolavonriverstrust.org. This vacancy closes at 11:59pm 30th April 2026.