The West of England is entering a period of significant change. We have seen the unprecedented consequences of climate change and the urgent need for climate resilience and greater public engagement with the climate and nature agenda. Decisions are being made on housing, infrastructure, investment, land use, public health and climate resilience which will shape the region for decades to come.

We are therefore seeking experienced leaders to join our newly established Strategic Advisory Board. This is an opportunity to influence some of the most important decisions affecting the future of the region and help demonstrate how nature recovery, improved population health and economic growth can be delivered together whilst making the region climate resilient and taking populations with us.

About WENP

WENP brings together organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment.

Our vision is simple but ambitious: a thriving and well-connected natural environment that underpins a healthy, resilient society and economy.

Over the past decade, WENP has built a strong reputation for convening partners, influencing policy and turning ambition into delivery. The West of England was the first region in England to publish a statutory Local Nature Recovery Strategy, providing a shared framework for action across local government, business, land management and civil society.

The Partnership is now helping to translate that strategy into action through a growing pipeline of investable nature recovery opportunities. Reflecting confidence in this approach, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has committed £5 million to support development and delivery of this pipeline.

With these foundations in place, investment beginning to flow, and major decisions ahead on growth and development, WENP is entering a new phase focused on delivery, influence and long-term impact. Our ambitious five-year strategy and business plan set out priorities ranging from investable landscape-scale nature recovery projects and nature-positive growth to health, strategic land use and communications.

The opportunity

The Strategic Advisory Board will complement WENP's Partnership Board by bringing together a small group of highly experienced leaders from a range of sectors and disciplines.

We are seeking to appoint between six and ten members, creating a high-calibre group with complementary expertise and perspectives.

Members will act as trusted advisers, critical friends and ambassadors, helping WENP navigate complex challenges, identify opportunities and strengthen its impact.

WENP's Partnership Board already brings together many of the organisations leading nature recovery across the region. For the Strategic Advisory Board, we are seeking people who can bring expertise, experience and networks from other sectors that play a critical role in shaping the future of the West of England, helping us strengthen our thinking, challenge assumptions and unlock new opportunities.

We are particularly keen to hear from senior leaders with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

·       Finance, investment and economics

·       Corporate leadership, ESG and risk management

·       Planning, development and infrastructure

·       Agriculture, land management and rural enterprise

·       Health, wellbeing and public service leadership

·       Public policy and government relations

·       Data, analytics and research

·       Strategic communications and engagement

We are interested not only in technical expertise, but also in people who have led organisations, influenced major decisions, built partnerships, secured investment, shaped policy or delivered change at scale.

What you'll contribute

Strategic Advisory Board members will:

·       Provide expert advice on WENP's strategic priorities and programmes

·       Support the development of innovative and investable nature recovery opportunities

·       Challenge and strengthen strategic thinking and delivery plans

·       Help build relationships with investors, government, businesses and other strategic partners

·       Identify funding, partnership and influence opportunities

·       Support key strategic conversations and negotiations where appropriate

·       Act as ambassadors for WENP within their professional networks

Commitment

The Strategic Advisory Board will meet up to four times per year and contribute through focused discussions, task-and-finish activity and strategic conversations where members' expertise can add value.

Members are appointed in a personal capacity for an initial three-year term.

This is an unpaid voluntary position. We recognise the value of members' time and expertise and are committed to ensuring contributions are focused, strategic and impactful.

How to apply

To express your interest, please send a CV and brief expression of interest outlining your relevant experience, expertise and motivation for joining the Strategic Advisory Board here.

Applications should be submitted by 15 September.

Candidate discussions and appointments will take place during late September, with the Strategic Advisory Board being established in October 2026.

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives who share our ambition for a thriving natural environment that supports a healthy, resilient and prosperous West of England.

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