Director
Ecological Land Cooperative
The Ecological Land Cooperative are searching for passionate and experienced individuals to join their board of directors.
The Ecological Land Cooperative (ELC) is a social enterprise operating in the South and South West of England, and South Wales. Our mission is to widen affordable access to land for ecological land-based enterprises, including farming, horticulture, forestry work and rural craft.
The ELC currently owns or manages seven farms and smallholding sites, which are home to 18 thriving ecological land-based businesses, including market gardens, tree nurseries, flower farms and willow producers.
Our board of directors play a crucial role in setting and supporting the ELC’s strategy. We have an excellent board of five directors, made up of ELC worker and steward farmer members, as well as external individuals with specialist expertise. However, we have identified the following gaps in our skills and knowledge which we would like to recruit for:
- Fundraising
- Finance
- Business planning
- Contract law
Previous experience of sitting on a board of directors or trustees is desirable but not essential as we can offer training and a full induction.
As an organisation we know that diversity makes us stronger and helps us make more creative and robust decisions. This applies to our board of directors too, and we are actively seeking suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds and (especially those) from BPOC and LGBTQ+ groups.
Directors are expected to attend six board meetings annually, alternating between online (via Zoom) and in person at the ELC’s office in Bristol. Board members may also join relevant organisational working groups or subcommittees, which are held monthly, and are also expected to attend the ELC’s AGM and annual visioning day.
Board members also communicate occasionally via email in between meetings. This is equivalent to 60 hours per year. You can find out more about the Ecology Land Cooperative and our work by visiting our website or reading our Social Impact Reports.
For more information and how to apply please visit our website or email us - [email protected]
About Ecological Land Cooperative
The Ecological Land Cooperative develops affordable, low impact, smallholdings for ecological agriculture.
The high costs of land and rural housing make it nearly impossible for new entrants to farming to establish a farm business. By providing affordable and secure smallholdings, we are helping to address this crisis.
Our vision is of a living, working countryside where land is valued in a way that enhances both the local community and the natural world. We also want to support new entrants into agriculture by making access to land a reality for all – not just the few.
The Ecological Land Cooperative develops affordable, low impact, smallholdings for ecological agriculture. The high costs of land and rural housing make it nearly impossible for new entrants to farming to establish a farm business. By providing affordable and secure smallholdings, we are helping to address this crisis. Our vision is of a living, working countryside where land is valued in a way that enhances both the local community and the natural world. We also want to support new entrants into agriculture by making access to land a reality for all – not just the few.
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