Trustees - Champion the Future of the River Thames

Friends of the Thames (FoTT) is a growing environmental charity dedicated to protecting, restoring, and advocating for the River Thames and its entire catchment. Through community mobilisation, guardianship, education, and data-led action, we are driving meaningful change from source to sea — including our long-term vision of securing legal personhood for the river.

As we expand our work and impact, we are seeking four new trustees to strengthen our board with expertise in:

Finance

A trustee with strong financial management experience to help oversee budgets, reporting, and long-term sustainability. Charity finance experience is welcome but not essential.

Policy & Governance

Someone with a background in policy, public affairs, law, or governance to support our campaigning, legislative ambitions, and strategic advocacy for the Thames.

Science & Environmental Data

A trustee with expertise in environmental science, water quality, ecology, or data to help shape our scientific approach and ensure our evidence base remains robust and impactful.

Junior Trustee (Age 16–18)

We are also looking for an enthusiastic Junior Trustee to bring a fresh perspective to our board. This role is open to young people aged 16–18 who care about the environment, rivers, community action, or campaigning. You don’t need previous experience — just passion, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. As a Junior Trustee, you'll:

• Share your ideas on how to engage young people in river protection
• Help shape our projects, events, and campaigns with a youth voice
• Learn how a charity works from the inside
• Take part in board meetings with full support and mentoring

This is a fantastic opportunity to build skills, confidence, and leadership experience while making a real difference to the future of the River Thames.

We strongly encourage applications from young people across the Thames catchment who want to help protect nature and be part of positive change.

What We’re Looking For

• A passion for protecting rivers, nature, and communities
• Strategic thinkers who bring fresh insight and constructive challenge
• Commitment to FoTT’s values and long-term vision
• Willingness to attend board meetings (quarterly) and support occasional events or working groups.

We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and communities across the Thames catchment. Prior trustee experience is not required — we value expertise, enthusiasm, and a desire to make a difference.

What You’ll Gain

• A meaningful role in shaping an ambitious, fast-growing environmental charity.
• The opportunity to influence river protection at a national level.
• Collaboration with campaigners, scientists, community leaders, and river guardians.