The Trust is seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees, following the planned retirement of the incumbent in early 2025. A leader who is willing to drive the future strategy and develop their skills would benefit themselves and the trust.
Clare Castle Country Park is 40 acres of mixed parkland including the remains of an 11th century castle, a Victorian railway station and paths and trails through natural parkland. In March 2015, when the Park was transferred from Suffolk County Council to the Town Council, a 30 year lease and management agreement was entered into by the Town Council and Clare Castle Country Park Trust. The trustees are responsible for deciding the objectives and direction, whilst protecting the heritage and amenities. The charity is self funding and enjoys a range of income sources, the trust balance the books and maximise the opportunities provided.
Trustees are flexible regarding the skills and capabilities required of a chairperson but ideally applicants would have experience of:
Desirable but not essential would be some experience of:
Personal qualities would include: sound judgement, a high level of influencing and communication skills, a team player, strong emotional intelligence, high standards of integrity and the ability to create a strategic vision and translate it into action.
Clare Castle Country Park is enjoyed by a wide range of visitors every year. There are a range of local groups who meet at the park and many whom assist by volunteering their time to help maintain the facilities and make improvements. The trustees bring a range of skills and ideas. The new chair has a unique opportunity to build and develop from a stable base. The opportunities are wide with new visitors to attract and new ideas to implement. The park is ever changing with nature and seasons shaping it naturally, the role of the trustees is to influence this shaping, to protect and enhance for the widest range of visitors.
