Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators

Chief Executive

Salary range: £80,000/£90,000 depending on experience, defined benefit pension, accommodation

Wimbledon and Putney Commons comprise 1,140 acres of countryside in the heart of southwest London encompassing Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common. The diversity of landscape and ecology distinguishes the land amongst open spaces in London. Approximately 900 acres of the Commons are recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The Commons also serve as a vital open space for the local community.

The Commons were established in 1871 by an independent Act of Parliament that created a unique constitutional framework for this valued open space. Under the 1871 Act, stewardship is provided by eight Conservators whose duty it is ‘to protect and preserve the Commons for the purposes of exercise and recreation’. The Commons are also a registered charity and the Conservators serve as the charity’s trustees. With an annual income of £2 million, day to day management is provided by a staff team of 25, under the leadership of the Chief Executive.

The Conservators are now seeking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated Chief Executive.

The successful candidate will be accountable to the Board of Conservators across five key areas:

• Leading the organisation to achieve its vision and long-term strategic plan;
• Delivering best practice in public open-space management;
• Providing effective operational management for the organisation;
• Ensuring the overall financial health of the organisation;
• Promoting the charity and representing the organisation effectively to external stakeholders.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience and an enthusiasm for the management of a diverse and complex open space. They should bring an understanding of conservation and biodiversity as well as financial, administrative and communication skills and be able to manage an experienced, highly interdependent team with talent, skills and expertise across a wide range of areas. An understanding of charity law and experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders from local community groups to Members of Parliament would be beneficial.

This is a permanent, full time post. The position is residential and the Chief Executive is provided with a three bedroomed house in the centre of Wimbledon Common, which adjoins the offices. The successful candidate will be expected be part of the Commons’ duty rota which provides 24/7 cover, 365 days a year, and work one weekend in five.

An Information Pack can be downloaded from the Commons’ website or by contacting:

Ranger’s Office, Windmill Road, Wimbledon Common, Wimbledon SW19 5NR

Telephone: 020 8788 7655

e-mail: recruitment@wpcc.org.uk

The closing date for returned applications is Wednesday 29 March 2023.

Interviews for the post will take place during the weeks commencing 17 April and 24 April 2023

Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC) is committed to equality of opportunities

Closing Date: 29/03/2023  Location: South West London