Are you passionate about nature, conservation, and inspiring others? The RSPB Lisburn Local Group, a proud community with nearly 50 years of history, is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic leader to help guide our group into an exciting new chapter.

We are looking for someone who:

Is energetic, creative and full of fresh ideas
Has a passion for conservation and a love of learning (no need to be an expert birder!)
Values the group’s longstanding history while driving it forward into a vibrant future
Can inspire, engage, and unite members, both long-time supporters and newcomers alike

What we offer:

Full training and ongoing support from the RSPB
The opportunity to work with a passionate, nature – loving community
The chance to shape the future of a group that has been part of Lisburn’s conservation efforts for nearly 5 decades

If you are ready to step into a fulfilling role where your creativity, passion, and leadership can truly make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteer role: Local Group Leader

Volunteer manager: RSPB Team

Where you will be based: Community

Why we want you

Our RSPB Local Groups are made up of volunteers from local communities who are passionate about saving nature. Local Group volunteers run a range of activities from outdoor walks and indoor talks to fun fundraising events, alongside campaigning to help inspire, educate and mobilise more people to connect to and save nature in the UK. There are over 160 groups operating across the UK with a variety of skills and expertise, so we are always looking for someone new to join our mission!

The RSPB is the UK's largest nature conservation charity! Join our fantastic volunteers who are helping to inspire everyone to give nature a home and secure a healthy environment for wildlife. We will help you gain skills and give you an invaluable insight into our essential work.

What you will be doing

Lead the group in developing of a range of activities designed to encourage wide participation from the group membership and to attract new group members.
Ensure the group has a minimum of three committee meetings each year with set agendas and someone responsible for chairing these meetings.
Ensure a completed local group annual report and annual financial return is sent to RSPB HQ annually.
Lead the group committee and ensure each committee member has clearly defined roles and responsibilities; provide support and encouragement as required; manage any situations where a committee member has to resign at short notice.
Maintain two way communication with your Area/Country Office and HQ in order to: disseminate any important news updates and messages to the committee and membership; seek guidance/advice where needed; notify the regional office of any changes to the committee.
Update and manage information on the online Local Group platform.

The skills you need

Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Friendly and approachable with the enthusiasm and ability to motivate others and work with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and of different ages.
Confident in chairing effective meetings and ensuring that participation is encouraged, and decisions are made collaboratively and recorded clearly, aiming for high standards of efficiency, reliability and quality.
An excellent leader of people with sound delegation and organisational skills and the ability to be diplomatic, impartial and reassuring in all circumstances.
Creative, forward thinking, willing to try new things.
Computer literate with internet and email access, and a willingness to engage with internet-based methods of communication, including video-calling and social media.
A commitment to the work of the RSPB and supportive of the Saving Nature Strategy, eager to inspire people to care about what the RSPB is trying to achieve.

What's in it for you

This is also a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the Local Group's work and be at the forefront of solutions to help Save Nature in your community.
This is an opportunity to try new things and use your skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of your RSPB Local Group. We are also a friendly and supportive team, so you will get the chance to build new relationships and meet new faces.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being part of a Local Group is knowing that you're really making a difference in inspiring others to help save nature.

Disclaimer

Suitable for under 18's. Training (mandatory): Attend a group leaders training workshop within your first year in role. You would be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses from the group charity bank account. You would have full support from a dedicated and experienced committee of volunteers, as well as support from RSPB staff in the Country and the Volunteering Development Department at HQ. We’re now the largest nature conservation charity in the country, consistently delivering successful conservation, forging powerful new partnerships with other organisations and inspiring others to stand up and give nature the home it deserves. We rely on the support and generosity of our volunteers to make a difference Our work stretches far beyond the UK. Wherever wildlife is in threat, we'll work with partners across the globe to help save it and give it a home.

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