Trustee
* An opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a positive impact on our planet
* Chester, Cheshire
* Voluntary
Chester Zoo is the UK’s favourite zoo as well as an international conservation charity. What began as a family-run zoo in 1931 is now a globally renowned centre of excellence for conservation and scientific research, and one of the UK’s biggest and most popular visitor attractions, with more than 2 million annual visitors. The zoo’s 130-acre site in Chester, home to more than 37,000 animals and over 500 species, is where this species-saving work is made possible.
As a conservation powerhouse, Chester Zoo works around the world to ensure species not only survive but thrive. The zoo is a key part of 139 international conservation breeding programmes, working with 62 conservation partners in 19 countries to protect wildlife and people.
As part of Chester Zoo’s united strategy, comprising an interlinked Strategic Development Plan and Conservation Plan, 2025 marks a major step change in the Zoo’s development. Earlier this year we opened Heart of Africa, an exciting new zone of the zoo, as well as The Reserve, a 51-lodge hotel. These two brand-new concepts have been developed to support the Zoo’s ambitious conservation investment plan and its six key targets through to 2030, as well as the next stage of physical development as we approach our centenary in 2031.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Trustee who brings strong commercial expertise to join our Board as part of our succession planning.
The role is voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed, and you will receive a full induction and relevant training. The Board meets in Chester six times a year and attends an annual two-day away day. In addition, you will likely be invited to join a committee which meets three-four times a year. Whilst we accommodate hybrid meetings, we have a ‘zoo first’ approach and a preference for in person board meetings.
We would love to hear from you if you are a leader, executive or non-executive with a commercial background, who aligns with our mission of preventing extinction and has the bandwidth to actively contribute. We are looking for people who are bold, innovative and adept at assessing and managing commercial risk.
You may have experience in leading organisations or chairing committees and will be well networked regionally and/or nationally. Experience or interest in AI or technology and its potential to enhance conservation, visitor experience or business performance would also be advantageous.
As a Trustee, you will support the development of the zoo’s strategy, act as a guardian for its assets, and ensure that governance is of the highest possible standard. You’ll also get to work alongside brilliant people from a variety of fields and disciplines who love wildlife and care about nature.
Reflective of the scale, complexity and diversity of the organisation, the high-calibre Board of Trustees brings skills and expertise from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives — from business leaders to conservation experts. Whilst previous board experience in a large, complex organisation would be beneficial, it’s not a pre-requisite. What is important is that you bring your own unique perspective, demonstrate sound judgement and leadership, and contribute to the discussions and decisions that shape the future of Chester Zoo — ultimately impacting our global conservation mission.
We welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds and are looking for candidates who can contribute diversity of representation and thinking to the Trustee Board of Chester Zoo.
Please submit your application by 19th December 2025 for interviews in January 2026 (appointments March or June 2026)