Trustee Opportunities
Do you have a few hours to spare to support us?
Meetings are held on a quarterly basis, in the evening at Bishopswood Countryside Centre, Caswell.
4 Board Meetings per year
1 AGM
Additional ad hoc meetings for specific items that require a little more work, i.e., Recruitment of staff
Who we are
Forest School Swansea Neath Port Talbot (FSSNPT) was set up in 2001 to provide Forest School opportunities for children and young people across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Through our work we aim to support the development of self-esteem and self-confidence in all participants, as well as raise awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. In 2018 we became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and we continue to grow and develop, bringing the Forest School experience to more people than ever before. We have a small team of seven part-time staff (Jackie, Karen, Pixie, Charlotte, Emma, Sasha and Katy) as well as a team of Forest School leaders and assistants employed on a freelance basis, together with a pool of volunteers.
What we do
We provide engaging and fun Forest School sessions to various groups, organisations and individuals across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, in a variety of different outdoor settings. Some of these sessions are fully or partially funded through specific projects, whilst others are paid for directly by those attending. FSSNPT also runs a training programme for those people looking to become Forest School Assistant Leaders, Leaders and Trainers.
The role
We are seeking several new Trustees who are passionate, motivated, with values that align with our own, and the time and commitment to help the charity continue to grow. You will be joining a friendly, dynamic Board of Trustees helping to bring the natural world closer to children and young people. Being a Trustee is a voluntary role, however, reasonable expenses will be paid where appropriate.
You can download our role description via this link.
About you
This opportunity is open to anyone who is over eighteen and able to regularly attend in-person meetings and occasional training events in Swansea/NPT. You share our vision to improve connections to nature and each other, you are solution-focused, collaborative, open-minded, and willing to adopt a role as a critical friend. We would particularly like to hear from people with diverse, lived-experience backgrounds and those who possess skills and knowledge in safeguarding, finances, H & S, marketing, and/or HR, although all applications will be considered. Ideally, we would also like you to have some experience of Forest School, outdoor learning or creative play, but this is not essential.
How to apply
Please complete this simple application form here and return it by Monday 28th April 2025 to Tim and Diana (Co-chairs of the Board of Trustees) via trustees@forestschoolsnpt.org.uk
The Board of Trustees will review your application. Following this, we will contact our chosen candidates and ask them to join us at a future Board of Trustees meeting and AGM. Training and induction will then take place once appointed.
How to contact us:
Enquiries about the sessions we offer: info@forestschoolsnpt.org.uk
Enquiries about the Training: office@forestschoolsnpt.org.uk
PROUD WINNERS
Early Years & Play Celebration – Dathliad Blynyddoedd Cynnar a Chwarae
Enabling Environments Winner 2023
Galluogi Amgylcheddau Enillydd 2023
Testimonials 2024
Wow! Thank you so much to Forest School for saving our half term! While some parents are complaining of a total wash out this week we had booked on to two very affordable sessions in Brynmill and Singleton Park.
Our very soggy arrival was met with energetic chanting and banging of sticks which got us feeling welcome and suitably warmed up. We knew we were in for some fun despite torrential rain!
We quickly made friends and got stuck in using a saw to make Elder beads. We enjoyed toasting crumpets, grooving to the harmonica, making popcorn, clay tree spirits, whittling wood and toasting marshmallows, and lots of free play on nets and in the mud kitchen!
This was the best thing we have done this half term, thank you. We would love it if this could be a regular thing.
‘ I LOVED it! We could just play and have fun and it wasn’t boring at all! ‘ child aged 5
Please bear with us while we are updating our website. We would love you to email us or give us a call if you want to find out more about what we do.
Why choose Forest School SNPT?
WHAT WE DO
Forest School SNPT has been providing inspiring approaches to outdoor learning and play since 2001. We train others in how to use these approaches through a wide range of courses and deliver projects to children and young people of all abilities.Our Aims
BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND WELL-BEING
Children and young people should know what it feels like to succeed at something and have someone else notice and care. We want them to know more about themselves, how they learn, communicate and socialise and of course to be happy and healthy.
WHY WE DO IT
We want all children and young people to have the chance to be able to look back on their childhood with magical memories of playing in the woods or outdoors, getting muddy, discovering bugs and eating food cooked on the fire they made.
RAISING AWARENESS
We’d like to encourage everyone to respect and actively care for their local natural environment so that they will appreciate the green spaces on their doorsteps and let future generations have those same experiences.