Select a region
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation is looking for a "strategic, ambitious, and forward-thinking" new Chief Executive Officer following a rocky period that saw the Zoo face questions over its growth, future and governance.
The charity is also looking for four new trustees.
Founded by conservationist Gerald Durrell in 1959, the charity operates Jersey Zoo as well as field programmes abroad and training for conservationists.
Durrell's CEO of seven years, Lesley Dickie, resigned in September 2023 after the Zoo faced criticism over the conditions sloths, aardvarks and Guernsey goats were kept in. She was one of four senior staff to leave the organisation since September.
Criticism of the Zoo escalated until a group, called 'We Love The Zoo', brought a vote of no-confidence in the charity's trustees. In May, 74% of attending members voted in favour of the trustees. After the vote, the charity's Chair said the turmoil must be left in the past.
The new leader will take the charity into an anniversary year, as Gerald Durrell would have celebrated his 100th birthday in 2025.
Pictured: An EGM was called in May.
The organisation has been led by an interim CEO, Rebecca Brewer, since November. Ms Brewer is set to continue in her post until a new CEO comes in.
Its recruitment campaign for a new Chief Executive launched yesterday and a job advert was posted.
It sets out a number of behaviours and values potential candidates should have, in addition to skill leading a large charity with an animal conservation focus.
The ideal CEO will have "a passion and genuine interest in Durrell's strategy, purpose, and values" and be "a natural leader of people", who is committed to teamwork and with "a leadership style dedicated to empowerment and clear accountability", the charity says.
The leader should also have "enthusiasm for living in Jersey and becoming a visible part of the community", the advert stresses.
There are four trustee vacancies this year.
Two trustees have left the board for personal reasons, Durrell has confirmed: Simon Dickson, who served on the board for eight years, and Jonas Muller, who was a trustee for three years. Mr Dickson specialised in fundraising and philanthropy, and Mr Muller advised on science and conservation.
Durrell’s Chair, Matthew Hatchwell, is standing for re-election as a trustee along with Sarah Cook, as both have reached the end of their three-year term.
Another trustee who reached the end of his term, James Cretney, has decided to step down, though he will remain a trustee for Durrell's Scottish charity.
And a trustee who was co-opted onto the the board in February to advise on governance, strategy and investments, Niall Husbands, is seeking to be formally elected at the AGM. The charity's rules allow for trustees to be co-opted until the next AGM.
Mr Hatchwell commented: “Durrell today has grown from a small zoo to a global conservation organisation. Whilst saving species is still at the heart of what we do, our ambition to bring about change far exceeds this.
"We use our species management expertise, combined with world-class science and international training programmes, to drive the rewilding of ecosystems so that they are more functional, diverse and resilient to a rapidly changing world.
"As pressures on the natural world increase, the role of organisations like Durrell has never been more important. We look forward to hearing from candidates who feel inspired to join us on our journey in creating a wilder, healthier, and more colourful world for both people and wildlife.”
Candidates for both positions can find out more on the Durrell website. The deadline for trustee applications is Friday 16 August and the deadline for CEO applications is 1 September.
"The turmoil of recent months must end here"
Durrell requests media blackout during crunch vote meeting
Crunch vote tonight on future of Jersey Zoo
Former Durrell Director: "It is with a heavy heart that I express my profound concerns"
Durrell departure "still hurts", says former Head of Mammals
Durrell devotees speak out ahead of charity vote
Cost of dealing with rebel zoo members has been "extremely high"
"Stop using Gerald's name and legacy", Lee Durrell urges Zoo critics
INSIGHT: Who are the campaign group behind the push to shake up Jersey Zoo and what do they want?
Durrell urges members to vote against rebels as EGM confirmed
OPEN LETTER: Zoo campaign group "threatening Durrell's very existence"
Durrell devotees speak out ahead of charity vote
Cost of dealing with rebel zoo members has been "extremely high"
INSIGHT: Key resignation and campaigner concerns pile pressure on Jersey Zoo
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.