The Ocean Conservation Trust exists to restore and protect the Ocean. We put people at the heart of our mission, connecting them with our Ocean as we work to protect and restore marine habitats.
We are a global ocean conservation charity working towards our vision of a healthy ocean. Over the last 10 years, the Ocean Conservation Trust (OCT) has transitioned from the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth to an international ocean conservation charity, with a clear ocean conservation strategy built around three core Ocean programmes: Habitats Restoration, Oceans Advocacy and Ocean Experiences.
Our core values of Positivity, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Engagement flow through everything we do and reinforce our belief in Ocean optimism and our commitment to staff wellbeing.
At a pivotal moment in the organisation’s evolution, we are seeking an exceptional individual to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Working closely with the executive team and fellow Trustees, the successful candidate will guide the Ocean Conservation Trust through its next phase of strategic development, strengthening governance and helping to establish OCT as a globally respected ocean conservation charity with the financial resilience and partnerships required to scale its impact.
The Chair will foster a cohesive, high-performing Board, ensuring robust governance, sound decision-making and clear strategic focus. Building a strong and constructive partnership with the CEO, the Chair will provide support, counsel and challenge while ensuring alignment between Board oversight and executive delivery. They will provide inspiring, disciplined and strategically astute leadership, ensuring the organisation fulfils its charitable purpose while securing the long-term sustainability of the Trust and supporting the renewal and digital transformation of the National Marine Aquarium, the UK’s national aquarium and a cornerstone of OCT’s public engagement.
Acting as a passionate ambassador for the organisation, the Chair will help strengthen relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders, and play a key role in supporting major fundraising activity — including capital fundraising for the renewal and transformation of the National Marine Aquarium and philanthropic support for OCT’s conservation and ocean literacy programmes.
We are seeking an experienced and values-driven leader with a proven track record as a Board Chair or senior non-executive leader in a complex organisation. You will bring strong strategic judgement, experience of governance and organisational development, and credibility in supporting fundraising or capital initiatives. Most importantly, you will share our passion, optimism, and commitment to protecting and restoring the Ocean and bring the ability to inspire confidence, build relationships and provide thoughtful leadership.
Experience in conservation, visitor attractions or mixed commercial and charitable organisations would be advantageous but is not essential. We welcome leaders from a wide range of sectors who are motivated by the opportunity to help secure lasting impact for the Ocean.
The role requires a UK-based Chair with the ability to engage with the CEO and team at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. Board meetings are typically held in a hybrid format.
This is a pro bono appointment, with an expected time commitment of approximately 2–3 days per month, increasing during periods of strategic planning, fundraising and stakeholder engagement. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
For a conversation in confidence, please email Research Associate Lucy Berkhout at lucy.berkhout@perrettlaver.com.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/VacancyDetail/c2caebea-2b95-2b45-a2a3-3a1fe48086df quoting reference 8301. The deadline for applications is 09.00BST Tuesday 7th April 2026.
Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in late-April and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in Early-May, following which, interviews with the OCT will take place in late-May (in-person in Plymouth). If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
The OCT operates an Equality and Diversity Policy and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. All applications will be judged solely on merit; however, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
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