Revealed : the 16 English towns and cities being targeted by the RSPB for a bumper autumn membership drive

Lincoln - cathedral city where RSPB is keen to attract new members

THE RSPB has identified a total of 16 English towns and cities for one its biggest ever autumn recruitment campaigns. 

After crunching its membership data, the society has identified the following  locations as being among the most potentially fertile for attracting new members:

* Lincoln

* Canterbury

* Coventry

* Waterlooville

* North London

* Warwick

* Sheffield

* Carlisle

* Nottingham

* Mansfield

* Newark

* Bristol

* Alton (Berkshire)

* High Wycombe

* Didcot

* Stevenage

Each town will have its own dedicated membership/fundraising officer.

With each being paid between £24,890 - £26,720  per annum, the campaign will cost the society at least £400,000 just in salaries, plus a significant amount more in motoring and other expenses.

But it will be money well spent if new members renew their  subscriptions for many years, even more so if they also spend money on RSPB merchandise and leave the society legacies after they have died.

What is required of the membership officers?

The job description for the Lincoln post is probably typical.

It reads:

"Are you looking for an exciting opportunity that allows you to integrate your passion for nature with your exceptional communication skills? 

"Join us at Europe's largest nature conservation charity and make a real difference as a Wildlife Fundraiser!

"Please only apply if you are within a 30 mile radius of Lincoln, unless you are considering relocating.

"Each day you will use your company van to travel to different venues around your local area, set up an attractive fundraising stand and spend the day actively engaging with members of the public, spreading awareness about our conservation efforts and generating new RSPB memberships via direct debits. 

"Don't worry if you're not a wildlife expert yet - we provide comprehensive training to equip you with all the knowledge you need. 

"Plus, you'll enjoy the added perk of a company van, with fuel and parking costs paid for. 

"You will also have the flexibility to choose a contract between three to five days per week, and enjoy the stability of a set salary, rather than working on commission. 

"With 34 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) and opportunities for sabbaticals, we value your work-life balance and well-being. 

"But it is not just about the benefits - it is about the impact you will make. 

"Join a team that is dedicated to preserving nature and inspiring others to do the same!

"Your role will be pivotal in driving positive change, and you will have the support of a diverse and inclusive community every step of the way. 

"Whether you are from a hospitality, customer service, sales, or volunteering background, we are more interested in your negotiating/storytelling skills and enthusiasm than your previous experience. 

"We are looking for starters to join our team across the next few months."

The deadline for applications is this Sunday September 1.

More details from the resourcing advisor: Stephen.louw@rspb.org.uk

* Photo of Lincoln: Howard Gannaway via Wikimedia Commons