Swindon and Kendal among 25 English and Welsh towns and cities targeted by RSPB in drive to woo new members

                                       

The minster in Beverley overlooks the attractive Yorkshire market town

THE RSPB has identified a further  25 English and Welsh towns and cities where it believes it can recruit new members.

They are:

* Beverley

* Hull

* North Cave

* Bradford

* Huddersfield

* Rochdale

* Kendal

* Guildford

* Ashford

* Tonbridge

* Bristol

* Oxford

* Chepstow

* St Albans

* Watford

* High Wycombe

* Cirencester

* Swindon

* Bridgend

* Swansea

* Warwick

* Wolverhampton

* Birmingham

* Warrington

* Liverpool

These will be added to the following 16 identified earlier in autumn after the society crunched its membership data to see where members were relatively thin on the ground. 

* Lincoln

* Canterbury

* Coventry

* Waterlooville

* North London

* Warwick

* Sheffield

* Carlisle

* Nottingham

* Mansfield

* Newark

* Bristol

* Alton (Berkshire)

* High Wycombe

* Didcot

* Stevenage

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

With each being paid between £24,890 - £26,720 (plus expenses)   per annum, the membership-recruitment campaign will take a significant chunk out of the charity's income.

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 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!

"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 October 13.

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

* Photo of Beverley Minster: Paul Lakin via Wikimedia Commons