Governance and Administrative Volunteer / prospective Trustee
Are you organised, detail-oriented, and looking to make a real difference in your community?
The Friends of Morrab Gardens (FoMG) is a dedicated group of volunteers working hard to preserve and maintain our beautiful, peaceful botanical garden in Penzance. As we look toward the future, we want to take an important step to ensure the long-term security and success of the gardens: moving from an unincorporated association to a registered charity, likely a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
We are looking for a motivated volunteer to lead us through this exciting transition. Once our new charity status is official, we hope to see this role evolve into a formal seat on our Board of Trustees.
The Role
This is a key role that will help shape how we operate for years to come. You won't be doing it alone; you will work closely with our small, friendly committee to move us through the legal and administrative steps of registration.
Your main tasks will include:
- Researching the best structure for our new charity status.
- Helping to draft our new governing document (constitution).
- Preparing and submitting our application to the Charity Commission.
- Setting up simple, effective administrative processes to help us stay compliant once we are registered.
About You
We don't expect you to be a legal expert, but we do need someone who is comfortable with paperwork and enjoys getting things "just right."
What we are looking for:
- Strong administrative experience.
- A high level of attention to detail.
- A methodical approach to tasks and projects.
- Previous experience dealing with the Charity Commission would be a wonderful bonus, but is not essential.
By helping us become a registered charity, you will be playing a vital part in protecting Morrab Gardens for future generations. It is a rewarding way to use your professional skills for a great cause, and you will meet a lovely group of people who all share a love for our local green spaces.
If you have a passion for Morrab Gardens and a knack for organisation, we would love to hear from you.
About the Friends of Morrab Gardens
We’re a community-led volunteer group helping to care for the historic Morrab Gardens – a place full of rare plants, heritage structures and shared memories. Alongside garden tours, volunteer days and events, we’re working towards becoming a registered charity, which will allow us to:
- Protect historic features and landscapes
- Secure grants for restoration and planting
- Build a full botanical record of the garden
- Create inspiring experiences for visitors of all ages
Our future growth: The Friends of Morrab Gardens are currently constituted as an unincorporated association. We aim to register with the Charity Commission in the future, giving us greater opportunities to apply to funding bodies and so do more to enhance and maintain the Gardens.
Beyond the Flowerbeds: Why Volunteer with Us?
🌿 Make a real difference to a unique historic garden
🌼 Be part of a warm, passionate volunteer team
🏛️ Help safeguard heritage structures and rare plants
🌱 See the impact of your work in a living, growing place
👏 Be recognised on our website, newsletters and at garden events
There is a real chance for this to grow from a project-based role into a lasting position as a Trustee on our new Board where you’ll be helping ensure Morrab Gardens thrives for generations to come.
Time Commitment
Flexible and manageable – typically a few hours a month, with meetings arranged to suit volunteers. We understand that life comes first.
Interested?
If you’d like an informal chat, a walk around the gardens, or to learn more before committing, we’d be delighted to meet you.
🌿 Get in touch and help protect something truly special.
Morrab Gardens
Morrab Road
Penzance
TR18 4DA
United Kingdom