Members' Resolution

Jersey, is in the favourable position that it has a high number of very qualified people who have the skills and capabilities to chair Durrell.  It is not necessary for the chair to be an out and out conservationist, however, the chair does require the skills required to run a multi-dimensional organisation.  This has clearly been lacking over the past year. 

During a meeting with trustees, Richard Daggett, Gillian Arthur, Lee Durrell and Chairman Matthew Hatchwell, Mr. Hatchwell, when asked how often he visits the zoo, stated that he had been encouraged “not” to visit the zoo, by the then CEO Dr. Lesley Dickie.  He was unable to give an indication as to how many times he had visited.  This is unacceptable. 

Durrell needs expertise to recover from significant staff and volunteer loss, as well as the documented collection and operational issues. It is essential that the Chair is in a position to visit the zoo, as and when that person desires and not be constrained by periodic visits when visiting the island. 

We believe that the Chair should be based in Jersey.  Please vote for this rule change. 

Durrell is a global organisation working in a dozen countries around the world. Over half of its employees, as well as most donors and conservation partners, are based outside Jersey.

The role of the Chairperson at Durrell is to oversee the governance of the entire Trust, not just its operations at Jersey Zoo. This is the clear responsibility of the CEO, who is based at Jersey Zoo, headquarters of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

The Chairperson visits Jersey Zoo at least four times a year to attend Board meetings and engage with staff, volunteers and members. Between formal meetings, the Chairperson and other Trustees support the Trust as necessary, visiting the zoo and Durrell field programmes in the UK and beyond, as well as liaising with donors and attending Durrell events.

The Chairperson is only one member of the Board, and is elected by the Board of Trustees, not the members. The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer are appointed explicitly as Jersey representatives.

It is essential that the Board be able to appoint the most suitable person to the role according to the breadth and depth of their skills and the needs of the moment, not their place of residence.