enquiries@tywigateway.org.uk Parc a Gerddi yr Esgob, Abergwili, Sir Caerfyrddin SA31 2JG

Could you be a Trustee? Why not join our Board of Trustees!

Exciting New Trustee Opportunity

Who we are:

The Tywi Gateway Trust is a small charity, set up in 2016 to restore Parc yr Esgob-Bishop’s Park, the park and gardens which surround the county museum in Abergwili, and to develop redundant outbuildings of the old Bishop’s Palace into a visitor centre and café. This £2.4m regeneration project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Carmarthenshire County Council, was officially opened in July 2022.

We are putting Parc yr Esgob on the map as an outstanding destination for visitors to explore its beautiful landscaped gardens, the walled garden, parkland and views across the Tywi valley. There is  fascinating wildlife, an SSSI* and amazing history to enjoy along with the benefits of being outdoors in nature.

The Trust is dependant on fundraising through grants and donations alongside income generated at the park and on the generosity of volunteers and supporters to continue our work into the future.

The skills and experience we’re looking for

The Trust employs a small team of staff, and is run by a management board of up to 12 people (trustees) from the local community. We currently have  vacancies, and we are looking for people with skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

entrepreneurial experience, to help identify further opportunities for trading, and increase the profitability of those underway, so that we use all our resources and facilities intelligently to strengthen our underlying business.

fundraising skills or experience in generating income, to help us attract new sources of revenue to build our operational sustainability

marketing or PR skills, to help reach new audiences and raise our profile amongst new supporters, donors and beneficiaries, and potential partners

Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary, and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. Whilst the board currently has good gender balance and several bilingual members, we are also keen to enhance and increase its diversity in terms of age, disability and ethnicity.

What is the commitment 

Trustees serve for 3 years in the first instance, and meet for bi-monthly Board meetings on a Tuesday afternoon between 4:00-6:00 pm at our visitor centre. Virtual attendance can be arranged if a trustee is unable to attend in person.  Trustees are also expected to commit to ad-hoc committee work through one of our 4 sub-groups – Governance, Risk, Marketing and Funding & Finance. Some trustees choose to volunteer in the garden or visitor centre as well, although this is of their own volition

Trustee benefits

  • the chance to improve health & wellbeing of people and communities
  • influence to shape future projects and phases of development
  • opportunities to make strategic decisions & develop new skills
  • opportunities to network
  • induction upon appointment.
  • reasonable out of pocket expenses considered where necessary.

How to find out more information

For further information on the Trust and Parc yr Esgob, please visit our website.  You can also contact the Chair, Betsan Caldwell, on 07557 389452 or at betsan.caldwell@gmail.com for an informal chat in Welsh or in English, or to arrange a visit.

Closing and interview dates

To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter explaining why you are interested in this role and how your particular skills and experience could contribute to the board.  Applications will be treated confidentially and should be e-mailed to the Chair. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview subsequently.