Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) has come under fire for advertising an unpaid voluntary role as a 'perfect opportunity' for those seeking a career in UK conservation. The charity is seeking a 'wild trainee' to join its land management team for 21 hours per week on a fixed-term basis of nine months, with a possible extension to a year.
The role offers a personal training plan and tailored internal and certified external training, but requires the candidate to have their own transport and provides no salary. The advert states it is designed to give professional skills needed for a first job in the sector, with opportunities to gain experience in practical habitat management, ecological evidence, farm advice, and more.
Social media users criticised the charity for not offering pay. One Facebook user commented that it reinforces conservation as an 'upper-middle class pursuit,' while another said asking people to work for free excludes those without financial support. A third user argued that if the charity wants a trainee to be healthy, fed, and eager to learn, it should pay them.
Charity Response
GWT told Business Live it takes concerns seriously and is actively working to secure more funding for paid opportunities. A spokesperson said the charity has been hit by rising operational costs and is disappointed that government schemes for apprenticeships and paid internships have not been prioritised. The Wild Trainee programme is designed to provide meaningful opportunities leading to paid employment, covering expenses such as travel and lunch, and offering flexible part-time hours.
The charity noted high success rates, with many participants moving into permanent roles. It emphasised its commitment to maximising opportunities for nature and communities through such training programmes.
Financial Context
According to Companies House, GWT's total income for the year ending March 2025 was £6.1 million, a 12% increase, though expenditure stood at £6.4 million. The charity held free reserves of £243,499 and employs 109 staff, 11 trustees, and 650 volunteers. One employee earns between £90,000 and £100,000 annually, but no trustees receive remuneration.
