The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) is delighted to announce the appointment of two new trustees, bringing exceptional expertise in sustainability, governance, climate risk and organisational transformation to the charity’s Board.
The appointments support TCV’s ambitious Better Nature for All strategy and further strengthen a Board committed to ensuring that nature is accessible and beneficial to everyone. With these appointments, 75% of TCV’s Board is now female, reflecting the charity’s ongoing commitment to building a diverse leadership team with a breadth of professional experience and perspectives.
The new trustees bring a powerful combination of strategic leadership, sustainability expertise and a shared passion for creating healthier, greener communities through meaningful connections with nature.
Meet Our New Trustees
Claire Orton
Claire Orton has spent more than 25 years helping major organisations navigate some of today’s most complex sustainability and climate challenges. With a career spanning financial services, infrastructure and real estate, she is recognised for her expertise in sustainability, climate risk, governance and environmental strategy.
Drawing on a background in civil and environmental engineering, Claire has led transformational programmes that have embedded environmental and social responsibility into the heart of global businesses. Her ability to translate complex challenges into practical action makes her a valuable addition to TCV’s Board as the charity continues to deliver positive outcomes for people and nature.
Claire also serves as a Trustee and former Interim Chair of Engineers Without Borders UK and volunteers regularly with her local TCV group.
Claire said: “Having witnessed first-hand the power of volunteering to improve wellbeing, strengthen communities and enhance local green spaces, I am passionate about helping more people experience the benefits of nature.”
Karen Hamilton
Karen Hamilton is a sustainability leader whose career spans more than three decades with global consumer goods company Unilever. As Global Vice President Sustainability, she played a leading role in developing the company’s pioneering Sustainable Living Plan, helping to drive progress across more than 50 ambitious goals focused on health, climate, nature and livelihoods.
Known for turning ambitious sustainability goals into practical business action, Karen has worked with every part of a global organisation, from innovation and marketing to supply chain and finance, building partnerships and delivering lasting impact at scale.
Today, Karen continues to shape the sustainability agenda as a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), a sustainability sector advisor at London Business School and an external examiner at Cranfield University. She is also a Trustee of Bioregional.
Karen said: “I am inspired by TCV’s unique ability to bring people together through practical action for nature. I am keen to support the charity’s continued growth and impact across the UK.”
Jon Towler, Chair of The Conservation Volunteers, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Claire and Karen to the Board. They are both accomplished leaders whose expertise will help guide The Conservation Volunteers in our mission to connect people together to protect and restore nature.
“As we deliver our Better Nature for All strategy, their insight and experience will help us broaden our impact, strengthen our governance and ensure TCV remains a bold, inclusive and forward-looking organisation.”
Rebecca Kennelly MBE, Chief Executive of The Conservation Volunteers, said:
“Claire and Karen join The Conservation Volunteers at an exciting moment in our journey. Across the UK, we are working with communities to connect with nature, improve green spaces and create opportunities for people to take action where they live. Volunteering is the beating heart of TCV and I am particularly pleased that one of our new trustees is an existing volunteer.
“Both trustees bring exceptional experience of leading change and embedding sustainability at scale. Their knowledge, passion and strategic thinking will be invaluable as we continue to grow our reach, strengthen our impact and deliver our vision of a better nature for all.”
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