The Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Ltd is responsible for policy setting and the strategic direction of the Watercress Line. The Watercress Line is a heritage railway in Hampshire, running for 10 miles from New Alresford to Alton where it connects to the National Rail network. The line gained its popular name in the days when it was used to transport locally grown watercress to markets in London. With a normal annual turnover of around £5m, assets of over £8.5m, around 5000 members / shareholders and 130,000 visitors each year, the railway currently operates regular scheduled services, along with dining trains, real ale trains and numerous special events throughout the year.

The section of line from Alresford to Alton that can be seen today was purchased from British Rail in November 1975. Reconstruction of the line subsequently progressed in stages. The section between Alresford and Ropley re-opened on 30 April 1977. To provide engineering and maintenance facilities, the main locomotive shed and workshops were constructed at Ropley. The extension to Medstead & Four Marks opened on 28 May 1983 and the final section to Alton opened on 25 May 1985.

Some of the structures that can be seen on the Watercress Line today were not part of the original railway infrastructure; they have been added to make the line serviceable again and to recreate the feel of a fully operational steam railway. The line is now maintained by a small base of paid staff and a core of over 400 volunteers. The Mid-Hants Railway plays host to a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives, passenger carriages and restored wagons, most of which are from the 1920s to 1960s period.

The Watercress Line has four stations on the site of former British Rail stations - Alton, Medstead, Ropley, and Alresford. All feature a passing loop, allowing trains to pass one another, with all but Alton station having two platforms connected via a footbridge.  

The Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust Ltd is responsible for policy setting and the strategic direction of the Watercress Line and the railway and commercial aspects are managed by a subsidiary Operating Company - Mid Hants Railway Ltd. Its newly formed Trust Board operates corporately and there are nine Charity Trustees who are also Directors of the company limited by Guarantee.

Watercress Line is going through a lot of changes, having just appointed its first CEO, and is now looking for new Trustees to join the Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust's team on an exciting journey. Running a heritage railway isn’t just about operating steam locomotives and rolling stock, although of course, that’s a key part of what the Trust does. It is also aiming to be a living museum giving its visitors and supporters the opportunity to learn about the vital role played by railways and steam power in the development of its community, industry and commerce.

Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the charity and for making sure it achieves its objectives in line with charity and company law. This requires an understanding of education, heritage management, environmental conservation, tourism and the volunteer ethos.

The successful candidate(s) may have experience in one, or more, of the following areas:

Strategic business development: This Trustee role will help ensure that the charity's business, staff, volunteers and systems are working well and that its operations reflect best current practice. They will advise on efficiency and environmental developments and how to release funds for reinvestment. The successful candidate will also support and challenge the Trustees in considering how the Watercress Line is organised and managed to enable the achievement of its goals. They will work with other Trustees, Company Board and the CEO in identifying opportunities for growth.

IT and digital: Technology plays an increasingly critical role in the charity's ability to run well, grow and develop its services. The successful candidate will be an IT and digital expert who can help the charity to take full advantage of and embrace technology and digital opportunities. They are expected to lead in developing its digital strategy and to advise on matters such as data protection, IT infrastructure, systems and software requirements. They will work closely with other Trustees, the CEO and senior staff and ensure that the charity optimises its on-line presence and other digital tools for outreach and income generation.

Fundraising: The charity aims to raise £12m over the next ten years in developing its infrastructure so future generations can enjoy and learn from its heritage railway. The successful candidate will take a lead in developing its fundraising strategies and supporting the CEO and team in making it happen.

Marketing and communications: The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate responsibility for driving the marketing and communications strategy of an organisation, including overall image and branding. It is preferred if candidates have prior experience leading a marketing function within an organisation operating in the consumer sector.

Tourism and Outreach: The successful candidate will support the Trustees in having a wide perspective of tourism and possibilities for all kinds of outreach to make the Watercress Line and heritage railway appealing and relevant to a wide audience and across the community. They will be concerned with expanding and widening the reach of the railway and will be able to both challenge and initiate ways in which the charity could develop in the future. The role ideally requires someone with professional and current tourist knowledge and / or current educational and curating experience.

The charity is open to receiving applications from those who are seeking their first board-level opportunity.

The role is unremunerated but reasonable pre-agreed domestic travel expenses can be reimbursed. The total time commitment for this role is around 12 days per year, which includes a cycle of about six Board and wider meetings with the executive team every year. Meetings follow a hybrid model of online and in-person meetings in or around Alresford. Trustees typically take on specific responsibilities within their sphere of expertise and interest. They are initially appointed by the Board for election by Members at the AGM then serve a maximum of three terms of three years. Candidates should be UK-based and able to visit the railway site in Hampshire.