Lucian Hudson to step down after a decade as Chair of Earthwatch
21st May 2026
After nearly ten years of dedicated service as Chair of Earthwatch, Lucian Hudson reflects on leadership, governance and the qualities needed in his successor as the organisation begins recruitment for its next Chair.
What originally attracted you to the Chair role at Earthwatch?
It was an opportunity to lead a respected, independent research organisation committed to practical action. By the time I became Chair of Earthwatch in 2016, I had already chaired national charity boards for nine years, though not in the environmental sector.
Having worked at the heart of the UK Government on climate change and sustainable development, Earthwatch felt a natural fit, combining science, public engagement and environmental action in a credible and purposeful way.
What have you found most rewarding about leading the Board?
Learning more about decision-making and the qualities required for leadership and teamwork. Three areas of focus have been particularly rewarding.
First, supporting Earthwatch make timely and informed strategic decisions at important moments in its development.
Second, creating a space where information, insight and different perspectives can be shared openly, while building a genuine sense of common purpose across the Board and executive team.
Third, working closely with all three CEOs and interim leaders during my time as Chair. I aimed to provide both support and appropriate challenge to talented colleagues committed to the organisation’s mission.
The golden thread running through my 44-year career has been helping leaders and teams to enable change through effective communication and strong relationships. Chairing Earthwatch has allowed me to continue doing that in a sector of enormous importance.
“Earthwatch exists to harness science and engagement to help build a healthier relationship between people and the natural world.”
How would you describe the culture of the Board and executive team?
Collaborative, thoughtful and focused on impact. There is a strong commitment to Earthwatch’s charitable mission and to using environmental science to make a practical difference.
The Board and executive team strive to maintain the right balance between governance and management. Good governance depends on constructive relationships, clear accountability and mutual respect for different roles and responsibilities.
During my decade with Earthwatch, I have repeatedly seen the depth of commitment shown by staff and trustees alike. Where there are differences of approach, we work hard to engage meaningfully, reach a shared understanding and arrive at informed decisions together. That is one reason the Chair role is so significant.
What does the Chair role involve in practice?
The Chair’s role is to create the conditions for good governance, effective decision-making and strong relationships across the organisation. In practice, that means listening carefully, exercising sound judgement, asking the right questions and keeping the Board focused on Earthwatch’s mission, strategy and long-term sustainability.
A Chair must be curious and attentive. No issue or opportunity should be overlooked, but decisions must always be grounded in the organisation’s vision, values and long-term resilience.
The role also involves assessing risk and opportunity while ensuring the organisation meets its legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Earthwatch is both a charity and a company, so trustees must understand their duties as directors and charity trustees.
An effective Chair keeps Board and committee meetings focused and productive, enabling robust yet constructive discussion. Timing, governance boundaries and clarity of decision-making are all important.
“Good governance depends on constructive relationships, clear accountability and mutual respect for different roles and responsibilities.”
The Chair must also maintain a strong relationship with the CEO, ensuring appropriate support, challenge and accountability. The Board can delegate responsibility, but not accountability.
Anyone considering the role should understand the responsibilities of governance and directorship. Useful guidance is available from the Charity Commission, Companies House, the Companies Act 2006 and the Institute of Directors, and training in board dynamics can also be valuable.
What qualities or leadership style do you think help someone succeed as Chair at Earthwatch?
A love of nature and an understanding of what it takes to sustain it. Earthwatch exists to harness science and engagement to help build a healthier relationship between people and the natural world.
The role requires strategic thinking, sound judgement and the ability to work collaboratively with trustees and the executive team. An effective Chair needs to prepare thoroughly, chair meetings effectively, follow through on actions and support collective decision-making.
Developing a strong and trusted working relationship with the CEO is especially important, as is helping open doors to partnerships, networks and opportunities that support Earthwatch’s mission.
You do not necessarily need to come from the environmental sector, but you do need to care deeply about the organisation’s purpose and understand what responsible organisational leadership requires.
“You do not necessarily need to come from the environmental sector, but you do need to care deeply about the organisation’s purpose and understand what responsible organisational leadership requires.”
What opportunities or challenges make this an especially interesting time to join?
Earthwatch is operating at a time when environmental science, public engagement and organisational resilience have never mattered more.
Like many charities, we are navigating financial pressures and a rapidly changing external environment. At the same time, there is growing recognition of the importance of credible science, practical environmental action and trusted leadership.
This creates a significant opportunity for a new Chair to help guide Earthwatch through its next phase, strengthening partnerships, supporting innovation, ensuring robust governance and helping the organisation continue to evolve while remaining true to its mission.
It is an exciting role for someone who enjoys both strategic thinking and collaborative leadership. I would certainly encourage anyone thinking of applying to get in touch.