TCV appoints three new female trustees

Doncaster-headquartered The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) has appointed Tanvi Desai, Shannon Russell and Andrea Lambert to its board of trustees.

The new appointments strengthen TCV’s commitment to inclusive governance and a leadership team that reflects the communities it serves.

Tanvi brings data and environmental policy experience from roles at GiGL and the Greater London Authority. 

Tanvi said: “I strongly support TCV’s core mission of linking communities to green spaces through volunteering as I believe that the connection between people and nature is critical to ensuring a healthy, resilient, fair, and liveable planet and society.

“I am excited to bring my extensive experience with sensitive data, strategic and project management, as well as my more recent knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing green space managers and owners, to help the board progress TCV’s strategy.”

Shannon contributes expertise in project management, governance and ESG, alongside her advisory role with BBC Children in Need. 

Shannon added: “I'm honoured to be joining TCV’s board. 

“What excites me most is bringing a combination of my experience in governance and funding, coupled with grassroots insight from working directly with disadvantaged young people. 

“I understand both the boardroom challenges of navigating complex decisions with limited resources and the community-level reality of how environmental connection transforms lives.

“TCV's mission of 'connecting people together to protect and restore nature, delivering lasting benefits for both' aligns perfectly with my belief that sustainable change happens when we connect people to their environment and each other. 

“I'm eager to support TCV in continuing this vital work across even more communities.”

Andrea offers four decades of NHS and hospice sector experience, with a focus on safeguarding, families and the value of volunteering.

Andrea added: “After ten years in the charity sector, I understand the value and power of volunteering for both the organisation and the volunteers. 

“How TCV combines conservation, and the wellbeing of people embraces things that are important to me. 

“I am committed to supporting and empowering people from all walks of life, creating compassionate communities and reducing social isolation.

“I hope to bring enthusiasm and positivity as my personal assets and the skills that I have in leadership, and safeguarding knowledge and experience.”

All three are committed to supporting underrepresented groups to connect with nature.

Jon Towler, TCV chair, added: “The board is incredibly pleased that we have appointed three new trustees who bring a wide range of expertise to our charity.

“Tanvi, Shannon and Andrea have grassroots experience in differing areas that will be hugely valuable to our work. 

“This combined with their expertise in governance and sustainability offers a dynamic perspective on how environmental conservation and volunteering can foster healthier, more inclusive communities – aligning perfectly with TCV’s mission.”

Rebecca Kennelly MBE, TCV chief executive added: “These appointments align with TCV’s newly launched 2025-2030 strategy, which is rooted in inclusion and champions the belief that everyone deserves access to nature. 

“We’re committed to creating opportunities for everyone to connect with nature – especially for those who face barriers – and making our activities relevant and accessible to all communities.

“Together, with our new trustees, and our volunteers, who are at the heart of everything we do, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a more inclusive future for people and the planet.”

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