Trustee

Organisation overview:

Get Further is the first charity dedicated to providing high-quality tuition to students facing challenges in further education, adult education, and the apprenticeship sector. We aim to transform the experience of these students, helping them to build their skills and realise their aspirations for education and work.

Every year, 200,000 children – disproportionately from disadvantaged backgrounds – do not achieve the expected standard in crucial English and maths qualifications while at school, locking them out of many university courses, apprenticeships, and key professions.

Twice as many disadvantaged 16- to 18-year-olds go to further education colleges than school sixth forms, and yet for too long, the needs of students in further education have not taken centre stage in education policy or funding. We work in partnership with further education providers to prove that, when given the means, all young people can build the skills needed to progress in education and work.

Role Details:  

Governance

• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing documents and charity law
• Ensuring that the charity’s strategy is fit for purpose to deliver its mission / objectives
• Ensuring the financial stability of the charity, protecting and managing the charity’s assets
• Championing the charity’s mission within your network and the wider community
• Safeguarding the charity’s reputation and values, ensuring that risks are properly recognised and mitigated and promoting the public profile of Get Further
• Supporting and providing guidance to the management team of Get Further

Additionally, trustees will be responsible for:

• Championing and demonstrating a commitment to our cause
• Attending and participating fully in Board of Trustees meetings
• Attending and participating fully in strategy workshops, where relevant
• Taking a lead role in fundraising for the charity
• Inspiring effective leadership, monitoring performance and ensuring accountability and resourcefulness
• Utilising skills and contacts for the benefit of the charity

Time Commitment:  

Four Board of Trustees meetings per year (2.5 hours each) & sub-committee meetings (2 hours each) depending on your area of expertise.
Attendance:

Meetings are mostly remote, but we aim for at least one in-person meeting per year in our London office. We actively encourage applications from candidates based across the UK.   

Required Skills & Experience:

We are looking for an expert in the legal field, a preference for Chairty Law but would consider other legal expertise especially including – contracting, data sharing and employment law.

ESSENTIAL

• Commitment to Get Further’s mission and values, including passionate about tackling educational inequality.
• Financial qualifications and experience within a charity, not for profit or business in a senior financial role.
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.
• Understanding/willingness to learn and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good communication and leadership skills.
• Creative thinking, especially in ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion considerations are part of the charity’s decision making and strategy.
• An openness to challenge and question others.
• Willing to act as an ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
• A team-oriented approach to problem solving and management.

DESIRABLE

• Knowledge of charity SORP and aware of impending changes.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of charity fundraising and finance practices.
• An understanding of the education landscape in the UK.

To apply for or express an interest in this position, please email bicenquiries@weareadvocate.org.uk