Voluntary Trustee - Education
The Organisation
Founded by Molly and Stephen Darke in 1953, Percy Hedley Foundation initially support children with Cerebral Pasly. Today, the Foundation has grown to support children, young people and adults with complex learning difficulties, disabilities and additional communication needs via its education, residential, supported living and adult day services.
The commitment of the Foundation to support people with disabilities to live their best lives possible is as strong as it was in1953.
The Foundation currently supports over 600 children, young people and adults, and their families, through education, residential, supported living and adult day services.
The Foundation includes 2 non-maintained special education schools that assist children and young people between the ages of 3 and 19. A college that specialises in further education for young people aged 19-25 and supports them into adulthood. Adult Day services where people can access a range of activities and adult residential care and independent supporting living services.
The Opportunity
This is an exciting opportunity for an educationalist to join its Board of Trustees.
2025 marks the start of a new three-year strategy, focussed on the long-term sustainability of the organisation to ensure that Percy Hedley can deliver integrated, modernised, high-quality services into the future, against a backdrop of increasing financial challenge and constraint.
Trustees of the Percy Hedley Foundation are collectively responsible for setting the strategic direction, ensuring that the organisation meets its charitable purpose, ensuring financial stability and providing governance oversight of the organisation. As a registered company limited by guarantee, Trustees are also Company Directors. Not only will you work closely with the Board, but you will work closely with the CEO and Executive Team to provide support, whilst also providing scrutiny and constructive challenge.
By joining the Foundation you will have the satisfaction of being part of the future development of one of the North East’s largest charities. You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by the children, young people and adults that we support and will be able to expand your professional network.
Board Commitment
This is a voluntary unremunerated role.
Board meetings: Trustees will be expected to attend all Board meetings in person. There are four board meetings per year plus annual strategy and development sessions as appropriate. Board meetings are scheduled for 2.5 hours late in an afternoon and are based in Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Committee meetings: All Trustees are expected to participate on at least one committee. You will be a member of the Finance Committee, which meets virtually four times a year. Committee meetings are scheduled for 2 hours and typically take place late in an afternoon.
Site Visits: Trustees are required to conduct one site visit per calendar quarter.
Preparation: Board and committee papers are distributed in advance of meetings and Trustees are expected to read and prepare for the meetings in advance.
Term of office: The term of office is three years, after which Trustees can be reappointed for two further three-year terms, up to a maximum of nine years.
Trustees are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.
About You & How to apply
For information in relation to Trustee role requirements please take a look at the Trustee candidate pack via this link here. With reference to this particular role we are seeking the following qualities:
Essential:
- Recent and relevant educational senior leadership knowledge and expertise
- Experience in SEND/inclusion
- Understanding of what good/outstanding learning and curriculum development looks like
- Familiarity with the Ofsted inspection process
- Knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector
Desirable:
- Board experience within a charitable organisation
- Knowledge and experience of education commissioning
To apply
Please click here to download and complete the application form and send your CV to sue.ormerod@nigelwright.com who will forward your CV to our Company Secretary.
**Please let Sue know if you would like to have an information discussion with the Company Secretary from Percy Hedley prior to Christmas and Sue will make the arrangements for you.
Please notify us within your application if you require any reasonable adjustments prior to or during the selection process, so that we can make the appropriate arrangements for you.
Closing date for all applications is Sunday 5th January 2025 and successful applicants will be invited to a panel interview with the Foundation’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
