In this round of recruitment, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is seeking to appoint Trustees who can bring expertise within the following areas:
Education and skills
- Senior level experience in the education or skills sector, or within government or policy environments influencing these areas, with an understanding of enrichment and how to prepare young people for the world of work
Fundraising, philanthropy, and strategic networks
- Experience in cultivating relationships with high- net-worth individuals, philanthropic organisations and corporate partners, with insight into how to strengthen and diversify income streams to support our strategic ambitions
In order to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the most diverse generation of young adults ever, our Board needs a range of perspectives, skills, and lived experience.
Attributes
- A commitment to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and its vision, mission and values
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Experience as a Board member in a business or charitable organisation
- Ability to distil complex information and bring a pragmatic approach to its application
- Understanding of risk and how to identify, manage and mitigate risks and at Board level
- Highly-effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Independent, innovative, strategic and creative thinker
- Sound judgement, ability to weigh up different options and information and make informed decisions
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with other Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team
- A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
Requirements
In order to carry out your duties as a Trustees you will be required to:
- Act in the best interest of present and future beneficiaries of DofE setting aside any other interests you may have
- Sign and abide by the DofE Trustee Code of Conduct
- Participate in Trustee induction and regular learning and development activities as required to support your effectiveness as a Trustee
- Attend four Trustee Board meetings and two Board development sessions a year
- Devote the necessary time and effort to developing a good understanding of DofE and its activities, scrutinising papers and undertaking other preparatory work
- Support DofE to achieve its strategic goals through attendance at relevant events, meetings and insight visits and through connections to relevant personal and professional networks
Terms of Appointment
Term of office
Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term with the possibility to extend for a further four- year period.
Time commitment
- Four formal board meetings per year (3 hours per meeting), ordinarily held in central London or via Microsoft Teams
- Sub-committee meetings – usually four a year or when required (usually 1-2 hours per meeting)
- Two board strategy away days per year
- Preparation of and reading time for papers
- Time to participate in essential training and ongoing Trustee development
- Contribution to charity events and activities, such as fundraising events, Staff Conference and insight visits
Induction, training and governance
Safe recruitment practice applies to our Trustees, and if appointed we will expect you to complete an induction to the DofE, visit our sites and meet key staff, volunteers and participants.
Trustees are required to provide suitable references, undertake a Basic DBS check, fit and proper person checks and provide confirmation of identity and any relevant qualifications. In addition, we will ask you to declare any relevant interests on an annual basis and sign up to our Trustee Code of Conduct.
To support you in your role as a Trustee we will provide training in relation to safeguarding and data protection as part of your induction and offer ongoing learning and development opportunities as well as an optional mentor and regular guidance and performance check ins throughout your time as a Trustee.
Expenses
Trustee roles are unpaid but Trustees can receive expenses in relation to appropriate and role-related travel, accommodation and meals.