The Edge Foundation - Trustees

NED Vacancies, Not for Profit / Charity Sector

Oct 112021

Trustees - The Edge Foundation

Business / Organisation Name: The Edge Foundation
Business / Organisation Sector: Not-for-Profit
Business / Organisation Website: https://bit.ly/3aoPEnR
Business / Organisation Type: School, College or University
Role Title: Trustee
Remuneration: Expenses only

Role Description

The Edge Foundation, a champion of relevant practical and vocational education, is seeking to appoint Trustees to its Board who will play a key role in overseeing the strategic direction of the charity and ensure all young people have the education that enables them to contribute to a changing world.

About the Role

The Edge Foundation is an independent and politically impartial foundation, working to inspire the education system to give all young people across the UK the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to flourish in their future life and work.

We work in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, government departments, education providers and academic establishments, among many other stakeholders, and gather evidence through research, trials and projects.

We use this evidence to both influence practice on the ground and lead the debate around future local and national policy.

Our Executive Team, led by our CEO – Alice Barnard, is supported by a Board of Trustees, which is chaired by Neil Bates and made up of independent Trustees who bring relevant expertise from a range of sectors. Together, the Trustees ensure that the organisation is managed through effective governance and the Executive receives supportive challenge around strategic decisions that will impact those who benefit from the Edge Foundation itself and its work.

At present, the Edge Foundation’s Board of Trustees comprises nine members, including the Chair and Vice-Chair. The Board works closely with and supports Alice and senior staff in the effective and efficient operation of the organisation. Some Trustees also serve on one of three committees which, alongside the Board itself, make up the Edge Foundation’s overarching governance structure: the Nominations and Remuneration Committee; the Finance, Risk & Audit Committee; and the Projects & Delivery Committee.

The Board meets four times per year in London, and all Trustees are expected to attend these meetings either in person or remotely. Alongside these regular meetings, Trustees also serve an ambassadorial role for the Edge Foundation and are encouraged to act as speakers as well as undertake outreach work related to the organisation’s charitable aims.

In addition to ensuring that the Edge Foundation is legally compliant and uses its resources sustainably and in line with its charitable aims, among other responsibilities, Trustees also serve an important role in upholding the reputation and values of Edge. Trustees must respect the independence of the organisation, and the power this brings to make a significant impact on the education system for young people across the UK.

Further to their role on the Board, Trustees have the opportunity to become more closely involved with the work of the Edge Foundation, which can include visiting particular projects or stakeholders to gain insight into their on-the-ground activities.

For example, one current member of the Board has also been involved with the Edge Hotel School, which offers unique, industry-engaged higher education degree courses in events and hospitality management.

Another Trustee supports researchers with expertise where needed and requested, which provides insight to contribute to Board discussions. Taking the time to network, both with fellow Trustees and the members of the Edge Foundation staff (around 21 people including our team and extended team), is also encouraged. Therefore, the Edge Foundation’s Trustees are truly woven into the fabric of the organisation and can be a real part of the impact that the organisation seeks to make in Education.

Who we are looking for

With a new strategy in place and a host of innovative projects currently in action and in the pipeline, the Edge Foundation is keen to diversify our Board to

reflect the broad communities served across the UK by the education sector;
develop the Board’s expertise in key areas related to the business of the organisation, including post-16 and Higher Education; and
engage passionate and committed professionals and those with lived experience to support the innovative and impactful work of Edge.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to the Edge Foundation’s vision of ‘Making Education Relevant’; a keen understanding or insight of the UK education landscape (particularly technical, professional and vocational education) from their own sector or industry experience; and an ability to think strategically, challenge constructively, and work collaboratively as part of a collective board. It is essential that a diverse skill set is represented amongst the Board of Trustees, and that the Board work as a team.

Edge seeks Trustees who will bring a connected, empathetic, engaged, fair and inclusive approach to the role, and who can communicate effectively when expressing their own views and also when listening to others. Candidates should be able to exercise good judgment in the face of challenging situations and maintain confidentiality.

Ideally, we are seeking candidates who bring a knowledge and/or experience of education at school, further and/or higher education levels combined with a knowledge and experience of education and skills policy from a local, regional or national level.

In addition, we are keen to hear from candidates who have an appreciation for the ethos of charitable organisations and doing social good as well as recent experience or an understanding of charity administration, finances and investment. An understanding of the legal obligations of trusteeship would also be welcome.

If you are keen to make a difference as a Trustee within an organisation that cares about having a positive impact on education in the UK, this opportunity is an excellent one to consider.

Closing date: Monday 15th November 2021

Please click the link to be directed to the Peridot Partners:
https://bit.ly/2YGUCdy