Application deadline has now passed.
We are looking for trustees with expertise in Early Childhood Education to join us.
Could you share your experience in research or practice leadership?
About us
The Froebel Trust is an educational charity with a mission to promote and advance education and learning underpinned by the philosophy and principles of the inventor of kindergarten, Friedrich Froebel. We do this by supporting research and practice development for early childhood education and care with grants; bursaries or subsidies for training; and free resources and events.
Our work is steered and governed by a Council of 12 trustees, two of whom will retire in 2022. These volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds. They help bring our vision and strategy to life while ensuring that we operate responsibly, fairly and effectively by following the Charity Commission’s Governance Code.
At the Froebel Trust we strongly oppose discrimination and bias and we strive to be diverse and inclusive. We want everyone to experience and treat others with dignity, respect and fairness. We welcome and are actively seeking trustee applications from people who are frequently under-represented on charity boards.
Become a trustee
To make sure that we retain the optimal mix of knowledge and skills on our Council, we are looking for the following expertise:
• A commitment to the Froebel Trust’s principles for education and learning and enthusiasm for our strategic goals
• Research experience / leadership in early childhood education and care
or
• Practice experience / leadership in early learning settings or schools (birth to 8 years)
Ideally we need people who:
• Have availability and flexibility to attend trustee and committee meetings (each meeting lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, mostly held via Zoom). We anticipate that the time commitment will be 25-30 hours per year, depending on the responsibilities assumed.
• Be willing and able to join and potentially to chair our Education & Research committee and one of its subcommittees*
The role is voluntary and unpaid (except for out-of-pocket expenses). A trustee’s term of office lasts for 4 years and can be renewed. Most of our trustees stay with us for 8 years.
All our trustees are offered an induction as well as ongoing training, advice and, if applicable, an opportunity to shadow an incumbent committee chair for 1-2 meetings.
*These are Research Subcommittee and Education Subcommittee [Practice Development]. The chairs work with the CEO to shape committee action plans & meeting agendas. They report committee business at trustee meetings. Presently, most meetings take place via Zoom.
How to apply
To apply, please send a covering letter and CV to office@froebeltrust.org.uk or contact us to arrange an informal conversation with our CEO, Sacha Powell or Chair of Trustees, Mark Neale.
Please apply by 31 October 2021.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Zoom or telephone interview with 2 or 3 trustees and our CEO at a mutually convenient time in November or December.
