Trustee- volunteering role

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Great Oaks College achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Great Oaks College has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the senior leadership team to enable Great Oaks College to grow and thrive, and through this to achieve our mission of providing educational opportunities to young adults with learning difficulties. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals. Duties:

• Support and provide advice on Great Oaks College's purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Great Oaks College's financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Great Oaks College's financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to Great Oaks College's principal in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Great Oaks College's operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Great Oaks College's own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Great Oaks College's interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Great Oaks College's objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
[As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.] What we are looking for We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board., Terms of office
• Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 3 further terms to a maximum of 6 years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Time commitment
• Attending 4 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held as a mixture of remote and in person at Great Oaks College.
• Attending training days.
Committee membership Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the senior leadership team.


• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values.
• Commitment to Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
  
  Great Oaks College provides extended educational opportunities to young adults who have learning difficulties in West London. Our educational programmes are designed to prepare students for active lives, increasing the opportunities available to them through increased independence.
At Great Oaks we believe that all of our students are capable of making outstanding progress and of becoming more active members of their community. We deliver highly individual programmes of education precisely tailored to their individual learning styles, needs and interests. We are currently recruiting for the position of Trustee to be involved in the strategic development of Great Oaks College. It is very important that the College has people with a wide range of experience sitting on the board and we particularly welcome people with business, finance, marketing, safeguarding or governance experience to express an interest in this exciting opportunity. Getting involved with the college board would be a fantastic venture for people wishing to contribute their experience and become a crucial part of ensuring that the college delivers excellent education to its students. Trustees will need to be available at least four evenings per academic year (usually one per term) and be willing to constructively support the trustees of the charity.