York Steiner School
Opportunity for new members to join the Board of Trustees in 2023
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Salary: Volunteer role
Sector: Charity and not-for-profit, Education
Hours: 2-3 hours evening meetings every 6 weeks, plus occasional extra meetings, voluntary contributions to projects and attendance at school events.
Closing date for applications:
The School
York Steiner School (YSS) is a happy, busy place which has been educating and inspiring its pupils since 1982. We are proud of our most recent OFSTED inspection which rated us as ‘GOOD’, and reported that the school “encourages pupils to aim high and strive to be the best person they can be. The school’s curriculum instils a spirit of curiosity and enquiry in pupils. York Steiner School is a community of warmth, tolerance and nurture. Pupils here feel safe and, to a very high degree, happy.” (OFSTED Report 2022) Our active community of pupils, parents, teachers and staff are a huge source of support for the school and organise festivals and events adding unique value to the education of our children.
The school is thriving and now has exciting plans to open upper school in autumn 2024. As a result the Board of Trustees is looking to expand its membership.
What does a Trustee do?
The Trustees ensure the school has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. They make sure that the finances are carefully managed and that the school is compliant with all the required standards. As a charity, the trustee’s role is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first.
Trustees attend regular meetings and ensure they have read the papers for the meeting in advance so can comment effectively in the discussion. They have the confidence to ask questions to make sure they understand the implications of any decisions which need to be made. From time to time they may be asked to give extra time to a project or piece of work which needs the kind of expertise only they can offer. The ability to listen to others, question, explore ideas, maintain an objective overview and work collaboratively for the good of the whole are ideal skills for a trustee.
What are the benefits of being a Trustee?
Being a Trustee can be very rewarding, offering the chance to support and shape the strategic direction of the organisation, and make a real difference to the standing and development of the school. It’s an opportunity to be part of a community, to expand your professional development, and use your unique skills and experience while learning from others. “Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.”(Reach Volunteering)
New trustees will have a mentor to support them in getting to know the work of the YSS Board and be their ‘go to’ person as they settle into the role.
What skills or experience do I need to have?
The most important part of being a Trustee is the ability to ask questions, provide support and have the best interests of the school at heart. You don't have to have experience in education or governance to become a Trustee. We welcome all applications, but are currently seeking a range of skills to support the Board’s work, including finance, safeguarding, Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), fundraising and estates.
Applications from people not directly involved with the school are particularly welcome at the moment, because the Board needs more Trustees with a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences to ensure a range of perspectives are considered during board meetings. We welcome professional experience, as well as community insight and experience of working collaboratively. You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.
What next?
We hope you feel inspired to consider joining us, and look forward to hearing from you.
To apply, please send your CV demonstrating your skills and experience, plus a short statement about what interests you about joining the YSS Board of Trustees (BoT) to:
Gina Hartley (gina.hartley@yorksteinerschool.org)
HR/Admin Manager
York Steiner School
Fulford Cross
York
YO10 4PB
If you would like to find out more about becoming a trustee and arrange a chat, please contact one of the following trustees:
Lyndon Nicholson, Board Chair (lyndon@yorksteinerschool.org)
Ali Longridge, Board Vice Chair (ali.longridge@yorksteinerschool.org)
Harriet Lansdown, Independent (harriet.lansdown@yorksteinerschool.org)