Trustee

The William Henry Smith Foundation is looking for new Trustees to join our friendly, successful and hardworking Board. Our Trustees come from a range of backgrounds, bringing diverse skills and experience, and all share a commitment to supporting children and young adults with social, emotional and mental health needs to achieve the best possible outcomes.

We are specifically looking for candidates with Property, Learning or Accounting knowledge or experience, although applications are welcomed from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise.

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic oversight, support the ongoing development of the Foundation, and help shape the future direction of an organisation with an outstanding reputation for delivering specialist education, care and health services.

• Are you interested in special education, and the wellbeing and progress of children and young people who face social, emotional, and mental health challenges?
• Are you community spirited and would you like to play a vital part in an organisation with an outstanding reputation, which is continually looking to further improve?
• Do you have an enquiring mind and the confidence to ask questions and debate issues that affect the school and its growing and developing services?

Information about the role:

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the Foundation.
• Support and challenge senior leaders to ensure objectives are achieved.
• Monitor organisational performance and ensure resources are used effectively.
• Promote the Foundation’s vision, values and reputation.
• Attend Board meetings and actively participate in discussions and decision-making.
• Ensure the Foundation fulfils its legal, regulatory and charitable responsibilities.

Skills and Experience:

Essential:

• Critical listening and the ability to ask effective questions.
• Strategic thinking.
• Excellent communication.
• Problem solving and analysis.

Desirable (any):

• Understanding of data.
• Finance and/or accounting knowledge.
• HR experience.
• Knowledge of education.
• Leadership and management.
• Risk management.
• Legal expertise, particularly knowledge of charity law.
• Marketing and communications.

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to contribute to improving the lives of children, young adults and their families.
• A chance to develop skills in strategic management.
• The opportunity to work with our team of trustees, governors and staff in further improving our organisation and its services.
• A sense of achievement in making a difference.
• The pleasure of helping students reach their potential, and receive the education, health and care they deserve.
• Travel expenses.

Time commitment:

The time commitment for the trustee role will vary. However, all trustees must attend 3 meetings of the full board, plus 2 Strategic meetings per year. The term of office is 5 years.

Preparation for meetings includes reading papers and preparing questions.

You will also be expected to undertake any training required to enable you to discharge your role effectively.

Trustees are also expected to visit the Foundation whilst open.

Trustee Testimonials

Roger Tilbrook (Chair)

My time as a Trustee for the foundation has been unique and rewarding.  The Foundation fulfils an important role in society and being able to contribute to the growth and continuing success is a privilege few outside of the sector can witness or experience.

Trustees contribute directly to the health, wellbeing and learning of our pupils as well as having a remit to provide secure and satisfying employment. The role is proactive and engaging and I have forged good friendships during my involvement. Comments from pupils, parents and staff reinforce our involvement and ensure we stay focused.

I look forward to welcoming new Trustees to share the experience and help secure the continued improvement of all aspects of the Foundation.

Brendan Heneghan (Vice-Chair)

After many years involvement at the William Henry Smith School, I was delighted to become a Trustee of The Foundation about 8 years ago. During this time, the growth in the Foundation and the service it offers to children and young people has been truly staggering.

The passion of the staff and the culture and ethos of the Foundation are truly inspiring. There is a passionate drive for improvement. At the heart of every decision, development and initiative, however, are the children and young people. Giving them the chance to flourish and be the best versions of themselves lies at the core of everyone involved in the Foundation and, as a Trustee, I am proud to be able to play a small part in this.

I look forward to welcoming new Trustees to help continue to improve and develop all that we do.

Michelle Cuffe (Trustee)

It has been my pleasure to be a trustee of the William Henry Smith Foundation. Having been a trustee for many years I have seen the foundation grow from a 38-week residential school to the current foundation which supports younger children all the way through to 6th form and college. We also now have a residential home which enables children who need 52-week care to access the school facility.

The passion of the staff and senior leadership team is amazing. The culture inspired by the CEO, Senior leadership team and the trustees is one of continuous learning, development and support.

I am proud to be a part of the foundation and look forward to welcoming and working with new trustees.

How to apply:

For further information and to arrange an essential visit as part of the recruitment process, please contact HR at the following email address: HR@WHSFOUNDATION.ORG.UK 

Please note we do not accept CV’s

Proposed informal discussion date: TBA

The William Henry Smith Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. The foundation has effective child and adult protection policies which provide clear direction to staff and others about expected codes of behaviour in dealing with safeguarding issues. Our recruitment process aims to create and maintain a safe workforce and contains robust vetting procedures. The successful applicant will be appointed subject to references and enhanced DBS check (this is a position working in regulated activity). The successful candidate will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process and must adhere to a strict code of conduct regarding behaviour at all times. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online searches in accordance with KCSIE 2025. The Foundation is also committed to promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of both students and staff and reflects life in Modern Britain.