Job Description and Person Specification of the Trustee

This document outlines the main Board and Trustee responsibilities and duties, and describes the skills, knowledge and experience required in trustees. Where an individual takes on an additional position in their trustee role (e.g. Chair of the Board, Committee Chair) this should be read alongside the job description and person specification for that role.

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF)

Every day, educators and leaders across the Further Education (FE) and Skills sector inspire curiosity, drive progress and empower learners to achieve their potential. The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) is here to amplify the vital role of the FE and Skills workforce. Working in partnership, we drive professionalism by setting professional standards for the quality of teaching and leadership across the sector. We provide educators with professional development throughout their careers, we champion inclusion, and we embrace change in support of a thriving FE and Skills sector. Together, we are transforming lives and opportunities for learners aged 14 and above. 

We support educators across FE and Skills to help them to achieve their professional development goals for the benefit of learners and employers across England. In doing so, we help to transform the lives of individuals and communities across the country, unleashing potential and benefiting the economy. Our activities include the commissioning and delivery of professional workforce development programmes (e.g. leadership development, T Level professional development, maths and English enhancement) and the running of the sector’s professional membership body, the Society for Education and Training (SET).

The ETF Board

The Board oversees the work of the ETF. It sets strategic direction, ensures proper financial arrangements are in place, and makes sure that the ETF remains focused on delivering better outcomes for learners.

Duties of a Trustee

ETF trustees have various responsibilities, including statutory (legal) duties. The Charities Acts and the Companies Act 2006 impose various statutory duties on trustees and directors. All trustees are individually and collectively responsible for the decisions and overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the Articles[1], company and charity law. The Charity Commission’s The Essential Trustee guidance outlines these responsibilities.

Trustee responsibilities are to:

• Ensure that ETF complies with its Articles, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Act in the charity’s best interests and ensure that ETF applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public
• Act with reasonable care and skill, and ensure the charity is accountable
• Ensure that ETF defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Declare conflicts of interest and not accept benefits from third parties
• Ensure the financial stability of ETF, including managing ETF’s property and ensuring the proper investment of its funds
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ETF, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Follow proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the CEO

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising Board papers, focusing on key issues, and potentially leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise. Trustees will also be a member of at least one Committee, have the opportunity to participate in reviews, and support the occasional external event. Finally, whilst respecting the role and responsibilities of the CEO and staff colleagues, Trustees will contribute their skills and experience to support and assist the Executive when requested.

Person specification: knowledge, skills and experience

We have recently conducted a skills audit and we are particularly looking for skills and expertise in Membership and professional bodies, Digital transformation, Commercial, specifically expertise in new product development, monetising products and sales, Experience working in/with ITP and Adult Education providers.

Trustees will be expected to demonstrate the following characteristics, knowledge and experience or a willingness to learn and develop them in the role:

• Understand and appreciate the importance of the FE and Skills sector
• Be committed to ETF’s strategic objectives and to living its values
• Have strategic vision, with the ability to think creatively and flexibly
• Be willing to challenge thinking and norms; having the confidence to speak their mind and contribute to Board meetings
• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort to the role
• Act fairly and impartially, using independent judgement and maintaining confidentiality
• Promote equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging
• Work effectively in a team and take decisions in the interests of the ETF
• Be comfortable with discomfort, able to listen to and welcome alternative opinions and experiences
• Act as an ambassador of the ETF and the wider FE and Skills system, promoting its work through their networks
• Upholding high standards of integrity and ethical behaviour, with a commitment to Nolan’s seven Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a being a trustee and company director and a wish to uphold high standards of governance

Remuneration and time commitment

Reasonable expenses are paid. Support with travel and accommodation booking is provided where needed.

The total time commitment is approximately 8-12 days per year.

The formal meetings are as follows:

• Four Board meetings per year (around 3 hours per meeting; in person)
• Up to three Committee meetings per year (around 2 hours; held virtually)
• Annual Board away day and AGM (1 day; in person)

In addition, time will be spent preparing for meetings, induction and other development activities, and informal time outside meetings working with the Chair, other Trustees and the Executive.

Location: in person Board meetings are held in central London and also in FE and Skills providers across England. Virtual meeting options are provided for Committees and informal meetings.

Term of office: three years (with the potential for one further term)

As per the charity’s Articles and company law, the Board reserves the right to remove a trustee from their role if it is determined that the action is in the charity’s best interest.

[1] Also known as the governing document or constitution