Volunteer School Trustee at York Steiner School
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.
Opportunity to become a volunteer Trustee at York Steiner School
York Steiner School offers a unique nurturing education which allows children to learn in an unpressured environment, where their individual characters are recognised and valued. We have recently opened an upper school, meaning our children can now benefit from a caring, vibrant and holistic education from birth to 16.
Trustees play an important role in ensuring York Steiner School is run in the interest of our whole school community of children, parents, teachers, staff and alumni. Ultimately, trustees are the guardians of the school's mission, ensuring strategic decisions are responsible and in line with our values and ethos, as set out in our Strategic Plan 2024-29.
Our trustees are a dedicated group of mostly parent volunteers who provide strategic support to the school. Our ability to do this well is reliant upon our having the necessary skills and perspectives represented across the Board. We are currently looking to recruit trustees with the knowledge and skills in the areas of Early Years Education, Teaching & Learning KS1-4, SEND, Safeguarding, Careers and Fundraising, Waldorf Steiner Education, Alumni Coordination, Climate and Energy, Food and Nutrition and Governance. We welcome applications from individuals with this expertise and also encourage those interested in becoming a trustee but with different skills and experiences to apply, as we are keen to grow a diverse and inclusive Board.
The role of trustee is also well suited to our Alumni (individuals who parents, students or staff in the past). We value the perspective and care they bring through their lived experience of having been a part of our school community. It would also be a great opportunity for those who have been newly impressed by our Steiner Waldorf pedagogy and would like to help us fulfil our vision. Please note, current staff and students are not able to become trustees.
What do Trustees do?
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 and legislation. Trustees attend regular meetings and ensure they have read the papers for the meeting in advance so they 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 particular expertise. Trustees complete online training annually. The ability to listen to others, question, explore ideas, maintain an objective overview and work collaboratively are ideal skills for a trustee. 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.
Help Shape the Strategic Direction of YSS
Being a Trustee can be very rewarding, offering the chance to support and shape the strategic direction of YSS and make a real difference to the standing and development of the school. It’s an opportunity to be part of our 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”
Next Step: 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.
We implement safeguarding protocols in all aspects of our working practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and this will include social media checks.
York Steiner School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to ensuring that every job applicant or employee receives equal treatment irrespective of sex, marital status, age, race, nationality, disability, sexuality or religious belief.
