Founded in 1963, we operate as an independent charity with a vision to make a real difference to people’s lives by improving the quality of mathematics education and learning.

We are passionate about mathematics and mathematics education, and the users of our services are at the centre of what we do. We offer professional development for teachers and innovative resources for teachers and students, and are recognised national experts in mathematics curriculum development. We find our work hugely rewarding and stimulating, and our innovative and collaborative work with a range of partners, including government, enables us to deliver flagship mathematics education development programmes for teachers, as well as informing national policy. We run some government contracts, in partnership with others, where we believe they are consistent with our charitable objects. We also promote innovation through ground-breaking development work and awareness raising.

We work at the forefront of innovation in education. To maintain and build on this innovation and leadership we hope to work with a wider range of donors who share our aspirations for improved maths education for everyone. The fundraising trustee is a new role to help us steer this new ambition.

If you have the experience to support us, and you are passionate about the development of the next generation, we would love to have you on board!

We are looking for a Trustee with experience of fundraising with corporate funders and high net worth individuals. In addition to the standard trustee responsibilities of setting strategy and policy for the organisation while ensuring that it is operating efficiently and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, the Fundraising Trustee supports the development and overall governance of MEI’s fundraising and related communications strategy, working closely with the CEO, Deputy CEO and the contracts and finance committees.

This is a new post and an exciting opportunity to make a significant contribution to a national charity at a critical stage in developing its ambitions for the future.

The statutory duties of a trustee:

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: it must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
• To contribute actively to the Board by giving strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation and its sustainable growth.
• To secure the appointment of the Chief Executive and monitor his/her performance.

It is expected that the new Trustee will:

• have senior strategic level experience or as a charity Trustee;
• understand the role of the Trustee and be able to add value to the charity through expertise, counsel and sound judgement;
• understand the competing pressures (financial, operational, personnel) involved in running a complex organisation;
• have experience of dealing with the challenges associated with delivering organisational and governance changes;
• have a broad range of business and financial skills and experience;
• be able to contribute strategically on a wide range of issues;
• take collective responsibility for the direction of the organisation, be good at working in teams, and able to be effective in a complex organisational environment where significant cross-boundary collaboration and partnership are essential.
• In addition to these generic duties and responsibilities, the specific responsibilities of the fundraising trustee will entail the following:
  • To have a substantial background in either a corporate giving/CSR or fund/foundation management role, or as a senior charity fundraiser with a sound understanding and experience of charity fundraising at strategic and operational levels.
  • Bring overall leadership and drive as the Fundraising Trustee, supporting the development and overall governance of MEI’s fundraising and related communications strategy, working closely with the CEO and Trustee for Finance.
  • To ensure that there is the right breadth and depth of fundraising and related communications skills within MEI and the Board of Trustees, with access to the right networks, in order that the charity is in the best possible position to develop and deliver high quality strategies in fundraising and related communications.
  • To be an active member of the Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Committee, ensuring that fundraising and related communications strategies are aligned to the wider budget strategy.

MEI is committed to promoting and ensuring equality and valuing diversity. We will not discriminate unlawfully in any aspect of employment and want MEI to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from underrepresented groups, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Further information available on application.