Play a key role in driving forward the University’s mission and strategy
What will you be doing?
The members of the Board of Governors work together to oversee the activities of the University, ensure its long-term future, approve its strategy, and safeguard its good name and reputation.
We are seeking a new governor with experience, skills or knowledge of one or more of the following areas:
- Community and region in Northampton, Northamptonshire and/or the surrounding areas
- Finance
- IT
You will work as part of a strong and supportive team of your fellow governors and staff. In return you will build your own professional experience, profile and impact. This may include building new skills which will boost your professional expertise.
The University of Northampton is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing an inclusive environment for staff, students, governors and our stakeholders. We believe strongly that having Board members from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds ensures the diversity of thought and rigour of debate which characterises a high-performing Board. Applications from women, those with global ethnic majority backgrounds, with declared disabilities, and LBGT+ candidates are warmly received.
In recruiting to the Board, we seek a broad and diverse range of previous professional and personal skills and experiences. Appointments take account of the personal and professional skills and experience of applicants in the context of the overall composition of the Board.
The role is voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
What are we looking for?
The essential skills are:
- Either a track record of achievement in a career, or other experience or expertise which would enable you to contribute to the Board
- Experience of creating and implementing strategy in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders
- Experience, skills or knowledge of one or more of the following:
- Community and region in Northampton, Northamptonshire and/or the surrounding areas
- Finance
- IT
- Ability to work in a collaborative manner, reaching consensus, debating constructively and accepting collective responsibility
- Ability to assimilate complex information and use this to offer constructive challenge
- Demonstrable experience of good practice in equality, diversity and inclusion and the ability to challenge around these issues
- Excellent communication skills (the ability to participate in constructive debate, express a point of view in an articulate manner and demonstrate critical listening skills)
- Ability to commit sufficient time to the role
- Prepared to represent the University in a positive way to internal and external stakeholders
- Fulfils the criteria for independence
The desirable skills are:
- Experience of governance through working on a board or committee
- Awareness of the operational issues of managing an organisation (including for example leadership, risk management, monitoring performance, business development, customer experience and customer relationship management, marketing, public relations or communications, human resources, law, project management)
What difference will you make?
As a member of the Board, you can help the University engage with, reflect and respond to the needs of our student, staff and stakeholder communities. You will be part of an organisation which has social impact as its purpose. The University is an economic engine and a force for social change for the county, the region, and the UK. Our latest Economic Impact Report showed that for every £1 spent running the University, £4 is returned to the economy – a 300% return on investment.
As the Board sets the strategy, our governors are at the forefront of the development of the University and the trustees and stewards of its long-term future.
The University relies on its governors to give oversight and to be a critical friend.
Before you apply
Please apply through Reach. Please submit a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should outline your suitability for the role with particular reference to the person specification which you will find in the role description.
The closing date for applications is 30 May. Interviews will take place on 13 June 2025 in person in Northampton.
If you have any questions about the role or making an application you are very welcome to contact Miriam Lakin via Reach.
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Our ultimate purpose is social impact.
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Springboard Youth Academy is seeking a qualified accountant to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer.
About Springboard
Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people whose needs can't be met in mainstream schools.
Refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have made the difficult journey to the UK – especially those who come alone – are saddled with many challenges common to starting a life somewhere new. Though they are required to enroll in school, more often than not, they aren’t provided with the language and psychological support necessary to succeed in their new circumstances. They are simply not set up to thrive. Coupled with budget cuts to tailored learning provision in schools, these young people often miss their chance to progress at a natural pace and to reach their fullest potential.
As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London.
We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood.
About the Opportunity
Role Title: Treasurer
Direct Report:Works closely with the Chair, Director and the Board of Trustees.
Background: Finance, Strategy and Governance, Fundraising, Legal, Risk.
Role Summary
The Treasurer will be required to:
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Monitor the financial standing of the charity and report to the Board and Director regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources.
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Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals.
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Act as a counter signatory on cheques and applications to funders and ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.
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Liaise with external auditors as required on financial issues and ensure that the organisation's finances are responsibly managed/invested for the betterment of the organisation’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.
See attached for the full role description and person specification.
Time Commitment
In line with all charities, Trustees are unpaid volunteers. Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As a small charity, our resources are limited and Trustees are also asked to actively contribute their skills in relevant areas. As a guideline, Trustees must be prepared to offer a minimum of four hours per month to the charity, for example to be involved in fundraising, interviews and business plans, etc. We will also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role.
Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.
Values
We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector.
We are committed to nurturing a Board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care.
Application Process
Please send your CV and a brief, half-page cover letter outlining why you would be a brilliant Treasurer for Springboard Youth Academy and what excites you about our work by midnight on 26th April.
Please get in touch with us for alternative application formats if you have any accessibility requirements.
