Trustee

About ThinkForward

ThinkForward exists to support young people to create better and brighter futures. We want them to be able to identify, realise and shape their aspirations, and be ready to make a successful transition into work.

Young people experiencing barriers such as challenging relationships, living in low-income households, or growing up in areas with a lack of access to opportunities can be confronted with hurdles. Without the right support, these barriers can lead to a high risk of unemployment and long-term effects on career and life chances.

There are more than 900,000 16-24-year-olds in the UK who are not at school or college, or don’t have a job or training place. Our ambition is to prevent young people becoming one of these statistics. 

About the role

We are seeking trustees who bring sound judgement, a proportionate and risk-based approach to governance, and a commitment to supporting the organisation to achieve its mission. Our trustees understand the importance of balancing effective oversight with constructive challenge, helping to ensure that ThinkForward remains a safe, sustainable and high-performing charity for the young people we serve.

ThinkForward’s board is made up of members, who are recruited, selected and approved by the Board of Trustees. Each trustee serves a three-year term.

What we ask of you:

• Attend at least one Trustee training programme as part of your induction so that you understand the work we deliver
• Attend Trustee meetings, which are held four times per year. These are generally 1.5 hours in duration and are a mix of online and in person meetings in London. Trustees are expected to attend at least three meetings per year.
• In addition, we have a subcommittee structure which also meets throughout the year. You will be asked to join one at least one subcommittee.

What we can offer you:

• An opportunity to develop your governance experience
• Training in safeguarding, equality and diversity
• Additional governance training
• The opportunity to be part of a fantastic charity which is working to prevent the next generation of youth unemployment

Person Specification

We are looking for those who value the potential of young people, are passionate about their growth and development and understand the challenges that some face. An interest in ThinkForward’s work and approach are essential as well as an ambitious outlook for our future.

We are particularly interested in individuals who are willing to use their expertise generously, act as ambassadors for ThinkForward, and support the organisation's continued growth, impact and long-term sustainability.

We welcome applications from individuals who can contribute senior-level expertise and insight in at least one of the following areas:

• Safeguarding policy and practice, with a strong understanding of protecting vulnerable young people and creating safe organisational cultures.
• Public policy, influencing and advocacy, particularly within the charity, education, youth or social mobility sectors.
• Public sector commissioning and contracting, including experience of local authority and central government procurement, commissioning and the delivery of services through the voluntary sector.
• Fundraising and philanthropy, including knowledge of the UK charity funding landscape, strategic income generation, developing sustainable funding partnerships and what healthy fundraising looks like for UK charities today.

If this role sounds like a good fit for you, then please apply via CharityJob with your CV and cover letter.