Overview

The Field Studies Council (FSC) is the UK’s leading charity sector provider of outdoor environmental education: https://www.field-studies-council.org/about.aspx.   We do not receive core revenue funding from statutory sources, and therefore rely on fees paid by our visitors and on the generosity of donors, trust funds and grant bodies to finance our activities.

Much of our work is based at our Field Study Centres, which have an international reputation for high standards of school and university teaching and associated facilities: https://www.field-studies-council.org/centres.aspx. The staff complement of over 500 is directly supported in its work by Trustees: https://www.field-studies-council.org/about/how-we-are-run.aspx

We are looking for potential new Trustees to support the work of the FSC.  The work is unpaid, but immensely rewarding in terms of impact on educational and wider attainment.  The time commitment is in the region of 5-10 days per year depending on involvement in sub-committees and Centre(s). We especially welcome applications from groups currently under-represented on our Board of Trustees, such as women, disabled people, ethnic minorities and people aged under 50. 

Role of the Trustee 

The role of Trustee of the FSC is exciting, varied and extremely rewarding.  Key areas of responsibility are:

  • Work with colleagues and staff to promote the vision and enhance the profile of the FSC;
  • Provide and pursue strategic direction, encouraging new partnerships, ways of working and supporter engagement, which secures buy-in from government, agencies, Local Authorities, and grant awarding bodies;
  • Exercise expert judgement and scrutiny for the organisation, contributing fully to Board Meetings and sub-committees to ensure excellent governance;
  • Support the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team;
  • Promote the credibility and brand of the FSC.

Qualities Required 

We welcome applications from candidates with the relevant skills and expertise to carry out this role effectively.  We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience in –

  • Fundraising/business development
  • Estates/facilities management
  • Education policy and evidence in geography and/or biology
  • Effective communication, with an emphasis on inclusion

Notifications of interest, consisting of a CV, a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4), and names of two referees whom we may approach, should be sent by email to: recruitment@field-studies-council.org

To arrange an informal discussion with either the Chief Executive or one of the Trustees please contact Laura Jones on the above email address.

The closing date for notifications is Midnight Sunday 25th November 2018.

Interviews for potential candidates will be take place on Tuesday 11th December 2018 at FSC’s Head Office in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.