Trustee

According to UNICEF figures, almost one fifth of the world’s child population will never attend school. For those 262 million children around the world, not having access to substantial and effective learning has an impact on all aspects of their life, and their future prospects.

School in a Bag provide bright red rucksacks full of essential resources that enable poor, orphan, vulnerable and disaster affected children worldwide to write, draw, colour, calculate, express themselves, eat, drink, wash and above all, learn.

A typical SchoolBag (contains: 12 pencils, 10 biro pens, 12 colouring pencils, a maths set, ruler, pencil case, 6 exercise books (line/square/plain), a water bottle, a LunchBox and Spork and a hygiene pack comprising toothbrush, toothpaste, flannel, soap and washable facemask.

Our first SchoolBags were distributed in Swaziland in 2009 with Shelterbox. Since then, over 142,000 bags have been delivered in 52 countries including refugee SchoolBags provided for displaced children and young people relocated to the UK.

Receiving a SchoolBag has a huge impact on children, enabling them to attend school for the first time or to stay at school for a full day, raising their level of educational attainment and improving their long term prospects. A SchoolBag provides the chance of a life out of poverty.

Role Summary

School in a Bag are seeking new trustees to support the work and vision of the charity and its wholly owned trading subsidiary, School in a Bag Trading Ltd. 

We are seeking individuals who can utilise their personal skills, experience and knowledge to fulfil responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with the following experience :-

·      Marketing and public relations / Digital Marketing

·      Education – as a staff member or working within an educational context or environment.

·      Corporate Social Responsibility / Environmental, Social and Governance in the context of engaging organisations and donors

Main Responsibilities of a Trustee 

·      To help develop, agree and regularly monitor School in a Bag’s strategic direction, ensuring that the strategy delivers on the organisation’s charitable aims and objectives.

·      To ensure that School in a Bag functions within the legal, charitable and financial requirements set by statutory and regulatory authorities.

·      Contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. 

·      To ensure the financial stability of the organisation, the proper investment and use of funds and the management of risk.

·      To attend meetings and read papers in advance of meetings. 

·      To attend sub-committee meetings and participate in other tasks as they arise, such as appointing staff, support and attendance at fundraising events

·      To appoint the School in a Bag Chief Executive Officer 

·      To chair and / or attend bodies given delegated authority by the Board 

·      To participate in Trustee and Chair appraisal processes

·      To declare any conflict of interest while carrying out the duties of a trustee. 

·      To help raise the public profile of the charity.

·      To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.

Personal Qualities of a Trustee

·      A commitment to use any specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. 

·      A commitment to supporting and promoting the work of School in a Bag within your networks, in both a business and personal context.

·      A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

·      A demonstrable understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and an appreciation of the personal implications.

·      A willingness to speak their mind. 

·      Excellent planning and organisational abilities. 

Time Commitment and Terms of Appointment

The Board meets 4-5 times a year, usually at the charity’s offices in Chilthorne Domer, Somerset although trustees can attend remotely online if needed. Travel expenses will be reimbursed if required. Additional time and meetings may be needed for sub committees, recruitment or strategic development alongside additional communication via email, and telephone. 

The time commitment for Trustees is expected to be 5-6 days per year, on average. Trustees are not expected to be involved in day-to-day operational considerations.

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term of office. Subject to re-election at the end of each three-year term, the maximum length of service as Trustee is nine years.

How to apply and further information

To find out more about the charity please look at our website and the website of our biggest fundraiser, Home Farm Festival. 

If you would like to discuss the role further then please contact either Luke Simon, Chief Executive of School in a Bag on 07721 741623 or the main office on 10935 849160.

If you wish to apply for the role please send us a short letter outlining your interest in becoming a trustee and the experience and knowledge that you could bring to the role. The closing date for applications is 5pm 14^th April 2023.

Provisional interview date is week beginning 24^th April 2023 but this may be subject to change.