We're looking for new Trustees – Centre for Self Managed Learning

Do you have a keen interest in learning? Do you want to help people experience a better way to learn? Then think about joining the Centre for Self Managed Learning as a Trustee.

The educational charity the Centre for Self Managed Learning is looking for Trustees, in particular a Company Secretary, to help promote and grow Self Managed Learning, especially at its main project in Sussex - Self Managed Learning College.

About the Centre for Self Managed Learning

Self Managed Learning has been widely used by public and private sector organisations within the UK and around the world. Over the last 40 years Self Managed Learning has been rigorously researched to prove its effectiveness. The essence of the approach is to support individuals to take charge of their own learning within supportive structures.

In the last 22 years the Centre has developed programmes for young people aged 9-16 both in schools and for young people out of school.

A key part of this is Self Managed Learning (SML) College. It is a small, a friendly learning community dedicated to supporting young people to achieve the best possible outcomes, by making this an inspiring and safe place to learn - a warm, caring and collaborative environment where everyone knows each other. The College is not a school, so we have the freedom to support each student as an individual – there are no imposed lessons, there is no imposed curriculum, there are no uniforms. Students are free to learn whatever they like as part of a supportive community of adults and young people. This caring and supportive environment means that young people feel happy and safe; giving them the confidence to embrace new challenges and opportunities. There are currently around 65 students aged 9-17 split across a morning and an afternoon programme.

Where

The College is in Fishergate, BN41 1PN on the edge of Hove. However, Trustee work is carried out mainly remotely. There are occasional meetings and events at the College, so being local may be helpful but is not essential.

Time

Must be available for a minimum of 6 days a year - 2 or 3 days of meetings a year and then work outside the meetings.

Deadline

We are looking to recruit new trustees as soon as possible.

For more information on the Self Managed Learning College see our website (https://smlcollege.org.uk/). The main site for the charity is selfmanagedlearning.org.

What will you be doing?

The main role is supporting our staff with their work and creating strategies for developing Self Managed Learning. We are a small team with big ideas. Since we know from significant research by universities and by independent researchers that the approach really does work we have to both sustain current work and expand the use of the approach.

The secretary role, which is a priority for the charity to secure, involves the following work areas, but will be supported by the other Trustees:

• Ensures legal and ethical integrity of the charity.
• Maintains records of the Board and ensures effective management of the organization's records.
• Circulates the Agenda and maintains minutes of Board meetings.
• Is sufficiently familiar with legal documents (g. requirements of the Charities Commission and Companies House) to note applicability during meetings.
• Supports the Independent Examiner with the submission of the Annual Report and Accounts to the Charities Commission and Companies House.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people with enthusiasm and a keen interest in learning to help us to promote a better way to learn. A knowledge of Self Managed Learning is ideal but not essential, although understanding and support of our ethos and values is important

We are looking for skills / experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance
• Governance
• IT/GDPR
• Fund raising
• Human Resources
• Operations/Premises

What difference will you make?

Many people have been put off learning through bad experiences in the past. By promoting an alternative way of learning, trustees are helping to give people another chance and offering the opportunity of a method that they can use for the rest of their lives.

How to apply?

Please send your CV and a cover letter to our Director, Carmel Kent (carmel@smlcollege.org.uk) to apply. Please highlight why you want to join us, why you think you would be suitable for the role and when you would be available to start.

Causes: Education

Organisation type: Charity