Join us as a Trustee or Governor

Join our charity

National Star’s strategy and governance is determined by an active and committed board of trustees and governors. 

Working with the charity’s leadership team they use their professional skills in areas such as care, finance, management, risk management, compliance, HR and education, to help the charity grow, develop and improve. Collectively they guide the charity to achieving its mission for a world in which people with disabilities are equal and active citizens in control of their own lives. 

We are actively recruiting new trustees and governors. With a new Chair of Trustees and a refreshed and ambitious five-year strategy now is an exciting time to join the charity. 

We are especially keen to hear from people from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups who are currently under-represented on our Trustee Board and Governing Body. People with lived experience of disability and knowledge of specialist education are encouraged to apply.

Supporting new trustees and governors

Consider applying as a trustee or governor even if you have no previous experience in charity governance. As an education and disability charity we are committed to mentoring and supporting people with no previous experience so that the charity benefits from your fresh perspective and new ideas.

The Trustee Board 

As National Star is a company limited by guarantee, trustees are also company directors. The Board, led by Chair of Trustees Nick Grinham, meets quarterly. Most meetings are held in-person at National Star Ullenwood. However, the Board is open to introducing ‘virtual’ meetings if that would enable a more diverse and inclusive Board in the future. Several trustees are also governors. 

Committee structure

The Board delegates certain powers in connection with the charity’s governance and administration through its committee structure. 

Finance and Investment Committee – meets quarterly and is responsible for the charity’s financial affairs. 

Risk and Assurance Committee – meets quarterly and is responsible for reviewing the charity’s risk assessment, risk management and internal controls systems and processes. 

Nominations and Remuneration Committee – this working group includes representatives of trustees and governors to recruit trustees and governors and determine senior remuneration. 

The Governing Body

The Governing Body reports to the Trustee Board. The Board of Governors has delegated responsibility for the operational aspects of National Star’s education programmes and activities. Governors meet quarterly and operate within terms of reference agreed by the Trustee Board.  

Current governing body meetings are held in-person, four times a year, generally on a weekday afternoon. The Governing Body is open to introducing ‘virtual’ meetings if that would enable a more diverse and inclusive group. 

Governor responsibilities

As a Governor you will work with others to oversee, approve and monitor the service delivery activities of National Star, paying particular attention to education, care and support services. You will ensure safeguarding policies for students and employees are maintained and that the voices of students, residents and their families and carers are heard by National Star.

You will ensure students have every opportunity to achieve the best outcomes they can, with access to a personalised, broad and balanced curriculum which prepares them for life after college.  

The Governing Body also approves the quality strategy of the College and agrees targets and monitors progress to achieve continuous improvement. 

Trustees and governors typically devote around 12 hours a month to their roles at National Star. Some months are busier than others, due to the cycle of meetings. In order to help you to plan your time all meetings are set by July for the next academic year.

Our ideal Trustees and Governors will: 

• Adhere to our values
• Have personal integrity and be able to demonstrate a passion and commitment to National Star
• Prepare and participate actively in meetings
• Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Governors, demonstrating empathy and awareness of the needs of others
• Have good communication skills, tact and diplomacy
• Have experience, or a willingness to learn, about strategic thinking and risk
• Have knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector
• Be prepared to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours. We encourage Trustees and Governors to attend annual leavers’ ceremonies in Ullenwood, Wales and Hereford, as well as the colleague recognition awards and long-service awards. 

We are looking to recruit people with a broad range of experience and are particularly interested in attracting candidates with knowledge of local authority commissioning, change management and risk management in any setting. 

Remuneration and Expenses 

Although Trustee and Governor roles at National Star are voluntary, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Benefits of becoming a Trustee or Governor

By joining National Star as a Trustee or Governor, you will have the satisfaction of playing a key role in the future development of one of the UK’s leading disability charities. Your fresh perspective could help us to see things in a different light and your professional expertise could help to support our colleagues in delivering our vision and values.  

You will gain a greater understanding of the challenges faced by young people with complex disabilities and have the opportunity to build your professional network. 

We will support you every step of the way as you grow and develop into your role with us.  

The closing date for applications is 9am on 11 November. 

Applications should consist of:  

1. Your CV, drawing out relevant experience for the role. 
2. A supporting statement of up to 1,000 words that addresses the criteria set out in the person specification and role description as well as outlining your reasons for volunteering with us as a Trustee or Governor.    

Key dates

Closing date
Tuesday 11 November

Shortlisting
TBC

Visit to National Star
Can be arranged at a time to suit candidates. Please contact Ali McEwan on 01242 339749 to express your interest in this opportunity to get to know the charity.

Final Panel interviews (with Nick Grinham, Chair of Trustees, Trustee Frances Allcock, Nikki Richardson, Chair of Governors, and a student representative)

25 November (afternoon), 26 November (afternoon) or 27 November (all day).