Trustees

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Guide a high-profile charity focused on improving education for disadvantaged children.
  • Company: Education Endowment Foundation, dedicated to breaking the link between income and educational achievement.
  • Benefits: Voluntary role with a chance to make a real difference in education.
  • Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help shape the future of education for young people.
  • Qualifications: Experience in leading schools or strategic expertise in early years education.
  • Other info: Flexible commitment of around 6 days per year, with face-to-face meetings in London.

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) exists to break the link between family income and educational achievement. As an independent charity, we generate, synthesise and mobilise evidence to improve teaching and learning for children and young people aged two to nineteen, with a particular focus on those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Since our founding in 2011, the economic attainment gap has persisted and, in some phases, remains entrenched. The demand for clear, trustworthy evidence not only about what works, but how to implement it effectively has never been greater.

Our evidence and guidance are widely used by practitioners and policymakers, and our Teaching and Learning Toolkit continues to inform decisions in schools across the country. With that reach comes responsibility: to ensure our work remains rigorous, relevant and sharply focused on the areas of greatest need.

In 2022, the Department for Education re-endowed the EEF with £137 million, securing our work for at least another decade. More recently, an additional £40 million has been committed to extend and strengthen our work for 16-19 year olds, where attainment and progression gaps remain widest. With this long-term funding and expanded remit comes both opportunity and heightened responsibility.

As a Trustee, you will help guide a high-profile organisation operating at the intersection of research, policy and practice. For these appointments, we are particularly seeking individuals with a successful track record of leading a Multi-Academy Trust or group of schools, alongside leaders with deep strategic expertise in the early years sector, ideally including experience at national level.

Above all, we are looking for people who share our commitment to improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people and who are motivated by the moral purpose at the heart of our work. The stewardship of the Board over the coming years will be critical in shaping the next phase of our impact. We hope you will consider joining us in this important endeavour.

To find out more and apply for the role, please select the Apply button shown and visit our website. The closing date for applications is Monday 27th April 2026.

Trustees employer: Education Endowment Foundation

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in education, particularly for disadvantaged children and young people. With a strong commitment to evidence-based practices and a collaborative work culture, EEF offers Trustees the opportunity to influence educational policy and practice at a national level, all while working from its central London offices. The role not only provides a platform for meaningful contributions but also fosters personal growth through engagement with leading experts in the field.
Education Endowment Foundation

Contact Detail:

Education Endowment Foundation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trustees

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Education Endowment Foundation. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart.

✨Tip Number 2

Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with potential trustees or during interviews, let your commitment to improving educational outcomes for disadvantaged children shine through. Authenticity goes a long way!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for discussions about strategy! Brush up on current trends in education policy and evidence-based practices. Being well-informed will help you engage meaningfully and demonstrate your expertise.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at the EEF.

We think you need these skills to ace Trustees

Leadership
Strategic Expertise
Understanding of Educational Policy
Experience in Multi-Academy Trusts
Commitment to Social Equity
Stakeholder Engagement
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Knowledge of Early Years Education
Moral Purpose Orientation
Governance Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for improving educational outcomes shine through. We want to see your commitment to helping disadvantaged children and young people, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Trustee role. Highlight your leadership experience in education, especially if you've worked with Multi-Academy Trusts or have strategic expertise in early years education.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages about your skills and experiences are easy to understand. Remember, less is often more!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our mission there.

How to prepare for a job interview at Education Endowment Foundation

✨Know Your Mission

Before the interview, make sure you understand the core mission of the Education Endowment Foundation. Familiarise yourself with their work on breaking the link between family income and educational achievement. This will help you articulate how your values align with theirs.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Highlight your experience in leading a Multi-Academy Trust or your strategic expertise in the early years sector. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've made an impact in these areas, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively as a Trustee.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the EEF's future projects or how they measure the success of their initiatives. Asking questions shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is right for you.

✨Emphasise Commitment to Disadvantaged Youth

Make it clear that you share the EEF's commitment to improving outcomes for disadvantaged children and young people. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that reflect your passion for this cause, as it will resonate well with the interviewers.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>