At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of specialist education for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.
- Company: InFocus, a charity dedicated to empowering individuals with complex needs.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to strategic decisions.
- Other info: Meet seven times a year, with travel expenses covered and flexible attendance options.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help improve outcomes for young people with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in specialist education and a commitment to improving learner outcomes.
Help shape the future of specialist education for young people with vision impairment and complex needs.
About In Focus Everyone deserves the opportunity to live their life to the full, with choice, independence and control.
At In Focus, we support young people and adults with vision impairment and complex needs, helping them discover what is possible.
Our specialist services include further education, residential care, supported living and day services.
Our specialist further education college supports young people aged 16–25, helping them develop their skills, confidence and independence as they prepare for adulthood.
We are now looking for a new Trustee with significant expertise in specialist education and high-needs provision to join our Board.
This is an opportunity to bring your experience, insight and constructive challenge to a specialist charity making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people and adults.
About the role We are particularly interested in hearing from people with: Significant experience of specialist education and high-needs provision, including learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex needs.
Experience in further education or post-16 specialist provision.
A strong understanding of quality improvement, curriculum development and learner outcomes.
You may be a retired or recently retired Principal, Head of Specialist Provision, Director of SEND, Curriculum Leader or senior leader from a specialist FE college, post-16 provider or other specialist education setting.
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential.
We are looking for someone who can bring relevant knowledge, experience and perspective to our Board.
What will you contribute?
As a Trustee, you will help provide strategic oversight, support and constructive challenge across our services, with a particular interest in the development and quality of our College.
You will join our Education Advisory Committee, working alongside the College Principal and colleagues to provide oversight of: Quality improvement and teaching and learning Curriculum development and learner outcomes Preparation for adulthood The quality and effectiveness of specialist provision You will also contribute to the wider work of the Board, helping to shape the strategic direction and future development of In Focus.
This is an opportunity to use your experience to make a meaningful difference to young people and help shape the future of specialist education.
Time commitment and practical information The Board meets seven times a year.
Trustees are encouraged to attend meetings in person, although some meetings can be attended online where required.
Travel expenses are paid.
Overnight accommodation can be arranged for trustees travelling from outside Devon.
Who we are looking for We are looking for an experienced education professional who understands the opportunities and challenges of specialist provision and can bring thoughtful, informed challenge to our Board.
You will have a genuine interest in improving outcomes for young people with complex needs and a commitment to In Focus’s values and charitable purpose.
You do not need previous trustee experience.
What matters most is the knowledge, experience and perspective you can bring.
Trustee with SEND expertise in Devon employer: Infocus Charity
InFocus is an exceptional employer located in Exeter, offering a supportive and inspiring work environment for SEND FE Tutors. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide generous benefits such as six weeks of annual leave, comprehensive training opportunities, and a focus on individualised learning experiences. Our culture promotes inclusivity and professional growth, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about education and supporting students with complex needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee with SEND expertise in Devon
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Infocus Charity.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Infocus Charity.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Infocus Charity.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Infocus Charity. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee with SEND expertise in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Infocus Charity. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Trustee with SEND expertise, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Infocus Charity
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Infocus Charity. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
