At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to influence education and support young people's career aspirations.
- Company: Racing to School, a community charity inspiring young minds since 2001.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while gaining strategic governance experience.
- Other info: Voluntary role with training provided; flexible meeting options available.
- Why this job: Use your expertise to champion high-quality educational experiences for young people.
- Qualifications: Experience in education leadership; passion for learning beyond the classroom.
About Racing to School
Racing to School (Charity No. 1040590) is a well‑established, community charity that has been inspiring young minds since 2001. We deliver free, interactive, outdoor educational programmes at horseracing venues across GB, supporting young people:
- Experience curriculum learning in real‑world settings
- Develop ambition, confidence, and broader life skills
- Understand careers and pathways within and beyond horseracing
Our programmes support learners of all abilities and backgrounds, and participation levels reached record highs in recent years. Racing to School also leads Racing Together, a national partnership showcasing and celebrating community initiatives across the sport.
The Role: Trustee (Education)
We are particularly keen to hear from current or former Headteachers, senior leaders, or experienced education practitioners who can bring strategic insight to our Board. This role plays a key part in:
- Providing governance and challenge
- Championing high‑quality educational experiences
- Supporting the charity’s leadership team as it evolves and grows
- Liaising as a member of the external Teachers Advisory Group
You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the charity’s executive team to ensure Racing to School continues to deliver meaningful, relevant impact for young people and wider communities nationwide.
Who We’re Looking For
You may be a strong fit if you:
- Are well‑established in your education setting, with the capacity to attend Trustee meetings and observe programmes in action
- Believe education should prepare young people for life, work, and adulthood, not just examinations
- Value learning outside the classroom and curriculum enrichment
- Care deeply about careers education, aspiration, and lifelong ambition, aligned with frameworks such as the Gatsby Benchmarks
- Recognise that success cannot be measured solely by narrow academic outcomes or inspection grades
- Champion distributed leadership, professional development, and empowering teams
Knowledge of horseracing or the wider industry is helpful but not essential — curiosity and openness matter far more.
Time Commitment & Practical Details
- Meetings: Four main Board meetings per year
- Additional involvement: Optional sub‑committees or working groups
- Location: Hybrid — meetings are virtual and in‑person (including London); Trustees are encouraged to visit programmes at racecourses
- Term: Minimum of three years (up to a maximum of three terms)
- Remuneration: This is a voluntary role; reasonable travel expenses may be claimed
No previous Trustee experience is required — training and support will be provided.
Why Become a Trustee?
- Influence education and careers on a national platform
- Use your expertise in a new, strategic way
- Support a charity with a strong reputation and clear purpose
- Join a passionate, collaborative Board making a real difference
Charity Trustee – Racing to School (Education charity) employer: Racing to School
Racing to School is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to influence education and career pathways for young people across Great Britain. With a strong commitment to community engagement and a collaborative work culture, Trustees can expect to work alongside passionate individuals dedicated to making a meaningful impact. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while the chance to visit racecourses and observe programmes in action enriches the experience, ensuring that every Trustee contributes to a cause that truly matters.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Charity Trustee – Racing to School (Education charity)
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Charity Trustee – Racing to School (Education charity)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Racing to School, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Racing to School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Racing to School
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Racing to School and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
