Volunteer School Trustee

Location: York, North Yorkshire

Sector: Charity and not-for-profit, Education

Hours: 2-3 hours evening meetings every 6 weeks, plus occasional extra meetings, voluntary contributions to projects and attendance at school events.

Opportunity: Volunteer as a Trustee at York Steiner School. York Steiner School offers a unique nurturing education which allows children to learn in an unpressured environment, where their individual characters are recognised and valued. We have recently opened an upper school, meaning our children can now benefit from a caring, vibrant and holistic education from birth to 16.

Trustees play an important role in ensuring York Steiner School is run in the interest of our whole school community of children, parents, teachers, staff and alumni. Ultimately, trustees are the guardians of the school’s mission, ensuring strategic decisions are responsible and in line with our values and ethos, as set out in our Strategic Plan 2024‑29.

Our Purpose

To provide an education that nurtures a strong sense of self-worth and self-belief, putting curiosity and engagement at the heart of learning whilst promoting the critical thinking, creative problem solving and ethical decision‑making skills needed to fully participate and thrive in a complex 21st Century world.

Have you thought of becoming a Trustee?

Our trustees are a dedicated group of mostly parent volunteers who provide strategic support to the school. Our ability to do this well is reliant upon our having the necessary skills and perspectives represented across the Board. We are currently looking to recruit trustees with the knowledge and skills in the areas of:

• Early Years Education
• Teaching & Learning KS1‑4
• SEND
• Safeguarding
• Careers
• Fundraising
• Waldorf Steiner Education
• Alumni Coordination
• Climate and Energy
• Food and Nutrition
• Governance

We welcome applications from parents with this expertise and also encourage parents interested in becoming a trustee but with different skills and experiences to apply, as we are keen to grow a diverse and inclusive Board. The role of trustee is also well suited to our Alumni parents, students and staff. We value the perspective and care they bring through their lived experience of having been a part of our school community, and it would also be a great opportunity for those who have been newly impressed by our Steiner Waldorf pedagogy and would like to help us fulfil our vision.

Our Vision

A world where children are valued and provided with the support to flourish and realise their full potential; a world where they are motivated to live in harmony with the natural world and grow into inspired adults, actively contributing to a compassionate and caring society.

What do Trustees do?

Trustees ensure the school has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. They make sure that the finances are carefully managed and that the school is compliant with all the required standards and legislation. Trustees attend regular meetings and ensure they have read the papers for the meeting in advance so they can comment effectively in the discussion. They have the confidence to ask questions to make sure they understand the implications of any decisions which need to be made. From time to time they may be asked to give extra time to a project or piece of work which needs particular expertise. Trustees complete online training annually. The ability to listen to others, question, explore ideas, maintain an objective overview and work collaboratively are ideal skills for a trustee. You need to be aged 18 or above and there are certain criminal convictions that would exclude you from the role. A Disclosure and Barring Service check will be carried out by the school.

Help Shape the Strategic Direction of YSS

Being a Trustee can be very rewarding, offering the chance to support and shape the strategic direction of YSS and make a real difference to the standing and development of the school. It’s an opportunity to be part of our community, to expand your professional development, and use your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.

Next Step

We hope you feel inspired to consider joining us. To apply, please send your CV demonstrating your skills and experience, plus a short statement about what interests you about joining the YSS Board of Trustees.

If you would like to arrange a chat to find out more, please contact either:

• Dr Ali Longridge, Vice Chair of Trustees (ali.longridge@yorksteinerschool.org)
• Dr Simone Doctors, Chair of Trustees (simone.doctors@yorksteinerschool.org)