At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and shape the strategic direction of York Steiner School as a Trustee.
- Company: York Steiner School, offering a unique nurturing education.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, expand your professional network, and make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 2-3 hours every six weeks, plus occasional events.
- Why this job: Be part of a caring community and help children thrive in a holistic environment.
- Qualifications: Open to anyone aged 18+, especially those with skills in education, governance, or fundraising.
Location: York, North Yorkshire
Salary: Volunteer role
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 to 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 and 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” (Reach Volunteering)
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 to:
Dr Simone Doctors
Chair of Trustees
E: simone.doctors@yorksteinerschool.org
York Steiner School
Fulford Cross
York YO10 4PB
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)
Volunteer School Trustee in York employer: York Steiner School
York Steiner School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and creative environment for Classroom and Kindergarten Learning Support Assistants. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on safeguarding, employees benefit from ongoing training and support while working in a vibrant community dedicated to inspiring young minds. Located in the picturesque city of York, the school fosters a collaborative work culture that values imagination and flexibility, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer School Trustee in York
✨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 Volunteer School Trustee in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like York Steiner 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 York Steiner School.
How to prepare for a job interview at York Steiner School
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of York Steiner 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!
