Job Description

About Us

Founded in 1844, Central YMCA was the very first YMCA, sparking a global movement that now spans 120 independent national YMCAs, all tackling social issues both locally and globally.

Over nearly two centuries, Central YMCA has achieved remarkable milestones: launching some of the world's first public education programs, constructing London’s largest gym, training over 120,000 health and fitness professionals, pioneering health initiatives for individuals living with HIV, and empowering thousands of young people with the skills needed to build new careers and transform their lives.

Building on this heritage, Central YMCA continues to be an innovative, forward-facing organisation, developing ambitious programmes and delivery methodologies to meet the changing needs of society. This includes working with some fantastic partners and employers across the country to address skills gaps and using technology to support diverse learning styles and greater accessibility.

Today, Central YMCA stands as one of the country’s largest charity training providers, holding significant contracts with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). We are dedicated to offering education and employment opportunities to young people and adults, regardless of their background or experience. This not only helps individuals build confidence and realise their potential but also strengthens local businesses and communities.

About You

We are seeking an individual with extensive experience in post-16 funded education, including apprenticeships, ideally within an Independent Training Provider. You should have operated at a strategic level and have experience as a non-executive director, governor, or trustee. The ideal candidate will also have a background in overseeing Ofsted-regulated provision and developing quality and curriculum strategies.

We highly value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and insights in our work. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates whose professional and personal experiences, including lived experiences, will bring fresh understanding and new capacity to our Board.

About the Role

Trustees are vital to the charity sector, guiding and shaping the direction of our work. At Central YMCA, our Trustees are essential, bringing a wide range of expertise to steer our strategy and ensure our long-term success.

We are currently seeking a new Trustee to join our Board and chair our Education and Training Committee. This committee is crucial in overseeing Central YMCA’s funded and commercial training provision.

Your role will ensure our services continue to meet the needs of the individuals and communities we serve, maintaining safety, inclusivity, and the highest quality in line with our vision, mission, and values. Additionally, this committee plays a significant part in meeting Ofsted and ESFA governance requirements.

Following the success of our recent Ofsted inspection, this is an exciting opportunity to lead the expansion of our training provision, ensuring we deliver high-quality, impactful programmes for learners across England.

Time Commitment:

This role involves attending quarterly Board meetings and Education and Training Committee meetings, generally totalling two meetings per quarter. Meetings typically occur from 4-6 pm and are a mix of in-person and online, with adjustments available as needed. Preparatory materials are provided in advance, and typically, half a day of preparation ensures productive participation. Additionally, there is an annual strategy day from 10 am to 4 pm, and you may be required to represent the charity at various events, including our annual Education and Training awards at the House of Commons, end-of-term events, and other visits to our provisions.

You may also be asked to provide occasional ad hoc support to the Executive Team outside of scheduled meetings. Trustees should expect to dedicate a minimum of 12 days annually to this role.

We offer reasonable reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred for in-person meeting attendance. Furthermore, training and development opportunities will be provided as part of the role to support your growth and effectiveness.

How to apply

To Learn more about this role, visit our website. Interviews will be held with Trustees on Wednesday 17 July.

If you require the candidate materials in an alternative format, please request this in your initial contact.