Job Description

Trustee with experience in Major Capital Developments

About Wonderseekers

Wonderseekers is a children’s charity that uses science engagement to empower children to improve lives and protect and heal our planet. Its purpose is to raise children’s aspirations and confidence when it comes to big topics such as climate change, as well as promoting diversity and inclusion, so that all children have the ambition and freedom to improve their own lives, the lives of others and ultimately life on Earth.

Set up in 1986, and renamed as Wonderseekers in 2022, the Charity has always focused on delivering hands-on science experiences for young children. Through fun, immersive and accessible experiences in schools, communities, online and at its science and discovery centre in Winchester, the Charity is able to spark curiosity when it comes to science. As part of it’s For People and Planet strategy, launched in 2023, it will continue to use these interactive science experiences to positively engage children, through all disciplines of science, with the natural world to enable them to take action against climate change.

The Role

To deliver our new strategy and exciting capital and activity Masterplan, the Charity is looking to strengthen our Board with an individual who can bring their skills and experience within the area of Major Capital Development.

Wonderseekers has a clear and important mission - to create a more equitable world where all children can treasure science and are equipped and empowered to improve lives and protect and heal our planet. Our strategy, For People and Planet 2030, sets out a clear vision for Wonderseekers and the outcomes we want to influence for children and nature. The impact we already have is hugely significant but we know through the delivery of this ambitious strategy and masterplan, we can do so much more. If you share our values, ambition and commitment to our Charity’s mission, we would love to hear from you.

We value diversity amongst our Board of Trustees and the unique contribution trustees bring to the role through their own lived, loved, laboured and learned experiences. As well as ensuring the Board has the necessary business skills required to effectively govern the Charity, we also seek to represent the audiences we serve across all levels of our organisation.

Our Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership and governance to the Charity to ensure we achieve what we set out to do effectively and always in line with ‘Our promise to children’ and regulatory obligations.

We are offering you a unique and rewarding experience. You will have a key impact on our Charity’s mission, oversee our strategic vision, influence future projects and help manage risk.

You will bring your experience and knowledge in one of the key skills areas to advise the Senior Leadership Team and set the future direction of our Charity.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee of Wonderseekers, and we look forward to receiving your application soon!

What we’re looking for

General:

· Engage effectively and constructively with Board and Committee discussions

· Develop excellent working relationships with other trustees and members of the executive team, in order to constructively challenge and support all aspects of our work.

· Have an understanding of the voluntary sector and the roles and legal responsibilities of a trustee including risk management and safeguarding

· Think creatively – Wonderseekers is an innovative and forward-thinking organisation, therefore we will be looking for individuals with an ability to shareour ambitions.

· Commit to the Charity by attending meetings, reviewing papers and informally meeting with the team as required (see below for time expectations)

· Be skilled in analysing proposals and examine their consequences, especially in regard to Capital Developments

· Be interested in how we can use science to encourage children to choose to live healthier, more sustainable lives and contribute to a better world for all

Major Capital Developments:

· Use experience of working strategically and operationally in previous Major Capital Developments to support the wider trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of this area. This experience does not have to be related to the museum/visitor centre area however this would be beneficial

· Be able to draw on perspectives and previous experience to provide strategic oversight, helping the board to remain innovative, manage risk effectively and adapt to changing environments in relation to our ambitious future plans

· Support the executive team where needed through the planning, preparation and delivery of development projects

· Ensure the board of trustees and charity as a whole are constantly reflecting, learning and improving on our policies, practices and risks involving major capital works

In addition to being able to demonstrate skills, experience and knowledge in one of the areas identified above, in order to carry out your responsibilities as a trustee, you should:

· be committed to the purpose, objects and values of the Charity

· be constructive about other trustees’ opinions in discussions (and in response to staff members’ contributions at meetings)

· be able to act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking such duties and performing tasks

· be able to maintain confidentiality on sensitive and confidential information

· be supportive of the values (and ethics) of the Charity

· understand the importance and purpose of meetings, and be committed to preparing for them adequately and attending them regularly

· be able to analyse information and, when necessary, challenge constructively

· be able to make collective decisions and stand by them

Trustee arrangements

Wonderseekers is governed by a Board of up to 12 trustees who hold collective responsibility for the charity’s strategic direction and governance. The position on the Board is voluntary. Once elected, Trustees can serve a maximum of 3 terms of 3 years.

Currently, Board meetings take place once per quarter, usually in January, April, July and November. Meetings are held on a mixture of days and evenings, with plenty of prior notice and consideration to individual availability given where possible.

You will be expected to attend at least four board meetings per year. We also hold an annual strategy day usually in September. In addition you will also sit on at least one committee. Committees generally meet up to four times per year. Meetings are between one and three hours and a hybrid option is usually available. Additional time for reviewing papers and building relationships with the senior management team as required should also be factored in. There may also be opportunities to attend special events.

You may find it useful to look at the guidance on Trustees from the Charity Commission "The Essential Trustee"

We are committed to investing in our trustees and therefore trustee training is available.

In addition we have an expenses policy to enable trustees to claim back travel expenses.

How to apply

If you are interested in joining us, please contact Laura Ollis (Director of People and Culture ) with your CV and cover letter summarising your motivation for joining the Board of Trustees and what you would be able to bring to the role.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to this application process please do not hesitate to get in touch. If you would like to arrange an informal conversation prior to submitting an application, please contact us using the details above.

We will organise interviews on a rolling basis. The panel will include existing Trustees and the CEO, and candidates will also have the opportunity to meet the leadership team and some staff. There will be an induction session for the successful new Trustee.

We look forward to hearing from you!