Role: Trustee – Education Training Foundation (ETF) – Independent Training Provider (ITP) Leader (voluntary role) 
Time commitment: around 12 days per year 
Term: three years, with potential for one further term  
Location: primarily central London for Board meetings, with virtual options for committees 

Are you committed to building a skilled workforce and shaping the future of further education (FE) and skills in England? Do you believe in the power of FE and skills to transform lives, communities and the economy? Are you an experienced independent training provider (ITP) leader who can bring deep sector insight, strong strategic judgement and a practical understanding of employer and learner needs?

The Education Training Foundation (ETF) is here to champion the vital role of the further education and skills workforce, set professional standards and provide a pathway of professional development for educators and leaders across the sector. By working in partnership and informing sector change, we enable a thriving FE and Skills sector. Together, we are transforming lives and opportunities for learners aged 14 and above.

Due to a retirement, we are now seeking a new Trustee to bring ITP leadership experience to our Board.

 

About the role 

As a Trustee, you will play an active role in ETF’s governance. You will work collectively with fellow Board members to: 

  • set the strategic direction of the charity 

  • ensure strong financial stewardship 

  • uphold high standards of governance and accountability 

  • act in the best interests of learners, educators and the wider FE and skills system 

  • support organisational improvement and long-term sustainability.

Trustees are appointed to at least one Board committee and take part in occasional external engagements. You will receive a full induction, including a trustee buddy, governance training and support from ETF’s Governance team.

This is a rewarding opportunity to influence national thinking on workforce development, gain insight into system-wide challenges and contribute your expertise to a respected, mission-led organisation wide challenges and contribute your expertise to a respected, mission led organisation-wide challenges and contribute your expertise to a respected, mission-led organisation. 

 

What we are looking for 

We welcome applications from senior leaders (director level or equivalent) working within ITPs. We are committed to a Board that reflects the diversity of the sectors and communities our charity serves and particularly welcome applications from disabled people and /or individuals from global majority backgrounds. 

We are particularly looking for individuals who can bring: 

Essential experience 

  • senior leadership within an ITP 

  • understanding of operational and strategic challenges facing employer-led and provider-led delivery 

  • insight into workforce development needs across apprenticeships, skills programmes or employer focused training-focused training 

  • senior experience in one or more of the following:  

    • finance 

    • HR, skills and talent 

    • digital and technology 

    • professional and/or membership bodies 

    • apprenticeships leadership in a large national employer  

Desirable experience 

  • experience operating at Board level as a Non-Executive Director or in an equivalent capacity (e.g. trustees, governor) non-executive experience  

  • working with Government through large contracts or grants 

  • leading large-scale change in complex or fastmoving environments 

Personal qualities 

  • strategic vision with the confidence to challenge constructively 

  • independence of judgement, integrity and fairness 

  • ability to work collaboratively at Board level 

  • commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging 

  • willingness to act as an ambassador for ETF and the FE and skills system 

Time commitment and practicalities 

  • four inperson Board meetings per year (around three hours each) 

  • up to three virtual committee meetings per year 

  • annual Board away day and AGM 

  • additional time for meeting preparation and occasional informal engagements. 

Total requirement around 12 days per year. 
 

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed, and travel and accommodation support can be arranged where needed. 

 

Why join ETF? 

As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to: 

  • contribute to national strategic decision making

  • influence the professional development of the FE and skills workforce

  • shape ETF’s work on standards, CPD, research and system improvement

  • build networks across FE colleges, ITPs, employers, adult community education, offender learning and more

  • gain deep insight into sector policy, reform and workforce challenges.

 

How to apply

Please submit: 

  1. your CV (maximum three pages) 

  1. a supporting statement (200–400 words) explaining your interest in the role and suitability 

  1. a completed equal opportunities monitoring form. 

Send your application to: 
Dr Gina Hobson, Chief of Staff, gina.hobson@etfoundation.co.uk 

Closing date for applications: Tues 7 April 2026
Interviews: The weeks of 20 and 27 April (in-person preferred, virtual option available)

Please advise of any availability constraints when applying. 

Further information: