Secretary

About Springboard 

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system. 

Refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have made the difficult journey to the UK – especially those who come alone – are saddled with many challenges common to starting a life somewhere new. Though they are required to enroll in school, more often than not, they aren’t provided with the language and psychological support necessary to succeed in their new circumstances. They are simply not set up to thrive. Coupled with budget cuts to tailored learning provision in schools, these young people often miss their chance to progress at a natural pace and to reach their fullest potential. 

As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London. 

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

About the opportunity 

As Springboard’s Youth Academy’s activities and ambitions continue to grow, we are seeking a Secretary to join our existing Board of Trustees to make our vision possible. 

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care. 

As Secretary you will be required to have expertise in:

• Organising meetings
• Taking minutes and summarising actions for a team
• Overseeing reporting to the Charity Commission
• Preparing papers for board meetings
• Convening the Chair and Director to develop meeting agendas
• Assisting with planning Springboard’s annual Away Day 

You will demonstrate: 

• Strategic thinking 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions ● Teamwork and collaboration skills 
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality 
• Independent judgment 
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience 
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships 
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing inclusive and refugee-focused work 

Time commitment 

Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As Secretary, you will be required to spend approximately on hour per week supporting with preparation for upcoming meetings. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. 

Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier.