Trustee Director – education charity

What will you be doing?

Southside Young Leaders Academy (SYLA) is entering an important next chapter, and we are looking for new trustees to help shape our future direction and strengthen the organisation for the years ahead.

Founded in 2007, we work with young people and families across Southwark, Lambeth and surrounding communities, helping young people build the confidence, resilience and skills they need to succeed in education, employment and life.

This is an exciting time to join our Board. We are looking ahead to the next phase of SYLA’s development, with a focus on deepening our impact, strengthening our long-term sustainability and ensuring that our programmes continue to respond to the needs of the young people and communities we serve.

As a Trustee Director, you will work closely with fellow trustees and our leadership team to help set SYLA’s strategic direction. You will bring your perspective and experience to Board discussions, provide constructive challenge and support, and help us make good decisions about our priorities, impact and future development.

We hold four Board meetings each year, typically in person in Southwark. There are also opportunities to contribute between meetings, whether through specific projects, introductions, advice or practical support. We particularly welcome trustees who have the capacity and interest to get involved beyond the formal Board cycle.

You will be joining a committed Board and leadership team with ambitious plans for SYLA’s future. It is a chance to play a meaningful role in the development of a community-rooted charity and help create more opportunities for young people across South London.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for thoughtful, committed people who share our belief in the potential of young people and want to use their experience, perspective and networks to make a meaningful difference.

You do not need to have been a trustee before. We are interested in people who can bring relevant experience and sound judgement, contribute constructively to discussion, and are comfortable both supporting and challenging the organisation as it develops.

We would particularly welcome experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Education and youth development, particularly experience of improving opportunities and outcomes for young people
• Fundraising and income generation, including securing grants, corporate support or other sustainable sources of funding
• Partnerships and business development, with the ability to help build relationships and open new opportunities
• Marketing and communications, helping us strengthen our profile and communicate our impact
• People and organisational development, including HR, talent, culture and organisational growth
• Legal, governance or compliance, helping ensure we continue to develop strong and proportionate governance

We are not expecting any one person to bring all of these. We are looking to strengthen the Board with a mix of complementary skills, experiences and perspectives.

Alongside professional expertise, we particularly value people who understand, or have a strong connection to, the communities we serve. Lived experience and perspectives that help us better understand the opportunities and barriers facing young people are equally valuable.

Most importantly, we are looking for trustees who are engaged and willing to contribute. That means preparing for and participating actively in Board meetings and, where possible, offering ideas, connections or practical support between meetings.

We value diversity of thought, background and lived experience and welcome applications from people who can bring new perspectives to our Board.

What difference will you make?

Our trustees have an important role in helping SYLA translate its ambitions into a clear, sustainable future.

As we enter our next chapter, additional experience, perspectives and networks around the Board table will strengthen our ability to make good strategic decisions, challenge ourselves and identify new opportunities for the organisation.

New trustees will help us think about how we deepen our impact for young people, strengthen our partnerships and income, build the organisation’s long-term sustainability and ensure we have the right capabilities and governance to support our ambitions.

Just as importantly, trustees can bring connections, ideas and experiences that extend beyond the Boardroom. Whether through introducing potential partners and supporters, bringing specialist expertise to a particular challenge or helping us think differently about an opportunity, their contribution can make a tangible difference to what SYLA is able to achieve.

Ultimately, a stronger and more diverse Board will help us build a stronger SYLA and create more opportunities for young people to fulfill their potential.

Anything else...

Board meetings usually take place on a Saturday morning in Southwark (10am - 12pm) with additional events also on a Saturday. Sub-Committee meetings are typically 30 mins every month, and are usually virtual.