1 x SEND trustee and 1 x Safeguarding trustee

We’re seeking two trustees, one with safeguarding experience and one with knowledge and experience of SEND to join our charity, which provides an education for students at KS3 and KS4 who are are either not attending school (mainstream or other) or finding continued attendance at school detrimental to their mental health. 

Heartwood House (previously Red Balloon)  is a unique organisation, working to support and empower young people to engage with education and achieve their potential, free from mainstream system constraints. We are a small, values-driven community, and our trustees play a vital role in guiding our mission and ensuring the long-term sustainability of what we do.

We deliver full-time education for students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). Our methodology places wellbeing at the core of students' education, focusing on mental health, personal growth, and positive social interactions alongside academic instruction.

Students have an inherent right to respectful and caring treatment, independent of behaviour or academic performance. As a trustee, you will help uphold and champion our policy of unconditional positive regard, the principle that everyone (staff or student) should always be treated with respect and dignity, no matter the situation.

Education takes place in small groups, with lessons tailored to each student's individual needs and interests. As a trustee, you will gain insight into a genuinely distinctive educational model, and your governance will directly support the staff who build meaningful relationships with every young person in our care.

All staff are invested in and actively participate in student wellbeing, integrating mental health support and personal growth throughout the day, not just in designated sessions. Trustees share responsibility for ensuring this holistic approach is protected and resourced appropriately.

How to apply

• A brief covering statement outlining your interest and suitability for the role

• Submit your CV

Send to [email protected]

What skills do I need?

Essential

● Commitment to the organisation’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities and to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies;

● Demonstrable knowledge and experience of working within an environment where safeguarding is of primary concern; 

● Understanding of safeguarding and child protection with respect to both the law and practice;

● Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;

● Proven ability to communicate and relate to students and staff, members of the Board and other stakeholders;

● Good analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement;

● Good communication and leadership skills;

● Commitment to attending relevant training.

Desirable 

● A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management;

● Competent IT skills;

Training

● All Trustees are expected to complete PREVENT and basic child safeguarding training.

About Heartwood House

At Heartwood House we understand that mainstream school isn’t for everyone. Most of our students have tried lots of different ways of learning that haven’t worked, and they often feel disillusioned and often let down by the adults around them. For this reason we strive to be totally different to any other educational experience they have had.

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

● The Board meets at least six times a year and Trustees are expected to attend all meetings; Meetings are held at either Kenton Road or Roxborough Road and start at 15:30. ● Attendance at the AGM, which is currently held in the Autumn Term. ● The named Trustee for Safeguarding is expected to meet with the designated Safeguarding Lead at least once each term and is expected to lead on the safeguarding audit which is carried out each year during the Spring Term; ● The SEND trustees is expected to meet with the Executive Headteacher at least once each term and to work with one other Trustee ensure that an education audit is to be carried out each year during the spring term. ● To support and attend some of the Heartwood House activities such as student presentations, staff end of term gatherings and fund raising events.

Where does this role take place?