Trustees - #2122521

About VTCT Skills

For more than 60 years, VTCT Skills has been advancing education for the public benefit. What began as a specialist qualifications organisation has grown into a leading multi-sector education charity, supporting learners, employers and training providers across the vocational and technical education landscape. During 2024/25 we empowered 100,000 learners worldwide across 3,000 centres in 47 countries and we work with more than 150 employers. During 2024/25 we had a turnover of c£14m and reserves of a similar amount.

Today, our work encompasses qualifications, assessment, apprenticeship services as an awarding organisation and the subsidiary companies, membership services and educational innovation. Through these activities, we help individuals develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen careers.

As we look to the future, VTCT Skills is continuing to diversify and expand its impact. Building on our long-standing heritage in the hair and beauty sector, we are developing a membership platform designed to bring together professionals, educators and employers through a vibrant community focused on professional development, industry insight and lifelong learning. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting learners and practitioners beyond qualification achievement and throughout their careers.

We are also strengthening our international presence, working with partners across global markets to extend access to high-quality vocational and technical education. Through international collaborations, qualifications and educational services, we aim to share best practice, support workforce development and create opportunities for learners and employers worldwide.

The Role of Trustees

Trustees are responsible for VTCT's overall governance and strategic direction, its financial health, the probity of its activities, and the development of the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals.

As the Board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the organisation, they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: beneficiaries, customers and suppliers, staff, the Charity Commission, and other regulators (e.g. Companies House/Ofqual etc.) and the wider community.

We are keen to recruit two or more trustees as a result of current trustees reaching the end of their terms. We are open to candidates from a range of sectors and experience. These include: Digital strategy development, international business, education, charities, marketing and the sectors we serve. All candidates will demonstrate:

• An interest in, and enthusiasm for, championing the cause of VTCT Skills
• An appreciation/understanding of charity governance
• A commitment to supporting the charity’s growth and international strategy
• An appreciation of the financial responsibilities and public scrutiny of the organisation’s work and expenditure
• A commitment to delivering diversity within the organisation, both to the board and through the appointments made to its team.

Terms of Appointment

Trustees are initially appointed for a term of 3 years, renewable for a further two terms if mutually agreeable. The time commitment required is around 8 days annually.

How to Apply

We have retained Wild Search to advise us on these appointments.

For more details on the role and how to apply please visit their website to download the candidate brief via the button below.

We welcome applications from experienced trustees and those for whom this would be their first role of this kind. We particularly welcome candidates who are passionate about education, skills and social mobility.

Deadline for applications 28th September.

Interviews for those shortlisted will take place in London on 14th and 15th October.