The posting
As a trustee, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping our future direction, ensuring we continue to deliver lasting value for the communities we serve. This is an opportunity to use your expertise, insight and leadership experience to influence the strategic direction of a nationally significant organisation that supports innovation, collaboration and digital transformation across education and research. About the trustee role: As a member of the Jisc board, you will join a diverse group of leaders responsible for providing strategic oversight and ensuring the long-term sustainability, effectiveness and success of the organisation. The board focuses on governance, strategy and stewardship, while day-to-day operations are led by the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team. Trustees provide constructive challenge, independent thinking and informed guidance to help ensure Jisc remains responsive to the evolving needs of the sectors we support. Working collaboratively with fellow trustees, you will help to:
Shape and oversee Jisc’s strategic direction and priorities. Ensure the organisation has the resources, governance and capability required to deliver its objectives. Monitor organisational performance and effectiveness. Safeguard financial integrity, accountability and risk management. Champion high standards of governance, ethics and public accountability. Act as an ambassador for Jisc and the communities it serves.
What You'll Bring We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader who can contribute valuable insight and challenge at board level. We are seeking candidates with significant leadership experience within the further education sector, ideally currently working as a college principal or deputy principal or chief executive officer within an FE institution. Experience and Knowledge
Senior leadership experience within a UK further educational organisation, with a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. An appreciation of the transformative role technology plays in education, research and innovation. Experience contributing to strategy development, oversight and decision-making at board or equivalent level. A sound understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trustees and non-executive directors.
Skills and Approach
The ability to apply strong governance principles and exercise independent judgement. Confidence in reviewing complex information and contributing to constructive, evidence-based debate. Excellent relationship-building, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills. A collaborative mindset combined with the confidence to provide appropriate challenge when required.
Personal Qualities
An independent thinker who brings objectivity, curiosity and integrity. Committed to acting in the best interests of Jisc and the wider education and research community. A team player who values different perspectives and contributes to an inclusive culture. Discreet, trustworthy and respectful of the confidential nature of board discussions.
Why Join Jisc? This is more than a governance role. It's an opportunity to influence issues that matter nationally, from digital transformation and emerging technologies to the future sustainability and success of education and research. As a trustee, you'll work alongside experienced leaders who share a commitment to improving outcomes for learners, educators, researchers and institutions across the UK. You'll contribute to meaningful discussions, help navigate complex challenges and play a role in shaping the future direction of a purpose-driven organisation. Our Commitment to Inclusion At Jisc, inclusion is one of our guiding principles. We actively embrace diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives and ways of thinking, recognising that they strengthen decision-making and improve outcomes for our members and stakeholders. We are committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from individuals whose perspectives and experiences will further enhance the diversity of our board. Together, we are creating an inclusive, anti-racist culture where everyone can contribute, belong and thrive. Don’t meet every single requirement? We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the requirements, but if you feel this role is perfect for you. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles! Our Guiding Principles: Jisc’s culture is powered by our four guiding principles: putting customers first, driving innovation, creating impact, and championing inclusive collaboration to deliver sustainable outcomes and shape a better future. Equity, diversity and inclusion: Jisc believe our people make all the difference in cultivating an inclusive culture that welcomes ideas, encourages innovation, and values belonging. We work hard to create an equitable experience for our candidates and workforce which embraces all aspects of their identity including race and ethnicity, religion and belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, trans identities, age, class, disability, neurodivergence, or veteran status. How we use your personal information When you apply for a position with Jisc we need to collect and process some of your personal information. We’ll use it, as described in our recruitment privacy notice and overarching Jisc privacy notice. When you apply for a trustee role, we will ask you for sensitive personal information such as ethnicity, age, disability status, religion, gender, and sexual orientation ‘Diversity Information’. This information is collected in line with our board and committee diversity policy which sets out how we at Jisc avoid discriminating against people and how we create a safe and inclusive atmosphere. Our lawful basis for processing this Diversity Information is your explicit consent and answering the questions is completely voluntary. You can choose not to provide this information when you make your application by ticking the ‘prefer not to say’ option. If you change your mind and wish to withdraw your consent for us to process this Diversity Information you can contact us at any time. Once we receive your application, we will separate the application data and Diversity Information to be used for reporting against the trustee role, which will be stored separately in an anonymous format. Whilst we will make every effort to store Diversity Information anonymously, due to the small number of applicants there is a risk that the Diversity Information will enable you to be identified. We will only share information about the applicant pool to our nominations and governance committee. Application process: Please apply by providing your CV alongside a max 2 page Personal statement on the skills, background and experience that make you a great fit for this opportunity. Applications are welcome by 12am on Monday 30 November 2026.Interviews will be scheduled on January 18th 2027 between 13:00 – 17:30. Please let us know how we can best accommodate you throughout the recruitment process. We’re committed to making our process accessible and comfortable for everyone - just tell us what works best for you. We’re really looking forward to getting to know the real you. While we encourage the use of AI tools to help you get started on your CV or personal statement, we encourage you to review your application before submitting. Make sure it truly reflects your own voice, experiences, and personality. Background checks Appointment as a trustee is subject to satisfactory due diligence checks. These checks help us ensure that trustees meet our governance standards, regulatory, safeguarding and fiduciary requirements. For candidates recommended for appointment we may share relevant personal information with our appointed screening provider and other appropriate third parties for the purpose of carrying out due diligence checks. The scope of checks undertaken will be proportionate to the role and may include verification of professional experience where that experience is relevant to the appointment. We process this information on the basis of Jisc's legitimate interests in assessing the suitability of individuals for positions of trust and governance responsibility. No agencies please.
