Aspire SEND CIC is a Community Interest Company supporting young people aged 16–25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) through post-16 transitions. Founded in London, our mission is to build confidence, independence and opportunity for young people navigating education, employment and independent living. We're at an early, formative stage of growth, working towards our long-term vision — the Aspire SEND Skills House — a dedicated space offering daily life-skills sessions for young people with SEND. We're now looking to strengthen our Board with Non-Executive Directors who can offer strategic oversight, sector expertise and credibility as we grow.
The Role
As a Non-Executive Director, you'll provide independent oversight, strategic guidance and constructive challenge to support Aspire SEND CIC's governance and long-term direction. This is a light-touch, voluntary role suited to someone who wants to make a meaningful contribution to a mission-driven organisation without a heavy time commitment.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend quarterly board/advisory meetings (in person or remote) to review strategy, performance and risk
- Provide constructive, independent challenge and advice to the Founder/Director
- Support good governance, including compliance with CIC regulations and charitable/company law duties
- Contribute specific expertise (e.g. SEND/education, safeguarding, finance, fundraising, legal) where relevant
- Act as an ambassador for Aspire SEND CIC where appropriate, e.g. at partnership meetings or sector events
- Support funding and partnership credibility through board-level expertise and reputation
Time Commitment
- Approximately 4–6 board meetings per year (1–2 hours each)
- Occasional email/advisory input between meetings
- Hybrid/remote attendance options available to keep this manageable alongside other commitments
What We're Looking For
- A genuine interest in and commitment to the mission of supporting young people with SEND
- Experience or expertise in one or more of: SEND/education, safeguarding, charity or CIC governance, finance, fundraising, law, or business development
- Sound, independent judgement and comfort providing constructive challenge
- Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check, where relevant to the role
- No prior board experience required — we welcome first-time NEDs alongside experienced trustees/directors
What You'll Gain
- Formal governance and board-level experience for your CV or professional portfolio
- Direct insight into the impact of the organisation, including opportunities to see the work first-hand
- Recognition as a named board member in our materials and communications
- The opportunity to help shape a mission-driven organisation at an early, founding stage
- Reimbursed travel and reasonable expenses for meetings
- A defined, light-touch role with clear boundaries and Directors' and Officers' (D&O) insurance cover
- Networking and introductions across our partnerships, including local family hubs and education networks
Governance and Liability
Non-Executive Directors hold the same core legal duties as other directors under the Companies Act (including promoting the success of the company and exercising reasonable care and skill), but are not involved in day-to-day operational decisions, which remain the responsibility of the Founder/Director. Aspire SEND CIC maintains Directors' and Officers' insurance to protect board members carrying out their duties in good faith.
Benefits:
- Free or subsidised travel
Application question(s):
- Are you willing to undergo a background check, in accordance with local law/regulations?
- Are you independent of Aspire SEND CIC and unrelated to the Director?
- Are you able to commit to appromiately 4 board meetings per year and support Aspire SEND CIC?
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London WC2H
