Trustee Role Description
Education Focus
Role title: Trustee (Education Focus)
Responsible to: Chair of the Board of Trustees
Organisation: The Boat Building Academy (BBA), Lyme Regis, Dorset
Status: Voluntary — unremunerated
Term of office: Three years, renewable by mutual agreement
Time commitment: Approx. 15-20 days per year (inc. Board meetings)
Location: Board meetings held at the Academy; some remote attendance possible
1. About the Boat Building Academy
The Boat Building Academy (BBA) is a specialist vocational training provider based in Lyme Regis, Dorset, and the only remaining institution in the United Kingdom dedicated exclusively to professional-level training in boat building and marine joinery. Founded in 1997, the BBA operates as a registered charity and limited company, guided by a Board of Trustees.
The BBA's flagship wooden boat-building programme is accredited at Level 3 with City & Guilds and runs over 40 weeks, commencing in February and September each year. Students spend most of their time in the workshop, building real boats under the guidance of experienced practitioners. The BBA also runs three 12-week furniture courses each year and a suite of short woodworking and sailing-related courses and taster days, as well as partnering with other organisations to offer sailing days and support to local community organisations.
The BBA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of teaching, learning and assessment, to widening access to craft-based vocational education, and to ensuring its graduates are equipped for sustainable, skilled careers in the maritime and woodworking sectors.
2. The Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the BBA. It holds ultimate responsibility for the charity's strategic direction, financial health, legal compliance, and the quality of its educational provision. Trustees act collectively and in the best interests of the BBA's charitable objects.
All Trustees share the following core responsibilities:
- Setting and safeguarding the BBA's mission, values, and strategic objectives
- Ensuring the BBA’s financial sustainability and the proper management of its assets
- Holding the Senior Leadership Team to account for operational performance
- Ensuring compliance with charity law, company law, and all relevant regulatory requirements
- Acting as ambassadors for the BBA and supporting its reputation in the maritime, furniture, educational and local communities
- Support the implementation of the BBA’s Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which incorporates the acquisition and development of the current building
3. Purpose of the Education Trustee Role
The Education Trustee brings specialist knowledge and professional experience in education, training, or skills development to the Board. The purpose of this role is to provide informed strategic oversight of the
BBA's educational quality — ensuring that the Board can scrutinise outcomes rigorously, engage confidently with the regulatory environment, and champion continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and assessment. A particular area of focus will be supporting the implementation of the BBA’s inclusivity framework.
This is a governance role, not an operational one. The Education Trustee supports and challenges the Director; they do not manage staff or direct curriculum delivery.
4. Key Responsibilities
4.1 Strategic oversight of educational quality
- Monitor learner achievement, completion, and destination data, and challenge the Director / teaching staff where results fall short of expectations or benchmarks
- Ensure the Board receives regular, accurate management information on teaching, learning, and assessment
- Support the BBA in preparing for and responding to City and Guilds inspections and any other regulatory monitoring activity
4.2 Curriculum and industry relevance
- Advise the Board on developments in vocational qualification reform, apprenticeship policy, and the wider further education landscape that may affect the BBA's offer
- Support the Board in evaluating whether the curriculum remains current, industry-relevant, and aligned with the needs of employers and the maritime sector
4.3 Inclusion, safeguarding, and learner welfare
- Satisfy themselves that the BBA’s safeguarding arrangements are robust and effectively implemented
- Ensure the Board gives due attention to the needs of learners with additional learning needs, and that the BBA meets its duties under the Equality Act 2010
- Advocate at Board level for a learner-centred culture across all aspects of the BBA's work
4.4 Staff development and teaching capacity
- Take an interest in the professional development of teaching staff, ensuring the Board is assured that staff maintain standards and industry currency
- Support a culture of reflective practice, peer observation, and continuous professional development
4.5 Board effectiveness
- Contribute actively and constructively to Board meetings, bringing an educational perspective to strategic decisions
- Participate in relevant sub-committees or working groups as required
- Undertake occasional learning walks or curriculum review visits to provide evidence for governance assurance (by agreement with the Director)
- Declare any conflicts of interest and act at all times in accordance with the Nolan Principles of public life
5. Person Specification
Essential
Significant experience in the education, skills, or vocational training sectors
Sound understanding of teaching, learning, and assessment quality standards
Ability to read and critically evaluate management information and educational performance data
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage constructively at Board level Commitment to the BBA's mission and to the value of vocational craft education
Desirable
Experience as a school, college, or training provider governor or trustee Knowledge of City & Guilds or equivalent awarding body frameworks
Experience of apprenticeship delivery or employer-facing training
Connection to the maritime, boat building, or related craft sectors
6. Time Commitment
The Education Trustee can expect to commit approximately 15-20 days per year, made up of:
- Four Board meetings per year (should allow all day, held at the BBA or by video conference)
- Participation in sub-groups as required
- Ad hoc meetings with the Director and/or tutors
- Occasional learning walks, curriculum review visits, or attendance at BBA events
- Preparation and reading time associated with the above
7. Support and Induction
New Trustees receive a structured induction programme, including:
- A meeting with the Chair and Director
- A guided tour of the BBA's workshop facilities and an introduction to key staff
- A review of the BBA's governing documents, strategic plan, and recent management information
- Introductory reading on charity trustee responsibilities (Charity Commission guidance)
Ongoing support is provided by the Principal / Chair to the Board.
8. How to Apply
Expressions of interest are welcome from individuals who believe they can make a meaningful contribution to the BBA's educational mission. If you wish to discuss the role informally or make an application, please email the Chair of the Board ([email protected]) . Any application should outline your relevant experience and what you would bring to the Board, together with a current CV.
For Further Information regarding the role of Trustees please refer to the Charity Commissions website The Charity Commission - GOV.UK
The Boat Building Academy is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion on its Board. We actively welcome applications from individuals whose backgrounds and perspectives will strengthen our governance.
Pay: £0.01-£1.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lyme Regis DT7 3JN
