Board Trustee (OFSTED Lead)

Status: Voluntary / unpaid
Time commitment: Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year, plus occasional meetings, development sessions and engagement relating to OFSTED matters
Location: Hybrid / flexible
Expenses: Reasonable travel and associated expenses reimbursed

About Disability Resource Centre

Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is a well-established user-led charity dedicated to enabling disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, carers and older people to live independently and achieve their full potential.

For over 30 years, DRC has worked to remove barriers, create opportunities and support individuals to exercise choice and control over their lives through practical support, advice, advocacy, training and community partnerships.

Being user-led means that disabled people play a central role in influencing, governing and shaping our organisation.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a committed individual to join our Board as Trustee and OFSTED Lead, providing Board-level oversight and assurance of DRC's OFSTED-regulated services and activities, currently comprising our Digital Divide adult education funded training.

The successful candidate will act as the Board's lead contact for OFSTED and quality assurance matters, working with fellow Trustees, the Chief Executive and Head of Services to provide oversight of quality, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, continuous improvement and inspection readiness.

The role is strategic rather than operational, focusing on support, challenge and assurance on behalf of the Board.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Board's lead Trustee for OFSTED-related matters.

• Maintain awareness of relevant OFSTED inspection frameworks, guidance and developments.

• Provide assurance to the Board regarding regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.

• Review quality assurance reports, audits and performance information.

• Monitor progress against service improvement plans.

• Maintain oversight of safeguarding arrangements relating to OFSTED-regulated services.

• Ensure relevant risks are identified and appropriately monitored.

• Promote a culture of learning, quality and continuous improvement.

• Report to the Board on OFSTED oversight, quality and assurance.

• Work constructively with senior leaders to support organisational development.

• Participate in discussions with inspectors or regulators where appropriate.

Duties of All Trustees

All Trustees share collective responsibility for ensuring that DRC:

• Operates within its charitable objectives.

• Complies with legal and regulatory obligations.

• Protects and manages its assets responsibly.

• Uses resources effectively and efficiently.

• Maintains sound financial controls.

• Delivers its strategic objectives.

• Remains accountable to beneficiaries, stakeholders and regulators.

Trustees are expected to attend and actively participate in Board meetings, prepare by reviewing papers in advance, contribute their skills and knowledge, act in the best interests of the charity, and uphold and promote DRC's values.

About You

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• OFSTED Experience or Knowledge – Experience or knowledge of OFSTED-regulated services.

• Governance and Accountability – Understanding of good governance and accountability.

• Quality and Compliance – Knowledge or experience of quality assurance and compliance systems.

• Safeguarding – Knowledge or experience of safeguarding children and young people.

• Regulatory Understanding – Understanding of inspection frameworks and regulatory requirements.

• Strategic Thinking – Ability to contribute to strategic thinking and effective decision-making.

• Sound Judgement and Integrity – Demonstrates sound judgement and integrity.

• Collaborative Working – Ability to work effectively as part of a Board.

• Communication – Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Sector Knowledge – Experience or knowledge of education, training or youth services and/or public, voluntary or community sector organisations.

• Commitment to DRC's Values – Commitment to the vision and values of Disability Resource Centre.

• Time Commitment – Willingness to devote the necessary time to the role.

Previous Trustee experience is desirable but not essential. Training and support will be provided.

Why Join Our Board?

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful difference to people's lives.

• Help shape the future direction of a respected charity.

• Support high-quality services for children, young people and families.

• Influence organisational strategy and development.

• Develop governance and leadership skills.

• Work alongside a passionate and committed Board.

Most importantly, you will help ensure that disabled people remain at the heart of decision-making within a user-led organisation.

Accessibility and Inclusion

We are committed to making both the recruitment process and the role fully accessible. Reasonable adjustments will be provided throughout recruitment, induction and appointment upon request.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with lived experience of long-term health conditions, individuals from under-represented communities, and individuals whose experiences can enhance the diversity and effectiveness of our Board, including women and people of all gender identities who are currently underrepresented at Board level.

Further Information and Support for Applicants

We are committed to making the recruitment process and role accessible and inclusive. If you require information in an alternative format or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments, please contact us and we will be pleased to assist.

For further information or informal enquiries, please contact Victor at vebiloma@disability.co.uk
or 07747 215658

How to Apply

Please submit:

• An up-to-date CV; and

• A supporting statement of no more than two pages explaining why you are interested in becoming a Board Trustee (OFSTED Lead), how your experience meets the requirements of the role, and what you would bring to the organisation.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet members of the Board and Executive Team as part of the selection process.

Please note: this is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable expenses incurred whilst undertaking Trustee duties will be reimbursed.