Chair of Trustees – Recruitment Opportunity
Term of Office: 3 years (with opportunity for re-election)
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
About Camphill Wakefield
Camphill Wakefield is a specialist college supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We provide a safe, inclusive, and ambitious learning environment, with a strong focus on preparing learners for adulthood, independence, and meaningful futures.
Our provision includes:
• Post-16 and Post-19 education, including enterprise and career pathways
• Day Services, supporting continued development beyond education
We are proud of our person-centred approach and our commitment to ensuring that every learner makes meaningful progress and achieves ambitious outcomes.
The Opportunity
Our current Chair of Trustees is stepping down at the end of the academic year, and we are seeking a new Chair to join us from September 2026.
This is a pivotal leadership role, providing strategic direction to a committed Board of Trustees and supporting the organisation through its next phase of development. The Chair will play a critical role in ensuring strong governance, high standards, and continued improvement across all areas of provision.
The Role
As Chair of Trustees, you will:
• Provide effective strategic leadership to the Board
• Ensure robust governance and clear accountability
• Support and challenge senior leaders to deliver high-quality education and care
• Oversee organisational performance, including learner outcomes and quality of provision
• Champion a strong safeguarding culture across the organisation
• Ensure readiness for Ofsted and regulatory inspection, maintaining high standards of compliance and continuous improvement
• Guide the organisation through growth and development, ensuring sustainability and impact
About You
We are looking for an individual who:
• Has strong strategic leadership and governance skills
• Is committed to improving outcomes for young people with SEND
• Can provide both support and constructive challenge to senior leaders
• Understands (or is willing to develop understanding of) education, health, or social care systems
• Brings integrity, sound judgement, and the ability to lead a diverse Board effectively
Experience as a Chair or Trustee is desirable but not essential. We welcome applicants from a wide range of professional backgrounds. Experience in areas such as education, safeguarding, quality improvement, or data-informed decision-making would be advantageous.
Why Join Us?
As Chair of Trustees at Camphill Wakefield, you will:
• Shape the strategic direction of a values-driven organisation
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people
• Develop your leadership and governance experience
• Work alongside a committed Board and senior leadership team
Inclusion and Safeguarding
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Camphill Wakefield is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
How to Apply
For further details, please refer to the Chair Of Trustees Recruitment Pack V1 April 2026
To arrange an informal discussion or to speak with the current Chair, please contact:
Deborah Archer, Governance & Policy Officer
Email: deborah.archer@camphill.ac.uk
Phone: 07455 849559
To apply, please complete the Trustee Application Form 2026 and Camphill Equality And Diversity Monitoring Form
Closing Date: Friday 19th June 2026