Role Title: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Time Commitment: c. 3–4 days per month (including preparation time)

Term: Typically 3 years, renewable once

This is an incredibly exciting time to join the City & Guilds Foundation.

We have a secure income, a strong brand, a talented and committed team – and now, an opportunity to set a new long-term strategy. This has been enabled by the recent sale of City & Guilds’ commercial training and awarding body to a new owner, which has created a substantial financial base which we will use to achieve long term impact.

As a Royal Charter charity, the City & Guilds Foundation is uniquely positioned to influence the skills landscape at a time when society needs it most. Our mission is clear: to use the power of skills to drive social and economic change. We already have a track record in this space and over the past 5 years we have awarded £5.6m in grants and supported 15,000 individuals. Our funding with rehabilitation and displaced people partners has also delivered £23m in social return on investment over the last five years.

The Chair will lead the Board of the City and Guilds Foundation dedicated to improving access to skills and employment. With an annual budget of £3–5m, the Foundation will make strategic grants, influence policy and practice, and collaborate with like-minded organisations, employers, and communities.

The Chair’s primary responsibility is to provide leadership, governance, and strategic direction, ensuring the Foundation delivers high-impact, evidence-driven outcomes and maintains the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity. They will also be Chair, Council.

For more information please contact our search partners Green Park at rebecca.hopkinson@green-park.co.uk and visit our dedicated microsite: https://micro.green-park.co.uk/city-guilds-foundation/

Role closes 11:59pm Sunday 8th March 2026