About High Tide Foundation

The High Tide Foundation is a registered charity delivering meaningful work experience and career programmes to schools, colleges and young people aged 11-19 years old in the Tees Valley. Our virtual and workplace-based programmes directly connect young people with employers from a diverse range of industries and sectors; connecting the curriculum with careers, opening the door to career opportunities and providing a glimpse into a diverse range of businesses across the Tees Valley.

Our programmes also provide unique and life-enriching experiences that help young people engage with employers, understand the world of work, improve personal skills and raise aspirations. For more information on our programme, team and board.

Background

After nearly 10 successful years, High Tide is now in a period of scale and development providing an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of a highly regarded charity that is immersed in, and engaged with, the Tees Valley community. With the introduction of new virtual work experience programmes and a dramatic increase in reach and impact, High Tide is aiming to engage with over 4000 students in the coming year through a range of life-changing digital and workplace-based programmes.

The successful candidate should be able to contribute to the strategic leadership of High Tide and will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges and opportunities faced by the charity while being comfortable working at a strategic level alongside a mix of staff, business members and education partners. You will be joining an established Board whose role is to ensure that the vision and corporate objectives are achieved, that the expectations of all stakeholders are fulfilled, a sound financial position is maintained based on strong principles of professional control and good governance.

Experience and Role

This is a voluntary role providing a unique opportunity to support and influence the growth and development of High Tide, and its work inspiring the young people of Tees Valley.
To complement the current board of trustees, the successful candidate will have a background and experience in accounting and financial management and be able to demonstrate:

• success in a senior role in the private, public and/or education sector
• an understanding of the role of a trustee in promoting good governance
• ]a good understanding of the role that industry plays in skills development
• a passion for supporting the development of young people
• the ability to consider complex issues related to evaluating strategic performance
• the skills to challenge established thinking at  Board level and present views in a clear and concise manner
• a clear commitment to improving diversity and equality and the capacity to expand the vision of High Tide in order that the Trust continues to develop it’s scope, reach and value to the Tees Valley community

Commitment required for the role will be approximately 6-8 meetings per year including half-day board meetings and subcommittee meetings. In addition, you would have the option to attend a similar number of the programme based “evening events” such as Graduations or Business/Education Membership events.

Please submit your application to lauren@hightidefoundation.co.uk for the attention of Lauren Bywater, General Manager of High Tide.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 31st May.