Trustee (Finance, Legal, Safeguarding knowledge) - Volunteer, Nottingham

Life Skills Education Charity is the leading substance misuse prevention education charity in the UK. We are looking for experienced leaders from the legal, not‑for‑profit and education sectors to join our voluntary board of Trustees.

Originally brought to Mansfield in 1995 under licence from DARE America, over 10 versions of our Life Skills Primary programme have been delivered to over 500,000 young people throughout the UK. Life Skills Education Charity believes that all young people deserve the right to lead safe and healthy lives and achieve their potential. We do this by providing evidence‑based, professional resources to schools, local authorities and community groups.

As well as the Primary Programme, we have developed the Life Skills Game Modules, Web Warriors, and STARS, a Key Stage 1 and 2 suite of programmes for years 1 through 4. In effect, a range of products that build upon each other from age 6 through 16.

In 2018 a randomised control-sampled evaluation of a UK‑based Life Skills programme, involving 60 schools and over 1,500 young people, showed that our work has a statistically proven positive impact on learning outcomes in areas such as Communication, Knowledge around Drugs, Getting Help and Making Safe and Responsible Choices.

In 2022 the Youth Endowment Fund evaluation (3,881 young people) showed impacts on reducing children’s self‑reported behavioural and emotional problems and a reduction in verbal aggression, substance use and the amount of physical attacks and threats they received. It had a high impact on reducing non‑violent, low‑level crime. Pupils consulted perceived that their confidence, ability to resist peer pressure, decision making and communication skills had improved.

As part of our board, you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, and help us achieve our purpose of ensuring all young people have access to well‑developed and evaluated 'life skills' resources, enabling them to make informed, healthy decisions.

• Leadership experience in Finance, Legal, Education or the third sector.
• Specific experience as Designated Safeguarding Lead would be a great fit.
• High priority given to applicants from the BAME community.

Hybrid work model.

If you want to give something back to the community and young people or simply keep active with like‑minded people, then we are interested in you. This can be fun and rewarding. We are a small organisation with big ambitions and would benefit from your expertise in law, the third sector or education. In return, you’ll be joining a team that is laser‑focused on helping young people make safe and healthy choices about drugs, alcohol and other risky situations.

We have a suite of programmes that can be delivered across a young person’s academic lifetime; your help and expertise will ensure that our programmes are delivered and have a direct, positive impact on as many young people as possible.

We would estimate the time commitment to be, on average, ½ a day per month or 6 days per year. Of course, you are welcome to do more, and we would welcome your contribution.

Expenses can be claimed for business‑related activities.