Non-Executive Director

Vallis Farm Education Centre CIC is looking for volunteer Non-Executive Directors for our new Education Centre CIC starting early in 2026!

 Company Description

Vallis Farm Education Centre CIC (based in Frome, Somerset), is intending to provide day courses, DWP work placements, Skills Bootcamps, our own LANTRA-certified courses and apprenticeships, in horticulture and agroecology. We will also run a weekly youth group to improve nature connection amongst young people; encourage a healthy attitude to the outdoors and give them land-based skills that they will not learn at school. There will also be a ‘light touch’ element of ecology and wildlife to address more positively the challenges we now face with climate change.

Our courses will be open to everyone of all ages; however, our primary focus will be on the provision of post-16 learning opportunities outside of ‘A’ levels and higher education; i.e. further education, work experience and land-based skills development to, ultimately, increase employability.

Our work is guided by a passion for an education that suits all learners, a commitment to supporting everyone to achieve their potential and a desire to see increased employability for young people living in Frome and the surrounding areas.

The Education Centre will be run by Vallis Farms Ltd Head of Land & Learning in conjunction with the Education Centre’s Operations Manager. The Head of Land & Learning will run the youth group and deliver teaching alongside other contracted instructors/teaching staff. The CIC will apply for funding to enable children, young people and adults to take educational courses who would normally self-exclude or be excluded due to lack of transport options or for financial reasons (e.g. a lack of funds to pay for a course or necessary equipment e.g. boots).

Role Description

We are looking for Non-Executive Directors to join our small and passionate board of three people.

This is a voluntary role suitable for individuals who, like us, care deeply about an education provision for all, and are also eager to contribute to shaping the future direction of the Education Centre. You don’t need to have previous board experience or formal qualifications - we’re looking for people with experience in either education (ideally secondary level or above), budget/finance management and reporting, monitoring and evaluation or charity governance, and have a desire to share your experience and skills. 

As a Non-Executive Director, you will:

• Participate in board meetings (in-person in Frome) as often as is necessary to effectively carry out board duties and govern the CIC. The frequency can be decided by the board once convened, but will be quarterly at most
• Help guide Vallis Farm Education Centre’s strategy and priorities
• Ensure the CIC has effective leadership, strong accountability systems and effective policies and procedures to ensure it always meets its legal obligations and serves its stated community purpose
• Offer insight, challenge, and support to ensure good governance
• Act as an ambassador for our mission to improve post-16 provision in our area and help us build connections
• Contribute your lived experience, professional knowledge/experience, or community perspective to strengthen our education provision
• Ensure no conflicts of interest occur during the delivery of the CIC’s business

This role is ideal for individuals who want to leverage their skills and experience, passion, or learned perspective to drive positive change in further education and employability for the young people of Somerset.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We ask that you bring:

• An interest in improving accessibility to high quality further education
• Experience (professional or personal) in at least one of the following four areas:
  1. Education
  2. Budget/financial management
  3. Monitoring and evaluation (progress and impact)
  4. Charity governance
• Operational and/or company management experience
• Creative ideas, strategic thinking, or problem-solving skills
• A willingness to learn, listen, and contribute as part of a supportive team

 Key Details

• Role type: Voluntary
• Location: Frome, Somerset
• Commitment: Up to 4 board meetings per year, plus occasional input between meetings
• Start date: Flexible, February/March 2026

Apply formally by sending your CV, details of two referees and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to our Head of Land & Learning, Tamsin Westbrook: tamsin@vallisfarm.co.uk. If you have questions or would like an informal chat about the role before submitting an application, please call Tamsin on 07788 563208 

Deadline for applications: 23.59 on Friday 9^th January 2026. An interview will follow for shortlisted candidates later in January to assess suitability and to meet the CIC team. All candidates will be informed whether they have been shortlisted or not. References may be sought prior to shortlisting for interview.

 This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.