Photo: Trustees Emily Howman (left) and Lily Elsner (right) outside the Wood Centre for InnovationÂ
Headington, Oxford | part time (voluntary)
We are looking to appoint two new education focused trustees to join the current 13-member Board as we complete our latest investment at the Wood Centre for Innovation (also home to Science Oxford team) and work with a new CEO to develop the organisation’s next three to five-year strategic plan.
We are currently seeking individuals with lived experience and expertise in either secondary or primary STEM education. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future direction of The Oxford Trust and support our mission to encourage the pursuit of science through innovation and education.
For the secondary STEM education trustee role, applicants should have a teaching qualification with leadership experience within secondary education, alongside knowledge of the state secondary science curriculum, STEM careers education, employer engagement and the Gatsby Benchmarks. Strong local networks across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and experience of working collaboratively with schools and external organisations would be highly beneficial.
For the primary STEM education trustee role, applicants should have a teaching qualification with leadership experience within primary education, with experience supporting STEM engagement, enrichment activities and informal learning opportunities linked to the national curriculum. Knowledge of Multi-Academy Trusts and the ability to help build relationships with schools and stakeholders would also be valuable.
Trustees will support the effective governance of the charity, helping to guide the strategic direction of the organisation while supporting and constructively challenging the CEO and senior leadership team. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about science, education and entrepreneurship, and who are committed to diversity and inclusion.
Our ambition is for The Oxford Trust Board to represent and reflect the diversity of our communities and stakeholders, and we particularly welcome applications from people from under-represented groups, including people with lived experience of disability and younger applicants.
There are typically four two-hour in-person board meetings per year, alongside one strategic planning half-day. Participation in the Education Committee may involve up to four additional two-hour meetings per year, some of which may take place remotely via Teams.
For more information, please contact [email protected] to arrange an informal and confidential discussion with current trustees, where appropriate. For more information see our The Oxford Trust Board Pack – May 2026Â
To apply, please send an application letter outlining your skills, experience and reasons for wishing to join the Board to [email protected]. A CV or LinkedIn profile is optional.
Application deadline: Friday 26th June 2026
Successful applicants will meet with the Chair of Trustees, Vice Chair of Trustees, relevant committee chair and CEO, with a view to the term beginning from September 2026 or as mutually agreed.
Quotes from trustees:
“Being a trustee of The Oxford Trust is especially rewarding because it gives me the chance to give something back to a charity that helped me start my own business many years ago. I particularly value the opportunity to support pupils, teachers and parents by helping the Trust inspire young people about science and technology. The Trust does so much to promote science, education and innovation across the region, it is a privilege to help that work continue and grow.”
Chair of Trustees
“We’re fortunate as a charity not to rely on grants or donations. As a trustee that allows me to focus on supporting our excellent team in delivering two aims that I’m particularly passionate about: inspiring young people to discover the wonder and potential of science and creating an environment where aspiring scientific entrepreneurs can develop ground-breaking innovations. It’s a fascinating and rewarding role, and one that is well worth the modest investment of time.”
Trustee
“For so many kids science just doesn’t happen at all. They’re turned off at a young age and never regain a thirst for how science works and what it can do. The best thing about being a trustee of The Oxford Trust is that I can do something to help solve this problem. We want more young scientists!”
Trustee
