Candidate Pack
Board Trustee
(Non – Executive Director)
A message from our Chief Executive Officer
Welcome to Agored Cymru.
Our vision is “to enable individuals to gain the knowledge and skills they need to maximise their potential, enrich their lives and contribute to their communities and a strong economy”
We achieve this by developing high-quality bilingual products and services that are accessible to all learners and that meet the needs of all types of providers and employers.
Our expert teams have been supporting providers and supporting learner success for over 30 years. To ensure we have maintained our relevance within an ever-changing education sector we have constantly evolved our offer and ways of working to align with the requirements of our providers and stakeholders.
We firmly believe in providing the best service possible with the foundations to ensure our staff have the relevant up-to-date skills and knowledge to support our centres and partners.
If you are ambitious and want to work as part of a team where your skills are recognised and rewarded, we would like to hear from you.
Darren Howells
CEO
About Agored Cymru
Agored Cymru is a recognised awarding body and Access Validating Agency with a proud history of supporting learners, providers and employers for more than 30 years. Our qualifications, assessment services and educational programmes support thousands of learners across Wales and the wider UK, helping individuals develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to progress in learning, employment and life.
As a charitable organisation and social enterprise, our purpose extends beyond qualification delivery. We are committed to widening participation, promoting social mobility and creating accessible opportunities for learners from all backgrounds. We work with schools, colleges, universities, training providers, local authorities, employers, third-sector organisations and government stakeholders to develop qualifications and learning solutions that respond to the needs of learners, communities and the economy.
Building strong and lasting partnerships is central to our success. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality support to our centres and customers, developing solutions that meet their needs, and helping them deliver positive outcomes for learners. Our collaborative approach, sector expertise and commitment to excellent customer service have enabled us to establish trusted relationships across Wales and beyond.
As we continue to grow and evolve, we are committed to identifying new opportunities, strengthening existing partnerships, and delivering innovative products and services that create value for learners, providers, employers and communities.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation that combines commercial ambition with social purpose, helping to shape educational opportunities and learner success across Wales and the wider UK.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this role, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for the role to hr@agored.cymru.
The closing date for applications will be close of business on Friday 21st August 2026.
Agored Cymru reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received and may begin interviewing before the closing date.
First stage interviews will be held online to ensure accessibility and flexibility for all candidates.
• First stage interviews are expected to take place week commencing 31st August 2026.
• Second stage interviews are planned for week commencing 7th September 2026.
Please note that you must have proof that you have the right to work and live in the UK.
Job Description
| Job Title | Board Trustee (Non-Executive Director) |
| Reports to | Chair of the Board |
| Division/Department | Agored Cymru Board of Non – Executive Directors |
| Employment Status | Office Holder (Volunteer Trustee) – Fixed Term Appointment |
| Working Hours | Approximately 2–3 days per month (including Board meetings, committee meetings, preparation and development activities) |
| Responsible For | Strategic governance, oversight and stewardship of Agored Cymru. |
| Salary | Unremunerated. Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed. |
Job Purpose
The purpose of this role is to:
Provide strategic leadership and independent oversight as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Ensure Agored Cymru fulfils its charitable objectives and statutory responsibilities.
Contribute to the long-term strategic direction, sustainability and success of the organisation.
Hold the Executive Leadership Team to account for organisational performance, financial stewardship, risk management and regulatory compliance.
Safeguard the reputation, assets and values of Agored Cymru.
Act as an ambassador for Agored Cymru across Wales and the wider education and training sector.
As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for ensuring the organisation operates effectively, ethically and in accordance with charity law, company law and the requirements of the awarding body and Access Validating Agency licences.
Role Accountabilities
1. Governance
• Contribute to the effective governance of Agored Cymru.
• Ensure compliance with charity law, company law and regulatory requirements.
• Promote high standards of corporate governance and ethical decision making.
• Maintain oversight of organisational risks and internal controls.
2. Strategic Leadership
• Contribute to the development and approval of the corporate strategy.
• Monitor delivery against strategic objectives.
Provide constructive challenge and support to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Leadership Team.
• Consider emerging opportunities and risks affecting the organisation.
3. Financial Stewardship
• Approve budgets and monitor financial performance.
• Ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organisation.
• Scrutinise financial reports and ensure appropriate use of charitable resources.
• Ensure effective management of organisational assets.
4. Performance and Assurance
• Monitor organisational performance against agreed objectives and KPIs.
• Ensure quality assurance and regulatory obligations are met.
• Review reports relating to audit, risk, compliance and organisational performance.
• Promote continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
5. Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as an ambassador for Agored Cymru.
• Promote positive relationships with regulators, centres, partners and stakeholders.
Support the organisation's commitment to the Welsh language, equality, diversity and inclusion.
Enhance the reputation and profile of Agored Cymru.
6. Committee Responsibilities
• Serve on at least one Board Committee.
• Attend and actively contribute to Board and Committee meetings.
• Read Board papers in advance and contribute effectively to discussions.
• Participate in Board development, induction and training.
7. General
• Uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life.
• Declare and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Undertake continuing professional development relevant to the Trustee role.
• Undertake any additional duties consistent with the role of a Trustee.
Skills & Knowledge
What we need you to have -
Essential
Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
Ability to scrutinise information and provide constructive challenge.
Understanding of good governance principles.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to analyse complex information.
Commitment to public service and charitable objectives.
Ability to work collaboratively while maintaining independence of thought.
High standards of integrity and ethical behaviour.
Desirable
Previous Board or governance experience.
Knowledge of the education, skills or awarding organisation sectors.
Understanding of financial governance and risk management.
Experience in one or more of:
o Human Resources and Employment Law to enhance the Board’s oversight of people strategy, workforce governance, and employment practice.
o Colleges to strengthen the Board’s understanding of the further education and skills landscape, learner needs, and sector priorities.
o Commercial to enhance the Board’s oversight of commercial strategy, sustainability, and growth opportunities.
o Awarding and assessment to strengthen the Board’s oversight of qualification development, assessment practice, and awarding standards.
Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh.
Person Specification
Values and behaviours
The postholder will:
Demonstrate Agored Cymru's values.
Act with integrity, objectivity and accountability.
Support Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Respect confidentiality.
Work collaboratively whilst providing independent challenge.
Demonstrate commitment to learners and the organisation's charitable purpose.
Other Requirements
Willingness to attend Board and Committee meetings (currently five Board meetings per year together with Committee meetings).
Commitment to devote sufficient time to the role.
Willingness to undertake Trustee induction and ongoing development.
Ability to travel within Wales and occasionally elsewhere in the UK.
Right to work in the UK (where applicable).
Working at Agored Cymru
Agored Cymru is a Welsh awarding body and registered charity committed to supporting education, skills and lifelong learning across Wales and beyond. Working with schools, colleges, universities, training providers, local authorities and employers, we develop qualifications and services that enable learners to achieve their potential. As a Trustee, you will help shape the strategic direction of an organisation with over 30 years' experience, ensuring it continues to deliver public benefit, maintain the confidence of regulators and stakeholders, and respond to the changing needs of learners and the education sector.