Become a Trustee
Help shape the future of the Institute.
Our trustees are at the heart of IALM's governance. As members of our board, they hold ultimate responsibility for the direction, integrity and good management of the Institute, ensuring that we deliver our charitable purpose and remain true to our mission and values.
As IALM grows, we are keen to welcome new trustees who share our vision and can bring experience, insight and commitment to our work. Becoming a trustee is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the advancement of learning — to guide an ambitious institute at a formative stage, and to help build something of lasting public benefit.
How the process works
Vacancies for trustee positions are advertised through our website, our networks and our wider channels. Each vacancy is accompanied by a role description and a person specification, setting out the responsibilities of the role and the skills, experience and qualities we are seeking.
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Institute's governing document. Appointments are made on merit, following an open and transparent process, and with regard to the balance of skills and experience the board needs to govern effectively. New trustees serve for a defined term of office, after which they may be eligible for reappointment, subject to the provisions of our constitution.
All trustees give their time voluntarily. While the role is unremunerated, reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out trustee duties may be reimbursed in line with our policies.
Who is eligible to become a Trustee?
We welcome interest from individuals who are committed to the Institute's mission and able to contribute to its governance and strategic direction. In particular, we look for people who can offer:
A genuine commitment to advancing learning, education and the public benefit, and to the values of the Institute.
Experience and judgement that can contribute to high-level decision-making, strategic thinking and effective governance.
Particular skills or expertise relevant to our work — for example in research, education, academia, finance, law, governance, fundraising, communications or organisational leadership.
The willingness to devote the necessary time and to act with integrity, in the best interests of the Institute and its beneficiaries at all times.
Legal requirements
In addition, there are legal requirements that every trustee must meet. To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Not be disqualified from acting as a charity trustee under the Charities Act. The reasons for automatic disqualification include being an undischarged bankrupt or having an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) with creditors; having an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (or certain other specified offences); having been removed as a charity trustee by the Charity Commission or the courts for misconduct or mismanagement; and being disqualified from acting as a company director.
Because aspects of our work may involve children and young people, certain roles may also be subject to safeguarding checks, and individuals barred from working in regulated activity with children or vulnerable adults are not eligible to act as trustees of the Institute.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, we are happy to discuss this with you in confidence.
I am interested, what do I do next?
We would be delighted to hear from you. If you are considering putting yourself forward as a trustee, we encourage you to register your interest in the first instance by contacting us.
Before making a formal application, you are warmly invited to contact us for an informal, no-obligation conversation about the role. This is an opportunity to learn more about the Institute and the responsibilities involved, to ask any questions you may have, and to understand the level of commitment expected — so that you can decide whether the role is right for you.
What will the next steps be?
Once you have expressed your interest, we will be in touch to outline the next steps. As part of the process, we will typically:
Your CV & motivations
Ask for a copy of your CV, together with a short statement of your motivations for seeking a trustee role and what you feel you could contribute.
A conversation
Arrange a conversation to explore your interests, experience and how they align with the needs of the board.
Information & decision
Provide you with further information about the Institute, including our governing document and relevant policies, so that you can make an informed decision.
Successful candidates will be asked to confirm their eligibility to act as a charity trustee and to complete the appropriate declarations before being formally appointed.
We are committed to an open and inclusive approach to trustee recruitment, and we welcome interest from people of all backgrounds who share our commitment to advancing the science and practice of learning.
