Interested in applying?
If you’d like to contribute to AQA’s work and support the future of education, we’d be pleased to hear from you.
Become an AQA Trustee
Shape the future of education for generations to come
A board position with lasting purpose
We're looking for leaders from a diverse range of backgrounds and locations, who want to use their breadth of different experience and skills to support fair and high-quality education.
As a non-executive member of our Board of Trustees, you'll help guide AQA's strategy and ensure we continue to fulfil our charitable purpose - to advance education for the benefit of the public.
Why become a Trustee?
This is an opportunity to contribute to work that has real impact on teachers, centres and millions of students.
As part of the Board, you’ll help make decisions that affect how assessment and training are developed and delivered, whilst maintaining standards and fairness and increasing inclusion across education.
You’ll also have the opportunity to:
- use your skills and experience to guide an organisation focused on public benefit
- gain or further your experience of board-level decision making and governance
- expand your network of contacts with leaders from a range of professional backgrounds.
About the role
The Board of Trustees gives firm strategic direction to the organisation, works with the Chief Executive Officer to set overall policy and goals, and evaluates performance against our educational and charitable objectives. The Board is supported in this work by its governance committees.
The Board of Trustees' responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Setting AQA’s strategic direction
Ensuring effective governance and oversight that guides our work
Monitoring performance, risk and financial sustainability
Supporting and constructively challenging the Executive Team
Overseeing financial performance and long-term viability
Maintaining the quality and integrity of our qualifications
Engaging with stakeholders across education and industry
Being a trustee at AQA is incredibly rewarding; I feel like I can really make a difference through supporting and enabling AQA's charitable aims ”
AQA Trustee
Who we’re looking for
We’re interested in people who can contribute to balanced, well-informed decision making.
You may not have previous Board experience, and not every Trustee role requires a background in the education and training sector. We value a range of experience and perspectives.
You’ll bring:
- senior leadership expertise
- demonstrable ability to set organisational strategy and consider the wider picture
- sound judgement and a willingness to contribute actively
- a strong interest in education and AQA’s purpose
- The confidence to support and challenge where needed
- A collaborative approach and respect for different views
Time commitment
Many of our Trustees balance multiple commitments, from other trustee and NED positions, to full-time roles at other organisations. Our expectations are designed to fit around this:
- five Board meetings each year
- additional time for committee meetings and preparation
- a maximum first term of office of three years, with the possibility of a further term.
Inclusion and representation
We want our Board to reflect the learners, teachers and trainers we serve.
We welcome applications from individuals with different backgrounds, experience and perspectives, including those who are currently underrepresented on Boards.