The Archbishop of Canterbury, John Whitgift (1538-1604), founded The Whitgift Foundation, now known as John Whitgift Foundation in 1596. His aims were to provide education for the young and care for the elderly. The Foundation, a registered charity incorporated under the Whitgift Charity Act 1969, owns and manages three independent schools – Whitgift School, Trinity School and Old Palace of John Whitgift School, together with an Almshouse, two care homes and carers centre, all located within the Croydon area. Income generated from the Foundation’s investment and property portfolios provides funds for substantial bursary support to nearly half of its 3,000 pupils and also helps to support the running of its care homes.

More than 400 years later the Foundation supports around 45% of its 3,000 current students at the three independent schools through generous means-tested bursaries amounting to over £6 million a year, plus generous scholarships provided by the schools. Such support to families allows talented boys and girls from Croydon and further afield to be educated at three outstanding schools irrespective of their background. The John Whitgift Foundation also owns and manages three care homes, the Almshouses, Whitgift House and Wilhelmina House. These offer a range of care needs from sheltered accommodation to full nursing care.

Whilst the Foundation is firmly established in the Croydon community, it continues to look for opportunities expand its valuable services even further. As it looks to the future, the Foundation will explore new avenues for long-term, sustainable revenue generation, while maintain a focus on the quality of its provision across its education and care services. 

The Foundation is governed by the Court, which is made up of 15 Court Governors who meet at least four times a year. Court Governors come from a range of educational, care and business backgrounds, and they oversee the day-to-day management of the charity, led by Chief Executive Martin Corney. Governors provide overall strategic direction to the organisation and are ultimately responsible for ensuring that Charity Commission requirements are met.

Court Governors are expected to:

• Assist with future planning and development of the Foundation and / or its various operations
• Ensure that the Foundation's establishments comply with legislative and regulatory requirements and acts within the confines of the charity’s governing document
• Have input into budget planning and monitoring financial performance
• Draw on their particular area of expertise, participate fully at committee meetings and in decision making processes
• Act in the best interests of the Foundation at all times, pursuing the delivery of the Foundation’s charitable objects
• Positively and pro-actively promote the Foundation’s schools and care homes to the wider community
• Maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive / confidential information received in the course of Governors’ responsibilities to the Foundation about the Foundation’s staff, residents, parents, and pupils, ensuring compliance with the conflict of interest policy
• Attend various events and functions across the Foundation whenever possible, for example school performances and special events at our care homes
• Undertake any training identified as necessary for a governor of the Foundation

In addition, this Court Governor will Chair the Old Palace of John Whitgift School Committee. Each of the three schools within the Foundation is governed by such a Committee of the Court. The Committee is comprised of the Governors of the School and acts as a vital link between the Foundation and the School. Old Palace of John Whitgift School is a leading independent day school for girls aged 4-18. The school prides itself on empowering girls to become well-rounded, compassionate, young women who are well equipped for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. 

All governors are required to undertake an enhanced DBS check with barred list check on appointment.

The John Whitgift Foundation is looking for a new Court Governor who will also become the Chair of the Old Palace of John Whitgift School Committee.

The successful candidate could come from a range of different backgrounds. The Board is interested in individuals with broad, strategic-level commercial experience and a proven ability to Chair. A connection with Croydon is not essential, however it would be seen as highly advantageous. 

Above all, candidates must be aligned with the Trust’s values and bring a passion for transforming the lives of children and older people. As its beneficiaries come from various backgrounds, the Foundation is looking for the Board to reflect its diverse population.

To find out more about The John Whitgift Foundation's Governors, please visit here. A full list of Old Palace Governors can be found here. 

There are four Court meetings per year. The Court is supported by Committees representing each of the three schools in the Foundation, which meet a further three times per year. This appointee will Chair the Old Palace Committee. Additionally, Court Governors join one of the Board's Sub-Committees, which also meet three times per year. All meetings generally take place in the evening during the working week and last for approximately two hours. Each Court Governor is elected for a three-year term and may be re-elected to a maximum tenure of 12 years. The role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

This organisation is based in Croydon and meetings generally take place in-person. Candidates will therefore ideally be based in or near Croydon and its surrounding areas.

The John Whitgift Foundation welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.