The Seckford Foundation, a distinguished charitable organisation based in Suffolk, is renowned for its unwavering commitment to education, social care, and community enrichment. With a rich history spanning over 400 years, the Seckford Foundation has established itself as a pillar of support and opportunity for individuals and communities in the region.

The Foundation's core mission is to promote and support the education and care of the young and the elderly in and around the town of Woodbridge and the county of Suffolk. It operates Woodbridge School, a leading co-educational independent school for children from 4-18, recently rated as “Excellent” in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2023.

In addition to education, the Seckford Foundation offers a range of services oriented towards helping older people to lead safe, independent and fulfilling lives. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission since 2016, Seckford Care provides person-centred housing, support and care in beautiful and historical surroundings, within Extra Care apartments in the Almshouses, Residential Care in Jubilee House and day-service provision.

The Foundation is proud to be an integral part of the community in Woodbridge and the wider Suffolk area. As both its care facilities and school continue to thrive, the Board is excited to welcome new Governors to help guide this renowned institution through the next phase of its history.

Becoming a Governor at the Seckford Foundation is an exciting opportunity to help an historic charity continue its important work and support its community. Alongside contributing to a philanthropic cause, Governors also gain valuable professional experience through training and personal development, as well as valuable exposure to governance within a boardroom environment.

The Board oversees both the education and care services of the Seckford Foundation, holding ultimate control of and responsibility for the strategic direction and management of the Foundation, including:

• Approving the vision and strategic plans for the Foundation and each of its activities and monitoring progress against those plans
• Ensuring that the Foundation is carrying out its charitable purposes in line with its aims and objectives, charitable objects and for public benefit
• Overseeing the financial and operating performance of the Foundation and each of its activities against agreed plans
• Ensuring that the Foundation acts in accordance with its Articles of Association
• Educating, caring for, safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of young people and vulnerable adults
• Ensuring that suitable policies and procedure are in place to support staff development and wellbeing
• Establishing a clear and effective approach to support equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the organisation
• Ensuring compliance with inspection regimes and all legal and regulatory requirements

The Foundation has a series of committees reporting to the Board, including Care, Education, Finance Audit and Resources and Compliance and Risk. All Governors are expected to be a member of at least one Committee.

The Chairs of each Committee are the lead Governor on the Board in their respective areas, working closely with the Executive responsible for that area. The Foundation would be particularly interested in candidates who may, in due course, be willing to serve as chair of the Care Committee, working closely with the Foundation’s Director of Care.

In order to strengthen the balance of skills and expertise on the Board, the Seckford Foundation is now looking to appoint new Governors with experience within social care. These new Governors will join the Care Committee, and will be champions of best practice in this area at both Committee and main Board level, helping to ensure that Seckford continues to uphold its exceptional standards.

Candidates may come from a background within domiciliary or residential care, with experience of CQC regulation, or may come from a similar or adjacent industry such as housing associations. Previous non-executive experience is not necessary, and indeed the Foundation would be eager to hear from current practitioners with an up-to-date knowledge of the changing regulatory environment.

All candidates should be comfortable contributing across the range of topics which come before the Board, and will share in Seckford's passion for promoting the wellbeing of young people and meeting the needs of older people.

For more information about the Board of Governors, please click here.

The Board of Governors meets approximately six times a year, and the Care Committee a further three times per year. Governors may be called upon to contribute ad hoc advice or input on projects, and there is an expectation that they will visit the Foundation's sites regularly to undertake governor visits.

This is a voluntary role, although reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed.

The Seckford Foundation welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith 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 diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.