Thomas’s Foundation is driven by the belief that every child deserves an enriching education. Its mission is to realise this vision for disadvantaged children, both in its local neighbourhoods in London and in rural communities in Nepal.

The Foundation realises this vision through three core programmes: 

• Foundation Bursaries: Thomas’s Foundation offers bursaries to pupils from Year 7, making possible a Thomas’s education for disadvantaged children whose families could not otherwise contemplate independent education for their child.
• Community Partnerships: Thomas’s Foundation funds programmes, delivered by local partners to improve the education of disadvantaged primary-aged school children in London; this includes the enhancement of art, drama, music and sport within the curriculum.
• CAIRN – Educating children in rural Nepal: Thomas’s Foundation funds educational programmes in rural villages in Nepal. These programmes aim to improve literacy and the quality of education. They include teacher training and library installations and are delivered through local NGOs.

All Thomas’s Foundation’s programmes are needs-driven and are delivered in a sustainable way, with clear accountability for their success in achieving their intended goals.

Thomas’s Foundation is run in the UK by a dedicated Executive Director with a team of local volunteers, and in Nepal with established partner NGOs which help to identify, develop and manage our programmes on the ground.

Thomas’s Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees who bring their expertise to bear and ensure that maximum positive impact is achieved for our beneficiaries.

The Board is responsible for overseeing the administration and sound management of the Foundation. They provide direction, passion and insight to ensure that the Foundation can deliver its ambitious vision and fulfil its belief that every child deserves an enriching education.

Thomas's Foundation is looking for up to four new Trustees. One will have a background in fundraising, engagement or business development in the charity sector, while the others will bring expertise in marketing / communications, HR, governance, or risk management.

Fundraising: Applicants will have operated in the fundraising, marketing or external engagement function of a charity and understand best practice for communicating with current supporters as well as potential donors. They will be able to guide the Foundation as it looks to develop a community in support of its work.

Marketing / Communications: Candidates will bring expertise in marketing or communications, which can be gained in any sector, and understand how the Foundation can increase its profile via digital channels.

HR: Applicants will have a strong understanding of people management issues, and be able to provide oversight of the Foundation's internal operations as well as its external engagement, for example with volunteers.

Governance / Risk Management To succeed someone who is coming to the end of their term, candidates will have experience of governance and risk management, providing oversight of the Foundation's risk register. This could have been gained in a variety of ways, for example as a lawyer or risk professional.

The successful candidates will be comfortable with working collaboratively in a small team as well as bringing sound, independent judgement and vision to the Foundation's strategic aims.

Krista Pound, Chair
Chris Benson
Mark Dearlove
John Mayne
Bunmi Richards
Ben Thomas
Susana White

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. Board meetings, which take place four times per year, are held on weekday mornings and are normally three hours long. In-person attendance is preferred, with a hybrid option available as needed. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board.