New Physics Partners Chair

Introduction

Physics Partners is a small charity providing hands-on training and support for non-specialists, early-career physics teachers and science technicians in state secondary schools. Our aim is ultimately to increase the number of young people studying physics beyond GCSE, particularly those who are under-represented, such as girls.

Our current Chair, Tommy Cookson, was one of the founding trustees. Over 14 years, he has been instrumental in helping to develop the charity. As a result of this work and his long-standing commitment to education, he was awarded an MBE in 2022. 

Physics Partners has expanded its reach and impact in recent years as the demand for its services has increased. The charity has a current annual turnover of over £100k from a range of funding sources. It is now looking to actively expand this to secure its future growth and development.

The day-to-day operation of the charity is supported by a core team consisting of the Chief Executive, a Programme & Operations Director and a Fundraising Adviser. The training programme is delivered by a cadre of consultant trainers who have extensive experience in physics teaching.

We are now looking for a new Chair of Trustees who can work with the Chief Executive to deliver the next exciting phase of the Charity’s development.

The role is:

• Voluntary
• Unremunerated, but with reasonable travel expenses covered. 
• Home-based with 4 trustee meetings per year (online and face to face in London)

We are looking for someone committed and collaborative, who can ensure effective governance of Physics Partners and who will help to support an ambitious growth strategy.

Physics Partners is committed to achieving greater diversity in its Board, and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief, or disability. 

If you believe you have the qualities and skills we need, we would love to hear from you. 

Recruitment timetable

Deadline for applications: 5pm, Tuesday, 17 February 2023

First stage panel interviews: Tuesday, 28 February, 2023

Second interviews: Evening, Wednesday, 8 March, 2023

How to apply

To apply to become the new Chair of Trustees of Physics Partners, please send a CV and a supporting statement of no more than one page of A4 to hr@physicspartners.com with the subject as ‘Chair application [your surname]’. Please include your contact number, email address and the name of two referees. If you have any questions, please direct these to the email above.

We will invite shortlisted candidates to an interview on 28 February. Following the interview process, references will be taken up. 

We are committed to safeguarding. Successful candidates will be required to abide by the Charity’s safeguarding policy and will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Further details can be found at the link below: