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Introduction

We are seeking a new HR specialist Trustee for Energy Sparks, a charity working towards a sustainable future in which the school community is at the heart of measurable action to tackle climate change. Energy Sparks equips children and young people with the knowledge, skills, and tools to take practical action in their school and wider community to reduce carbon emissions. Working with over 1000 schools nationwide we enable school leaders, staff and pupils to better understand and reduce their school’s energy consumption and introduce wider measures to reduce their carbon footprint. This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to climate change by supporting the governance and delivery of data-driven learning opportunities to teach young people how to cut carbon emissions in their schools. Whilst HR expertise is required, this role is primarily strategic and governance-focused. Trustees are not expected to provide day-to-day operational support.


Principal Responsibilities for HR Trustee

  • Provide strategic oversight and challenge on people, culture and workforce matters, supporting the Chair of trustees and CEO on HR matters.
  • Support the Board and CEO in ensuring Energy Spark’s people strategy is aligned to its mission and future growth. 
  • Advise on significant HR risks, workforce planning, succession planning and organisational development.
  • Review key HR policies and people-related governance arrangements to ensure legal compliance and good practice.
  • Monitor high-level workforce indicators and bring emerging risks or opportunities to the Board’s attention.
  • Champion Energy Sparks’ commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and a positive organisational culture. 
  • Act as a trusted advisor while maintaining an appropriate distinction between governance and operational management.


Person Specification

Essential experience and personal qualities

  • Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the charity, its strategic objectives and its cause.
  • Senior HR or People leadership experience.
  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
  • Experience of advising senior leaders and/or boards on people related issues.
  • A strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and employee wellbeing.
  • Strategic thinker who can distinguish between governance and operational management.


Desirable experience

  • Experience within a charity, education or purpose-driven organisation where resources are limited.
  • Experience of building positive organisational cultures in remote teams.
  • Experience scaling smaller organisations.


The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed for occasional in-person meetings held in Bath. Our Trustee Board meetings, of which there are four a year, are mostly held remotely. Trustees are expected to contribute to major decision-making between meetings, particularly in relation to their specialist areas of expertise. 


How to apply

Please send the following by email to hello@energysparks.uk:

  •  A full CV
  •  A covering letter setting out your reasons for applying and how you consider that you meet the person specification for this voluntary role


Applicants are encouraged to find out more about Energy Sparks at http://www.energysparks.uk


For an informal discussion about the role, please contact, Claudia Towner, Energy Sparks CEO on hello@energysparks.uk