Smart School Councils is a charity helping every child to find their voice
At a time of deep division in society, it’s more important than ever for young people to be a central part of our democracy and debate. This can’t only be open to those with the loudest voices, pushy parents, or who are the easiest to work with.
Our simple idea
We believe that every young person’s voice should be involved. Because everyone’s voice is important.
Our award-winning, easy-to-use platform for busy schools enables every pupil in a school to be involved in active, everyday democracy. Our 506 member schools are making this a reality.
Our Programme
We support schools with a whole-school approach to democracy. 10,000 children take part every day in short, student-led class meetings that lead to real change and build oracy skills. Schools pay an annual subscription to access the platform. Debates include school-based topics or local, national or global issues through our Big Debate Club programme.
Governance
Smart School Councils’ Board of Trustees are responsible for the charity’s strategy and financial security. They are legally accountable for the organisation.Our impressive board is led by Sam Hockman, COO and a member of the Executive Group Management at ISS. He is joined by Lucy Macnab, Co-Executive Director at the Forward Arts Foundation, Andrew Moffatt, Education Lead at Heat Geek and James Teasdale, Head of Delivery at Multiverse.
Achievements
Scale With a tiny amount of seed investment from The Young Foundation, we have built an exciting and scalable platform used by 506 paying member schools across the world. This year, 9 in 10 schools renewed their membership.
Impact Our programme increases the percentage of pupils involved in democracy from 6% to 80% in a single term. It increases the average percentage of pupils who feel listened to from 36% before the programme to 83% after. 93% of teachers say it’s having a positive impact on speaking and listening skills.
Financial model We have developed a healthy, trading subscription model. Our trading income is growing at 30% per year.
Awards We were awarded a NESTA democracy pioneer for our work and recently celebrated our 6,000th class meeting ever held. Plus, in 2023, we were named the Association for Citizenship Teaching’s (ACT) Citizenship Organisation of the Year award, recognising our dedication to making sure every student's voice counts.
Team We’ve developed a brilliant team of six staff - mostly ex-teachers. It’s a very ambitious team, with a strong focus on wellbeing.
Where we are headed
Our vision To help every child to find their voice through democracy and debate
Our goal To empowering every one of the UK’s 24,000 state schools to involve every voice, focusing on building inclusive and powerful youth democracy within the top 20% most deprived areas
Our challenge Growing a compelling, easy to use tech programme that is fully traded. .
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a senior and experienced fundraising professional who can help us to propel our impact and growth in schools. In particular, we want to develop funds to deepen our impact in those schools who need it the most - the top 20% most disadvantaged areas in the UK. You’re likely to have:
* A proven track record in fundraising, preferably within the charitable sector
* Strategic foresight to identify innovative fundraising opportunities that align with our mission and values.
* Practical advice to support our mission and fundraising efforts
* An interest in democracy, young people or helping marginalised communities
We don't just need strategic advice, but someone who can roll up their sleeves sometimes.
What does being a charity trustee involve?
In a sentence; supporting and challenging our team and trustee board with ideas to support robust, responsible and growth. Your leadership will be crucial in shaping our fundraising strategies for long-term impact and sustainability.
In legal terms, it involves six main aims associated with ensuring that we act in a responsible, lawful way. You can read them here: Charity trustee: what’s involved (CC3a)
In practical terms, you’d be expected to attend four online trustee meetings a year. And a monthly 1:1 check-in with Greg, our Co-Founder, to support and advise our work.
How to apply
To apply, send your CV and a cover letter saying why you’d like to be a Trustee to recruitment@smartschoolcouncils.org.uk by Wednesday, 19th June at 9 AM BST.
If you have any questions about the role, please feel free to contact Greg or Sam, Chair of Trustees at recruitment@smartschoolcouncils.org.uk.
Want to read more?
* Smart School Councils - http://www.smartschoolcouncils.org.uk/
* Nesta Democracy Pioneers - https://www.nesta.org.uk/project-updates/nesta-democracy-pioneers-smart-school-councils/
* Report finds social enterprises funded by The Young Academy benefit 1.8m learners | The Young Foundation - https://www.youngfoundation.org/insights/news/report-finds-social-enterprises-funded-by-the-young-academy-benefit-1-8m-learners/