Board Member (Advocacy)

External Board Member – Advocacy

True Nature Sudbury School | Voluntary Board Position

True Nature Sudbury School is seeking an External Board Member with a focus on Advocacy to join our Board of Management. This is a voluntary role offering an opportunity to contribute to the development of democratic education in Ireland and help build greater awareness, understanding and recognition of this educational model.

About True Nature Sudbury School

True Nature Sudbury School is a democratic education community where young people are trusted to direct their own learning, develop independence, and grow through freedom, responsibility, creativity and real-life experience.

Inspired by the Sudbury model of education, the school is grounded in respect for children and young people as capable individuals who learn naturally through self-directed exploration, meaningful relationships and active participation in a democratic community.

As an independently funded school operating outside the state-funded education system, we are committed not only to the sustainability of True Nature Sudbury School, but also to contributing to the wider conversation about democratic and self-directed education in Ireland.

About the Role

The External Board Member (Advocacy) will contribute to the governance and strategic direction of True Nature Sudbury School while taking a particular lead in advocacy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement and public relations.

Democratic education is not currently recognised or funded by the Department of Education in the same way as mainstream schools. We believe there is an important opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of democratic education among policymakers, education stakeholders and the wider public, and to advocate for greater recognition and support for this educational approach.

The successful candidate will help us strengthen our external voice, develop relationships with key stakeholders and contribute to a longer-term advocacy strategy. They will also support engagement and collaboration with DemEd Ireland and the wider democratic education community.

This role would particularly suit someone who understands how change happens at a policy, governmental or public level and who would like to use their experience and networks to help advance an innovative educational model in Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

The External Board Member (Advocacy) will:

• Act as an ambassador and advocate for True Nature Sudbury School and democratic education.
• Help develop and implement the school's advocacy and public engagement strategy.
• Build relationships with policymakers, elected representatives, government departments, education bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support appropriate lobbying and engagement aimed at increasing recognition and support for democratic education in Ireland.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with DemEd Ireland and the wider democratic education movement.
• Identify opportunities for TNSS to contribute to relevant education policy discussions, consultations, networks and events.
• Help raise public awareness and understanding of democratic and self-directed education.
• Support public relations, communications and appropriate media engagement.
• Help build relationships with organisations and individuals who can support or amplify the school's mission.
• Contribute to the strategic development, sustainability and long-term growth of the school.

As a member of the Board, the successful candidate will also contribute to good governance, strategic planning, policy oversight and organisational development, while offering an independent perspective and constructive challenge.

Person Specification

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who:

• Have experience in advocacy, public affairs, lobbying, government relations, public policy, communications, PR, education or stakeholder engagement.
• Understand how to build relationships with policymakers, public representatives and key decision-makers.
• Have strong professional networks or are confident developing new relationships.
• Are comfortable representing an organisation externally and advocating for its mission.
• Have a genuine interest in democratic, self-directed, alternative or child-centred education.
• Believe young people thrive when they are trusted, respected and given meaningful responsibility.
• Can contribute strategic thinking, professional expertise and an independent perspective.
• Are collaborative, thoughtful and values-led.
• Share our commitment to inclusion, responsible governance and restorative practices.

Previous Board or Trustee experience is welcome but not essential. An understanding of the Irish education or public policy landscape would be particularly valuable.

Time Commitment

• Approximately one Board meeting per month, online and/or in person.
• Some additional involvement in advocacy meetings, relationship-building, strategic planning or relevant events.
• Flexible voluntary commitment.

What You Will Gain

This is an opportunity to:

• Contribute to a pioneering democratic education initiative in Ireland.
• Help build greater awareness and recognition of democratic and self-directed education.
• Contribute to meaningful advocacy and potential long-term change within the Irish educational landscape.
• Develop and apply governance, leadership and strategic experience.
• Work alongside a committed, values-led Board and school community.
• Build relationships across education, policy and the wider democratic education movement.
• Play a meaningful role in the future growth and sustainability of True Nature Sudbury School.

About You

You do not need to come from the education sector. We are particularly interested in finding someone who can bring an external perspective, strong advocacy skills and an understanding of how to engage effectively with policymakers, stakeholders and the public.

If you are passionate about creating greater choice and diversity within education and would like to use your experience to help democratic education gain a stronger voice in Ireland, we would love to hear from you.