Recruitment

Chair of Trustees

Apply by 07/08/2026

Applications invited for the Chair of the Board of Trustees for Parallel Histories.

Parallel Histories, the groundbreaking educational charity which supports the teaching of contested history in schools, is seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees.
This unpaid role with a time commitment of approximately one day per month is an opportunity to help guide the charity in its mission to empower school students to analyse and debate contested histories. Our resources cut through the rising tide of populism by developing students’ critical thinking, oracy skills and self-confidence, equipping them with the skills to navigate conflicting narratives, helping them to participate in a healthy, civic and democratic society.
In a world where social media algorithms shape our news feeds and reinforce existing views and prejudices, the need for critical thinking, knowledge, free speech and open debate is ever more pressing. Parallel Histories helps teachers and students investigate and evaluate evidence on both sides of a contested history through the analysis of historical sources and programmes of live debates. Our topics include Israel/Palestine, Northern Ireland, the British Empire and prominent leaders, such as Winston Churchill, Stalin, and Margaret Thatcher.
The ideal candidate for our new Chair will have prior experience in governance, ideally as a trustee or chair elsewhere. They will understand the legal responsibilities of trusteeship, and the divide between the board and the executive team led by the Chief Executive.
While the Chair does not need to be a historian, they should have a genuine interest in education policy, curriculum development and public debate. It is critically important for the Chair to take an impartial view on all Parallel Histories topics. There can be no perception of bias.
They will not be the primary fundraiser, but should be comfortable supporting the Chief Executive in donor conversations, and have an ability to open doors to networks.
This is a rare opportunity to help young people become civic and politically engaged citizens, and to shape the future of a unique charity working with schools at the cutting edge of educational practice.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Chief Executive Bill Rammell at bill@parallelhistories.org.uk.

To apply for the role please submit a letter of interest (maximum 2 sides A4), outlining your interest and suitability for the role to meredith@parallelhistories.org.uk.
Closing date for application: 7th August 2026. Interviews week commencing 17th August 2026.