ASCL Benevolent Fund

Providing support and care for all ASCL members, past and present, and their dependents

While most members, active and in post, are unlikely to need help, a serious accident, redundancy, chronic illness or disability can change the situation traumatically.

Whether it is a short-term financial crisis or a long-term problem, ABF is available to help.

Originally established in 1980 as the SHA Benevolent Fund, ABF is a registered charity, administered by independent trustees, all of whom are serving or retired members of the association.

The fund itself has been built up over the years entirely by the voluntary donations of members.

Last year, ABF assisted over 40 beneficiaries, some of whom were long-term cases and others short-term emergencies.

Support was given in the form of regular payments, specific grants for treatment or equipment relating to illness or disability, assistance with domestic emergencies and occasional gifts.

Over 83% of cases were members who had not yet reached retirement, some of them in mid-career with young families.

ABF’s financial support is supplemented by personal contact with beneficiaries, usually by phone, which both facilitates ongoing assessment of need and provides much appreciated pastoral service.

Who is eligible?
ABF support is available to all ASCL members, past and present and their dependents. Every case is considered on its merits and in complete confidence. If you know someone you think might benefit, please tell them about ABF.

If you think you might benefit yourself, please contact the ASCL hotline 0116 299 1122 or email asclbf@ascl.org.uk for more information.

How can I help?
If you would like to make a financial contribution to ABF, please contact accounts@ascl.org.uk or download more information about contributing.

Appointment of Trustee

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) is a leading professional body representing more than 25,000 school and college leaders across the UK and we are looking to appoint a Trustee of the ASCL Benevolent Fund (ABF).

The ABF, with assets of £1.5 million and regulated through the Charities Commission, provides help or support to a considerable number of current and former ASCL members and their dependants each year.

The registered charity is managed by a group of trustees, all members or former members of the association. The Trustees have produced a short film about the work of the ABF which can be viewed by clicking here 

The board of trustees seeks to fill a vacancy and welcomes expressions of interest from members, including Associates. 

ASCL is an equal opportunities employer, and we encourage applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. 
The post is voluntary, but expenses can be claimed for the fulfilment of duties.

The post-holder will work from home, although there may be regular contact with and occasional visits to ASCL HQ in Leicester. IT and telephone equipment are not provided.

Closing date for applications is noon, Monday 31 March 2025. Further details of the vacancy and the application procedure are provided below. 
 

Trustee application information

Trustees meet as a group three times a year and are also involved in making decisions about individual applications for support outside the context of the meetings.  Trustees have responsibility for managing the assets of the ASCL Benevolent Fund and ensuring good governance.

Trustees need to be empathetic to the needs of applicants and to maintain confidentiality at all times.

There are eleven trustees, three appointed by ASCL Council, two by the Associates Committee, and six by trustees of the ABF. 
Trustees seek to make an appointment at their meeting in May 2025. 

Trustees serve for an initial term of five years, with eligibility for re-appointment.

Please apply by email, addressed to Corporateadmin@ascl.org.uk , no later than noon, Monday 31 March 2025, including a letter of up to 500 words setting out why you believe you would be an effective trustee and giving information about your links with ASCL and your current or previous employment. Please also give the contact details of two referees and confirm that they have given their permission for us to contact them.