Applications open: PETC England seeks Independent Chair

Playwork Education and Training Council (PETC) England is seeking a new Independent Chair to lead its strategic work supporting playwork qualifications, skills and training across the country.

This is a key leadership role in strengthening the systems that underpin the playwork workforce — ensuring those who enable children’s play are equipped, recognised and valued.

About PETC England

PETC England provides a national forum to support playwork qualifications, skills and training across England. It brings together organisations, employers and sector partners to:

  • share intelligence and insight

  • influence the design and take-up of qualifications

  • provide coordinated sector advice to national bodies

  • connect with the other home nations through the UK PETC network

It also plays an advisory role on national occupational standards (NOS) / professional standards and supports efforts to improve consistency, access and quality across the system. You can read more about PETC England and its purpose here.

Role of the Independent Chair

The Independent Chair will:

  • Convene and chair c.4 online meetings per year

  • Act as an impartial facilitator and strategic voice

  • Liaise with PETCs in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

  • Support follow-up actions between meetings

The role is voluntary and non-executive, with coordination support provided by the Playwork Foundation, as PETC’s secretariat.

Who should apply?

We welcome applications from individuals with insight, experience or credibility in one or more of the following areas:

  • The playwork sector

  • Further or higher education, training or qualification development

  • The needs and perspectives of playwork employers

  • Accreditation, quality assurance or national occupational standards / professional standards

We are actively seeking to increase the diversity of PETC England’s leadership and encourage expressions of interest from individuals with a broad range of lived and professional experience.

How to apply

To apply, please send:

  • A short statement of interest

  • A current CV

by Friday 27 June 2025 to PETC@playengland.org.uk

  • Please click here for the Term of Reference (TOR) for PETC England.

  • Please click here for the job description.

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