Volunteer Trustee

What will you be doing?

The ideal person will work collaboratively with other Trustees, Local Governors and staff to maintain a high standard of education for all pupils. This includes oversight of the monitoring and improvement of performance and the achievement of objectives; ensuring compliance with legislation, company and charity law whilst ensuring sound financial and administrative management of the trust. The De Curci Trust is eager to appoint a Trustee with governance (or relevant leadership) experience from either the private, public or third sectors. The Trust seeks a team player who can make impartial decisions when working on behalf of all pupils and other stakeholders.   The Trust would particularly welcome applicants from an ethnic minority, as they are underrepresented within the Trust at this level.     Candidates must have integrity and follow the Nolan Principles of Public Life, fulfilling the role with professionalism and diligence. Ideal candidates will be capable of acting as a 'critical friend', providing support and challenge to the executive team, and acting fairly and without prejudice. They will be committed to attending meetings and visiting the schools and colleagues, as appropriate. Applications from candidates with different professional backgrounds are encouraged; we would particularly welcome applicants from an ethnic minority, as they are underrepresented within the Trust at this level.     Board meetings are usually held in Drayton, Portsmouth; occasionally, meetings are on-line. 

What are we looking for?

The competencies required for this role include: Essential

Organisational leadership / governance Commitment to holistic, inclusive education Demonstrable commitment to the Nolan Principles  ‘Team player’, approachable, effective communicator

Desirable

Professional background in education/construction/surveying/public sector management Finance/audit experience Legal/due diligence experience Organisational growth/merger experience

What difference will you make?

Moving forwards, the Trust will be focusing on strategies which: deliver its vision of providing a high-quality education; result in excellent outcomes for pupils; and confirm the ‘better together’ principle of being part of the multi-academy trust.  In addition, the Trust is delighted that Springfield School is on the DfE’s capital re-build list (feasibility stage commenced autumn 2023), and working through the rebuild process will be a significant and exciting part of the Trust’s work over the next few years.   Four priority workstream areas have been identified to support the strategy: 1. School Improvement 2. Governance and Leadership 3. Managing the Organisation 4. Growth Future plans include ongoing review and development of the Trust’s strategic priorities in the context of the current wider educational context and the potential expansion of the Trust to develop capacity and support other partners within the locality. The nature of any potential expansion would depend upon the circumstances of the joining school(s), but ideally working towards doubling the size of the trust and including a school from each phase would be ideal and allow the Trust’s model to develop.  Realistically, this would be over the medium term and require significant due diligence.  The Trust engages in discussions with potential, suitable partners on an ongoing basis.