Volunteer Trustee opportunities to support independent special schools

What will you be doing?

We are looking trustees who can contribute to the strategic direction of two small independent schools based in Birmingham and Nuneaton, Ofsted rated "Good" through attendance at bi-monthly Board meetings, to include 3 meetings each year on a rota in each of our schools to allow oversight of management in schools, as required by the independent school standards.  The Board meetings have recently operated via Teams, although the schools have remained open to support the most vulnerable young people.  We have recently commenced meeting in person and would aim to hold 1 meeting a term in one of our schools. We are looking to make prompt appointments and our focus initially is to urgently bring on board senior/leadership SEN educational expertise to better support our schools, as well as finance/accountancy expertise to ensure that both schools are running at full capacity, to enable the charity to operate at its financial optimum.

What are we looking for?

Commitment to the ethos and values of the Academy  ▪ to the education and welfare of young people who have EHC Plans and/or special educational needs and senior leadership experience in a special school  ▪ to equal opportunities and the promotion of diversity ▪ independence of thought and sound judgement ▪ ability to work as part of a team ▪ to seeking and taking account of the views of stakeholders (e.g. parents, staff and pupils) ▪ respect for the work and views of other trustees and staff ▪ willingness to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee ▪ willingness to make and stand by collective decisions, even if s/he offered an alternative view during discussions ▪ understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship ▪ ability to challenge current thinking, the method of governance and management of the Charity in a constructive manner and in the best interests of the Charity ▪ ability to evaluate, interpret and have strategic oversight of financial information ▪ ability to play a strategic role to successfully effect change and meet the objectives of the Charity   Specific professional knowledge and strategic experience in at least one of the following: Charity law and governance ▪ trusteeship or business management ▪  senior strategic financial/accountancy expertise ▪ Leadership experience of SEN school education in England  ▪ experience of Independent School Standards ▪  Requirements: Willingness to attend meetings of the Board and other meetings as required - these will be usually held once each term in school settings/ and otherwise via Teams or as the Board directs ▪ Willingness to undertake training and participate in evaluation of the Board’s work The Charity and schools are committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff to share this commitment.  An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.                 Conduct as a Trustee is underpinned by the seven principles of public life, as identified by the Nolan Committee: Selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.    

What difference will you make?

The opportunity carries the responsibility and purpose of ensuring the future viability of two independent special schools serving the most vulnerable young people whose lives and life opportunities are wholly dependent on the dedication and support of a caring bespoke school community. The schools are not running at optimum capacity and strategic direction and support to broker key relationships to ensure student recruitment is operating in a way which reaches the young people most in need of our support is vital to the overall success of the charity and to open up opportunities for future investment and growth.