Volunteer Multi-Academy Trust Trustee

What will you be doing?

Key Trustee Responsibilities Governance and Leadership:

Act as a responsible and active member of the Trust Board, providing leadership and guidance to achieve its strategic objectives. Attend Trust Board meetings, sub-committee meetings, and other relevant meetings to contribute to decision-making processes. Oversee trust compliance with legal and regulatory requirements governing academies and trusts as a member of the trust’s legally accountable body. Undertaking mandatory training [1]as required and developing knowledge and skills on an ongoing basis to support effective delivery of the role.

Strategic Planning:

Contribute to the development of the trust's strategic plan and policies, ensuring alignment with the trust's mission, vision, and values. Help set strategic objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement across the trust.

Financial Oversight:

Provide financial oversight by reviewing and approving budgets, financial statements, and expenditure and contributing to long-term strategic planning. Monitor the financial health of the trust and ensure Executives demonstrate responsible financial management.

Educational Excellence:

Support and challenge the executive leadership team to maintain and improve educational standards across the trust both in formal appraisal processes and throughout the year. Foster a culture of high expectations and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders through various formal and informal channels, including parents, teachers, students, and the local community. Getting to know schools within the trust, including undertaking planned occasional visits during school hours. Act as an ambassador for the trust and promote positive relationships with external partners.

Risk Management:

Identify and mitigate risks to the trust's operations, reputation, and finances. Ensure robust safeguarding procedures are in place and adhered to.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience:

A passion for improving outcomes for young people.  Previous experience in governance, leadership, or strategic roles, preferably within the education sector.  Strong understanding of the principles of corporate governance, finance, and risk management. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Due to the planned committee memberships across the three roles, recent or specific experience in any of the following areas will be held in high regard;

Qualification or professional knowledge of accountancy or audit processes. Experience in financial forecasting and strategic planning. Educational Technology (Ed Tech) knowledge. Estates and sustainability knowledge. Practical experience of applying risk management and/or internal controls principles. Programme or project management experience. HR leadership (incl. appraisal processes) knowledge. Knowledge of Teaching School Hub operations

Time Commitment: The role of a Trustee typically involves attending regular meetings and dedicating time to prepare for those meetings, as well as occasional additional commitments as needed. We expect the time commitment to be one day a month spread across various activities such as preparation of board meetings, reading board papers, ad hoc discussions and conversations with board members and the executive team, and attending events throughout the year. The schedule of planned meetings for 2023-24 is available and will be shared with shortlisted candidates during the interview process to ascertain capacity/availability to attend the scheduled meetings.

What difference will you make?

As a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) Trustee, you will be one of the legal directors of the company and will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction, governance, and overall success of our partnership. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the education and well-being of young people in the communities that we serve. You in turn will receive personal and professional development through involvement in governance and leadership, and networking opportunities with professionals in the education and wider sectors.