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Share Multi-Academy Trust, formed in September 2011, initially started as a Single Academy Trust (SAT) with Shelley College, which earned an "outstanding" judgment in May 2013. In March 2014, Shelley College became a National Teaching School, and a Teaching School Alliance was established. Over the next two years, the trust expanded to include primary schools such as Heaton Avenue Primary, Millbridge Junior, Infant and Nursery, and Woodside Green (formerly Cowersley Primary). In November 2018, Royds Hall Community Academy, including secondary and primary sites, joined the trust, followed by Thornhill Community Academy. In February 2022, Whitcliffe Mount Secondary School also joined. By Spring 2025, a secondary school in North Yorkshire will join, expanding the trust’s reach to 4 primary academies, 4 secondary academies (including one with a sixth form), and one more secondary school. Ofsted outcomes are generally good, with one school rated as Requires Improvement.

The trust maintains strong financial controls, with a CFO in place since 2022. They follow a GAG pooling model, covering various services like school improvement, HR, finance, payroll, legal, and ICT strategy, without hidden service charges. Academy budgets are submitted for Trust Board approval by July 10 each year, with indicative budgets required by April. Academy Improvement Plans and financial plans must be submitted to the CEO by October.

The trust has a Reserves Policy that is reviewed annually, maintaining reserves of 10% to 18% of recurring revenue income. Individual academies may adjust their reserves within policy limits with CEO and CFO approval. Financial reserves are in line with ESFA expectations. The trust will soon exceed £50 million in annual revenue, prompting the separation of audit, risk, and finance into distinct committees. Current committees include Finance, Audit & Risk, Safeguarding, and Remuneration, with new committees under consideration: People, Pupil, and Standards. The Trust Board is evaluating communication between local governing bodies and the Trust Board, with plans for reduced board meetings once committees are established.

The trust excels in supporting disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs (SEND), operating a specialized SEND resource base. It also runs a Teaching School Hub and contributes to local and national networks. The CEO is an active contributor to industry discussions, including DfE roundtables. Growth is considered only when new schools align with the trust's core values of overcoming disadvantage and achieving outstanding pupil outcomes. The trust has a well-developed people strategy, including executive and board succession planning.

Governance Structure: The trust's mission is to help disadvantaged students achieve academic success and personal growth. The Board is led by an experienced CEO, who also serves as Accounting Officer. A small central team supports school improvement, HR, operations, and finance. The board consists of three members and nine directors (including the CEO). In 2024, three new trustees joined, bringing expertise in business and HR. The chair has been with the board for four years, including two as chair.

The board is strengthening connections with local governing bodies through committees and link roles. A dedicated governance professional ensures compliance and thorough induction for new trustees. Trustees have access to additional training via online platforms like NGA and the National College. Annual skills audits are conducted and reviewed. The Trust Board meets six times per year, with additional meetings as necessary, and operates with committees for financial scrutiny, audit, and risk.

Strong trust achieving strong outcomes and improved Ofsted ratings, community focus, teaching school. Opportunity to input to rollout of the trust strategy and ongoing development of trust Governance and new committees. Autonomy from board as Chair of the committees. Good governance support and strong central executive team.

The trust is seeking to make 3 appointments: 1 member and 2 trustees.

One trustee should have an accounting background.
One trustee should have experience in education, specifically in SEND and across different educational phases. Local knowledge is beneficial but not essential.

Experience in managing or advising similar-sized organizations (in terms of revenue) and a strategic understanding of education is required.

The trust is open to considering remote or virtual participation for the education trustee. They are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, including age diversity, and are happy to offer mentorship from another trustee.

As mentioned, they are particularly interested in applicants with strong financial and audit & risk experience or qualifications. Ideally, the new trustees will chair the Finance and Audit & Risk Committees.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership and committee management skills, experience in financial oversight and audit/risk management. As well as a commitment to attending meetings and contributing to the governance of the organisation and demonstrate passion about making a difference in education and ensuring the success of their various committees and schools.

Meetings are held Hub 26, Lawrence House, Riverside Drive, Cleckheaton BD19 4DH

Establishment Information

Address: Lawrence House, Riverside Drive, Cleckheaton BD19 4DH
Website: http://www.sharemat.org/
Type of establishment: Multi-academy trust

What does the role include?

As a member, your key responsibilities will be to: provide independent oversight to ensure the trust’s charitable objectives are being met, and that the board of trustees is operating effectively; safeguard the governance of the trust by appointing trustees and ensuring that the trust’s governance structure remains fit for purpose; hold the board of trustees to account for the overall performance of the trust, without becoming involved in day-to-day decision-making or operational matters; and ensure that the trust remains true to its vision, ethos, and charitable purpose, acting as a guardian of its long-term sustainability. By volunteering as a member, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining strong governance, providing a final layer of accountability, and ensuring the trust delivers high-quality education to all its pupils.

What are the benefits?

Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people’s futures and strengthen education in your community. As a member, you provide independent oversight and help safeguard the trust’s governance, purpose, and values. While not involved in day-to-day decision-making, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring strong and effective governance at the highest level. The position offers a unique perspective on how education organisations are run and provides experience in overseeing complex structures — making it a valuable opportunity for those interested in governance, impact-driven work, or building a non-executive profile.

Further information:

You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Search?SelectedTab=Groups SHARE Multi Academy Trust reference number is 5635 The following webpage also provide useful information and reading to any potential trustee: https://governorsforschools.org.uk/trs/resources-for-academy-trustees/ If you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team on [email protected]