The Rodillian Multi-Academy Trust
Trustee Vacancy Information
Can you bring skills in leadership, corporate governance and strategic decision-making to the world of education? The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust is seeking trustees to sit on their boards and help improve educational outcomes.
There are now more than 1,150 academy trusts across the country, each of which receives direct government funding and operates alongside a board of trustees. A board is responsible for holding the trust’s executive team to account, delivering strategic leadership, overseeing budgets, and upholding the highest levels of governance. A strong board will possess a diverse blend of individuals, capable of representing the communities they serve. It will also comprise a good mix of professional skills, expertise, and experience from areas such as finance, HR, law, governance, estates and IT. Insights from an array of backgrounds can ensure boards make informed decisions on matters that impact the lives of children and staff.
Governors for Schools has a rich background in matching skilled people to governing board roles across England and Wales. The need to identify strong, independent trustees has never been greater, and we are working to match those who want to offer their time, knowledge and acumen with volunteering opportunities.
What is the trust looking for?
The Trust is looking to recruit one Trustee and two Members.
The Trustee will have experience in the Education sector, preferably in Primary School improvement in a senior leadership capacity. This person would hopefully join the Trust’s Education Standards sub-committee and will ideally possess prior governance and/or strategic leadership experience.
The Member role is akin to that of a shareholder – typically an eyes-on, hands-off role attracting a low time commitment – candidates will be comfortable working at a strategic leadership level and will appreciate that the role of the Members is slightly less involved than Trustee level. The Members receive regular updates via the Trust newsletters and meet twice a year in December and June/July. Member meetings are held in person however hybrid arrangements are available if necessary. The Trust Governance lead will support candidates with appropriate induction into the roles and candidates would be welcome to arrange a visit to a couple of the academies to see the impact of the Trust.
The key functions of the board are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding executive leaders to account – both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- Overseeing the organisation’s financial performance and ensuring its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people
What difference will you make?
Volunteering on an academy trust board is deeply rewarding as it allows you to impact the life chances of young people. Academy trusts support schools to give children a better future. For young people to have the best possible opportunities in later life, it is vital we have individuals with the right expertise leading schools and holding executive teams accountable. Becoming a trustee is a fantastic opportunity to give back to your local community by strengthening education.
As well as looking for new opportunities to give something back to society, you may be looking for opportunities to build your experience in strategic decision-making at senior level or demonstrate your ability to perform in a non-executive position as part of a portfolio career.
All roles are pro bono
People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Governing boards should represent the communities they serve, as well as wider society. We welcome interest from underrepresented groups to ensure academy trust boards are diverse in background, skillset, and thought.
Diversity is a powerful instrument for effective governance. Trustees are required to make choices that impact the daily lives of children, from school finance all the way through to staff and pupil recruitment. It’s essential that boards possess a broad set of beliefs, experiences, and ideas to inform their final judgements. We believe that true representation at board level enables all children to fulfil their potentia