Trustee Vacancy Information for Community Academies Trust
About Community Academies Trust
| Number of Schools: | 17 |
| Meetings held at: | Trust Board meetings are held at various schools across the Trust. The Trust headquarters are B77 4LS
All committees are remote |
| Website: | https://www.communityacademiestrust.org/ |
| Frequency of board meetings: | 4 x Trust Board meetings (1 being a 24hr conference).
3 committees, each with 3 meetings a year (all remote). Candidates would likely be asked to join 1 committee. All meetings are an 8.30-9.30am start on Mondays (Trust Board) and Thursday (Committees) and last 2 hours. |
| Annual Budget: | £64m |
Community Academies Trust was established in 2012 and as steadily grown to now encompass 14 primary and 3 secondary schools (some with sixth forms) that support pupils aged 2-19. The Trust has schools in Tamworth, Litchfield, Warwick, Leamington Spa, Telford and Stratford Upon Avon and at the point of their last Ofsted inspection 2 of the Trust schools were judged to be Outstanding while the remainder are judged to be Good. Trust works in partnership with others and hosts some special units within 2 of their schools that support children with more sever special educational needs. These specialize in support for children on the autistic spectrum and for those with social emotional and mental health issues. The trust serves a diverse number of communities, whilst some schools are predominantly of white working class backgrounds, some schools have a high number of EAL children.
The trust has managed its finances prudently and has comfortable reserves. They manage an annual budget of c.£64m. Budgets are balanced and they do not anticipate any issues going forward although they will continue to keep a watchful eye on finances. The trust has agreement from the DfE to expand further and a primary will join the trust in July 2024. 3 other schools (including one secondary) are also in early discussions with the trust and so this is an exciting time to join the trust as it prepares to expand and take on new challenges.
What the trust are looking for
Following a recent external review of governance the Trust is looking to increase the number of Trustees on its board. The Trust is seeking 2 trustees and are looking for candidates with a keen interest in education (no prior experience in Education necessary, just an enthusiasm to learn). Ideal candidates could have a background in: HR, Safeguarding, Legal, IT, Business. Ideally a candidate with HR/staffing experience would be willing to, in time, chair the staffing and remuneration committee. Applications are encouraged from anyone who has a proven track record of working strategically and collaboratively.
Trust Board meetings are 4 times a year, 3 are held on Mondays 8.30am-10.30am and the 4th is part of a 24hr conference in July (including dinner) for all Trustees and the central executive team. The July meeting includes a review of the past year (including some self-review work for the board) and strategic planning looking forward. The Trust Board also has 3 committees: Finance & Resources, Audit & Risk, and Staffing & Renumeration. Each committee meets 3 times a year (once a term) and all meetings are remote. Committees are held at 8.30am often on Thursdays. Occasionally there is also the opportunity for Trustees to join a complaints or appeals panel to support trust processes, these meetings are ad hoc and subject to trustee capacity.
New Trustees will receive induction meetings with the CEO, Chair of Trustees, Exec Director of Finance & Operations, and the Trust Governance lead. Information sessions will be provided by central services team, school visits and information will also be available through the Trustee team. Candidates will also receive access to Governors for Schools ‘first 100 days as a Trustee’ e-learning module.
The role of the trustee / director
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.
The GfS team assesses each volunteer’s background, skills, and experience, and identifies suitable openings on academy trusts boards.
What do trustees do?
These roles have a dual function – as well as operating as a trustee of the academy trust as a charity, volunteers are classed as Non-Executive Directors, listed on Companies House and subject to company law. You’ll be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability and, challenge.
From large national trusts to small community-based trusts, you can work with our regional experts to find a suitable match.
Board governance in education is considered a strategic, “eyes on, hands off” commitment, requiring that you give up to eight hours per month of your time and attend up to six meetings across a 12-month period.
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? What’s in it for the volunteer?
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’s 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 potential.
Further Information
We strongly recommend that you review information about the trust both via their website, and also on Companies House, Get Information About Schools and the Schools Financial Benchmarking Service.