Great Learners Trust
Trustee Vacancy Information
We are currently seeking a Chair of Trustees to join, and lead, the Board of Great Learners Trust, an academy trust of 11 schools, with an annual budget of £13m, situated in Buckinghamshire.
As a trustee/director your key responsibilities will be to:
- Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Hold executive leaders to account – both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- Oversee the organisation’s financial performance and ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people
By volunteering as a trustee/ director you will 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.
About Great Learners Trust
The Great Learners Trust, a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) based in Buckinghamshire, comprises 11 primary schools and serves nearly 3,000 pupils. The Trust is now seeking a new Chair of Trustees to guide the board through its next exciting phase of development. The Trust comprises seven primary schools, one infant school, and three junior schools, and is a mixed MAT meaning that it has both Church of England schools as well as community (secular) schools.
After the retirement of the founding CEO, a new CEO was appointed who has a strong track record for driving standards and outcomes. The Trust is now looking for a Chair to join the Trustees and CEO in developing the Trust’s medium- and long-term strategic plans and drive forward a renewed ‘GLT Brand’. Trustees, Governors and staff are passionate about the Trust’s redefined Scheme of Delegation and refreshed vision and values. The Trust is currently undergoing a review of governance (Autumn 2024) to further develop and strengthen strategic operations within the Trust. The Trust has made a strong appointment to the role of CFO who is new to the Trust in September 2024 and they, alongside the CEO, are keen that the Board drive forward a strategic plan to further develop central operations and support to further increase impact for all the Trust’s pupils and staff.
The Trust has two ASD (Autism Spectrum Diagnosis) provisions set across two of its schools and serves some communities with high levels of EAL (English as an Additional Language). The Trust faces some challenges with there being an increase in families moving to the area and sending their children to private education, however the Trust is passionate about the mission to inspire and empower all and is now looking to be ‘Brave, Bold, and Ambitious’ in plans. The Trust is currently leading the way on DfE Digital Strategy and has a number of ongoing initiatives to support pupils’ wider development such as their school bank initiative which teaches students valuable financial literacy skills, promoting responsible money management and savings habits from an early age.
The Trust’s Requirements
Great Learners Trust is looking for a Chair to join, and lead, the Board and work alongside the CEO and CFO to bring their strategic vision to life. The CEO has established a thirst for change among staff and the leaders who are keen to work together to champion the Trust’s vision and strengthen strategic leadership to support growth.
Trust Board meetings are held six times a year, typically running 6pm-8pm. Times for the 2024-2025 academic year are open to review in consultation with the Board but will likely remain broadly the same/similar.
Board meetings are planned in advance and are usually held on Wednesdays. Board meetings are held face to face though remote options are available to Trustees in exceptional circumstances. There are also three sub-committees: Education Standards, Finance Audit & Risk, and Personnel. These committees each meet three times a year and also meet 6pm-8pm. Most Trustees sit on 1 committee and committee meetings tend to occur 1-2 weeks before the Trust Board meeting.
Induction for the new Chair will be developed based on the candidate’s previous experience. The former Chair will remain a current Trustee and continues to be a supportive and positive Trustee on the Board and, depending on the successful candidate’s experience, would be willing to support as much or as little as necessary with the transition of the new Chair.
The Trust Board also has access to NGA (National Governance Association), Confederation of School Trusts (CST) and Bucks Education Partnership to support its governance. Candidates will also receive access to ‘The First 100 Days as a Trustee’ immersive eLearning, through Governors for Schools (developed in partnership with CST).
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’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.
Useful information – about the trust
Trust website: https://www.greatlearnerstrust.co.uk/
Companies House information: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/08927321
Get Information About Schools page: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Groups/Group/Details/3235
Useful information – academy trust governance
Academy Trust Handbook: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64a52424c531eb000c64fe78/ATH_2023_FINAL_040723__digital__tracking_off.pdf
Academy trust governance guide: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/-governance-in-academy-trusts