SHARE Multi Academy Trust
Trustee Vacancy Information
We are currently seeking a trustee to join the board of SHARE Multi Academy Trust, a trust of 8 schools, with an annual budget of .
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 SHARE Multi Academy Trust
http://www.sharemat.org/
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.
What the trust are looking for
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
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.
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/Groups/Group/Details/5635
On this page you will find a link to the Trust’s record on Companies House.
The following documents provide useful information and reading to any potential trustee: