The role of an academy trustee
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The role of an academy trustee
This page covers the role of an academy trustee. Scroll down or click on the links below to jump to a specific section.
Functions of an academy trust board
What makes a great academy trustee?
Finding the right match is key
Board functions – understanding the role of an academy trustee
The main job of an academy trustee is to help steer the academy trust in the right direction. Together, the board of academy trustees ensure the academy trust is compliant, operating efficiently, and delivering value for taxpayers’ money. As outlined in the Academy Trust Handbook, academy trusts are legal entities and so, the board is accountable and responsible for the academy trust itself. The role also includes:
- Strategic leadership of the academy trust: As an academy trustee, you’ll be part of shaping the academy trust’s vision for high-quality, inclusive education. The board decides on the academy trust’s goals and the overall strategy. This makes sure the academy trust stays true to its charitable purpose.
- Ensuring accountability: You’ll oversee how well the academy trust is performing. This means checking that the education provided is up to standard, pupils are well cared for, and finances are managed wisely. It’s about making sure everything runs smoothly and effectively.
- Engaging with stakeholders: Your role also involves connecting with parents, schools, and the community. The board listens to these voices to make decisions that reflect the needs and interests of everyone involved. By focusing on these areas, you’ll help the academy trust succeed and make a real difference in education.
Depending on the academy trust, you may also decide what responsibilities can be handled by local schools within the academy trust.
What do academy trustees do?
An academy trustee’s main job is to hold the academy trust’s leadership to account and deliver the academy trust’s objects, while upholding the Nolan Principles of Public Life. This is done by making strategic decisions and ensuring the academy trust meets its goals. The board does this by:
- Offering fresh insights on the challenges the academy trust faces and how to tackle them.
- Setting a clear vision and strategy with specific goals and timelines.
- Making sure there are strong reporting and accountability structures in place.
- Identifying weaknesses and underperformance, and asking the right questions to address and fix them.
What makes a great academy trustee?
Academy trust boards look look for leaders with senior, strategic and/or board-level experience from across the corporate, charity, third and education sectors. By combining the expertise of executive leaders in academy trusts with the governance and leadership skills of professionals from a multitude of sectors and areas, academy trusts can shape the future of education.
We seek senior leaders who are experienced in strategic roles and can handle large amounts of information, making connections across complex organisations. On our academy trustee job board you can find some examples of the skills academy trusts are actively looking for.
If you’re unsure if an academy trust role is for you, why not read our blog outlining the differences between academy trustees and school governors? Here, you can see two key roles in educational governance compared, and decide whether an academy trustee or school governor role is best for you.
Finding the right match is key
The Trustee Recruitment Service works to establish carefully-assessed matches between academy trusts and individuals seeking roles. The longevity, suitability and precision of the matching is the key consideration: we want to help make ‘sticky appointments’ that stand the test of time, ensuring the greatest impact across the lives and educational experiences of many young people.
Additionally, we believe diversity is key to effective governance. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, as boards should reflect the communities they serve. Bringing in diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives helps boards deliver robust challenge and scrutiny.
The need for diverse, skilled academy trustees is more important than ever. Our Trustee Recruitment Service will help match you with the right opportunity. We’ll align your motivations with the academy trust board’s needs.
Academy trusts are looking for varied experience
Some academy trusts prefer board members with education experience, but many seek those without it. People with corporate expertise can be invaluable to academy trustee boards. Fresh perspectives can bring new ideas and innovative solutions to the board.
Though education has its own jargon, academy trusts typically provide induction and training to help you get up to speed on key information. If you’re new to the sector, or want to broaden your knowledge of how boards work, take a look at our ‘Becoming a trustee’ eLearning.
Time commitment of the role
Time commitments for academy trustees vary based on the academy trust’s size, challenges, and your role. Generally, you should expect to spend four to eight hours per month on tasks like meeting preparation, reading, and site visits. This might also include attending meetings.
If you’re a Chair of trustees or Vice Chair, the time commitment is typically higher. Additionally, being involved in committees may also attract a slightly higher time requirement.
The benefits of becoming an academy trustee
On this page we discussed the role of an academy trustee but do you know the benefits of being an academy trustee?
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