We are currently seeking a trustee to join the board of Educate Together Academy Trust, a trust of 5 schools, with an annual budget of £7.2 million.
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 Educate Together Academy Trust
The trust operates five primary schools, for pupils aged three to eleven, in the Southwest of England. The schools have a combined eventual pupil capacity of 1,260 and had a roll of 811 in the school census of May 2023. The significant difference between eventual pupil capacity and the actual roll is explained by the fact that three of the schools are still expanding to their eventual capacity.
The schools are in Bristol, Keynsham, Bath, Weston-Super-Mare, and Swindon. They are a mixture of one and two form entry. Currently there are 189 staff across the 5 schools and the central team.
What the trust is looking for
The Trust is looking for a new trustee. The most pressing need is for a trustee with HR experience and skills. This is a small but growing Trust so there is ample opportunity for impact. These specific skills will support and help to shape the development of the Trust in these areas and more generally.
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.