We are currently seeking up to three trustees to join the board of Ethos Academy Trust, a trust of six schools, with an annual budget of £13.5M.
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 Ethos Academy Trust
Ethos Academy Trust (EAT) is a multi-academy trust comprising Alternative Provision and Special Schools (specialising in SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) provision). There are six schools in the Trust situated in Wakefield (2), Rotherham (1), Kirklees (3). The pupil demographic of the Trust has significant levels of deprivation and SEND (special educational needs and disability) which is supported by the Trust’s 285 staff. There are circa 600 young people on roll currently.
EAT’s Board is looking to prioritise embedding recent growth and support of new academies on their significant school improvement journeys. The Trust Board is also looking to prioritise branding and marketing to support the Trust’s growth in relation to changes to the Kirklees commissioning arrangements.
The Trust will be undergoing an external review of governance (ERG) in spring 2024 to further develop and strengthen governance. The Trust also carries out annual audits and reviews of its governance to feed into ongoing quality assurance and action planning.
The Trust’s requirements
The EAT Board is looking to recruit up to three trustees. Ideal candidate/s will have experience or skills in one of the following areas: Finance, education, legal, HR, estates.
The Trust Board is also open to applicants with alternative backgrounds and experience as they are looking to strengthen and add capacity in all areas.
The Trust has a strong track record of providing high-quality education and support to children and schools across Key Stages 1 to 4.
EAT is a Trust that supports some of the most vulnerable children and young people in its communities. Collectively, they provide wide-ranging support and educational opportunities for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, who are unable to thrive in a mainstream setting. The Trust staff work in partnership with schools, parents / carers and other professionals to support and promote the educational and social inclusion of pupils across Kirklees, Wakefield and Rotherham.
Ethos Academy Trust’s aim is that the Academies, supported by the Trust, will provide an environment which is welcoming, caring, calm, safe and purposeful and which will stretch young people academically, support them pastorally and help them develop socially and emotionally. Ethos Academy Trust Board’s vision is to develop a high performing multi-academy trust that delivers the very best educational experiences for pupils from across the primary and secondary age range.
The Board has a clear focus on raising standards, encouraging innovation and strengthening the ethos, vision and values of the Trust to ensure that we have a positive impact on all our young people. The Board provides effective support and challenge to ensure that we continue to strive for and secure excellence by developing strategic partnerships to improve quality, share best practice and operate effectively and efficiently.
All new Trustees will be supported with onboarding from the Trust including an interactive Governance support handbook, internal and externally delivered training and an experienced Trustee buddy who will support and provide check-ins.
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: www.eat.uk.com
Companies House information: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10745840
Get Information About Schools: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Groups/Group/Details/17070
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