We are currently seeking a trustee to join the board of Bedford College Academies Trust, a trust of two schools, with an annual budget of £5.3m.
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 Bedford College Academies Trust
- BCAT operates Wixams Tree Primary and Wixams Academy (secondary school), in Wixams,a new town, to the south of Bedford.
- As a new town Wixams has seen many families moving from both the local region and from elsewhere in the South East of England.
- Wixams Tree Primary is a two form entry, expanding to three-form entry gradually.
- Wixams Academy is a six-form entry, currently supporting years seven to 11 and a small new Sixth Form which will be required to grow.
- There will be a possible five-form entry expansion during 2024 subject to current economic uncertainty.
- Currently the total staff number is 178, with 1223 students on roll: 802 at Wixams Academy and 431 Wixams Tree Primary..
What the trust are looking for
- Skills in education analysis and experience of school improvement in a multi-academy trust (MAT) setting.
- Teacher development either within a MAT, university or consultancy
- Human Resources strategic analysis and development in any sector.
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.