We are currently working with The Diamond Learning Partnership Trust, a trust of 15 schools situated on the western side of Cambridgeshire and northern Hertfordshire, to recruit up to two Trustees to the Board.
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 The Diamond Learning Partnership Trust (DLPT)
DLPT currently operates 15 schools, with all except one being Primary-phase and one being all-through, catering for children from school years 5 to 11. The Trust supports about 4,000 young people and the schools range in size from 100 to 1,000.
The schools are situated on the western side of Cambridgeshire and northern Hertfordshire and it is likely that this geography will continue with any further growth in future.
The demography of the areas served by DLPT’s schools varies so while overall there is a lower level of deprivation, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Pupil Premium (PP) and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) than national comparators, some schools are well outside the average for the Trust. This isn’t problematic as support for schools always reflects their needs.
More information on the individual schools in DLPT is available on the Trust website here, and also via the Get Information About Schools listing at the footer of this document https://diamondlearningtrust.com/vision-and-values/schools-in-the-trust/
The Trust’s requirements
DLPT is currently seeking to recruit two Trustees, and at least one should have good finance skills, with the expertise, knowledge and aptitude to become Chair of the Finance and Audit committee in due course; an immediate appointment to that position in not necessary, however.
While it’s seeking to add expertise, depth and knowledge, the Board has good balance of skills with no obvious gaps at present. In relation to the prospective second Trustee appointment, the Trustees are primarily interested in applications from individuals possessing strategic leadership, general management and senior executive experience – the functional area, sector or business type from which these are derived is less critical.
Candidates should have a demonstrable interest in education but likewise not prior employment, knowledge or pre-existing exposure to the education sector is not required. The successful applicant should be capable of thinking and operating at strategic level across a complex, multi-site operation in a ‘hands-off, eyes-on’ capacity.
As a Trustees, there is collective responsibility for all aspects of the Trust’s performance and outcomes – specific roles or responsibilities are not assigned to Trustees so their contribution will be as part of a team seeking to improve the life chances of children through providing increasingly effective education. The Trust has successfully incorporated many challenging schools in the past.
One of the most significant challenges is related to the availability and limitations in funding which will be further emphasised by predicted falling roll numbers. Information on the Trust’s financial position is viewable here: https://schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk/Trust/Detail?companyNo=8062508&unit=AbsoluteMoney&tab=Expenditure&financing=TrustAndAcademies&format=Charts
In the medium term DLPT seeks to continue to grow, particularly adding additional secondary schools or taking on a suitable trust – the Trust has previously successfully integrated two separate Trusts. In the medium term, adjustment and preparation for the departure of senior leaders through retirement is seen as an anticipated challenge.
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: https://diamondlearningtrust.com
Get Information About Schools: https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Groups/Group/Details/2886
On this page you will find a link to the Trust’s record on Companies House.
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