We are currently seeking a trustee and two Members to join the respective Boards of The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust, a trust of five schools, with an annual budget of £24.3 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 The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust
The Rodillian Multi Academy Trust is a successful multi-academy trust (MAT) in Yorkshire which has transformed previously under-performing schools. The trust has four secondaries, three of which were judged ‘Good’ when they were last inspected and one which was judged ‘Outstanding’, and one University Technical College (UTC). Their schools are in Featherstone, Kirklees, Leeds and Selby and serve working class communities. In addition, they operate the Southway Alternative Provision (AP) site and are actively seeking to grow the size of the Trust. They have a number of students in receipt of Pupil Premium funding (in some cases higher than the national average), which is a measure of deprivation, and an increasing student cohort with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The Trust has over 300 staff and supports over 3,000 students.
The Trust’s requirements
The Trust is looking to recruit one Trustee and one Member.
The Trustee will have experience in the Education sector, preferably in Primary School improvement in a senior leadership capacity. This person would hopefully join the Trust’s Education Standards sub-committee and will ideally possess prior governance and/or strategic leadership experience.
The Member role is akin to that of a shareholder – typically an eyes-on, hands-off role attracting a low time commitment – candidates will be comfortable working at a strategic leadership level and will appreciate that the role of the Members is slightly less involved than Trustee level. The Members receive regular updates via the Trust newsletters and meet twice a year in December and June/July. Member meetings are held in person however hybrid arrangements are available if necessary. The Trust Governance lead will support candidates with appropriate induction into the roles and candidates would be welcome to arrange a visit to a couple of the academies to see the impact of the Trust.
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://www.rodillianacademytrust.co.uk/
Companies House information: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/07990619
Get Information About Schools: https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Groups/Group/Details/4386
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