Key responsibilities for the role include:

As we launch our new strategy and seek to grow as a Trust, we are looking for an individual who can provide strategic direction to help us achieve our aims. We are looking for a Chair who is knowledgeable about national education priorities and is passionate about girls’ education. As Chair, you will act as the link between the Board and the Chief Executive, overseeing the delivery of objectives and ensuring that the Trust’s strategic aims are achieved. 

The successful candidate will:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight

• Provides clear strategic direction, facilitating positive organisational change.
• Knowledgeable about national educational priorities and their impact on the Trust.
• Holds executive leaders to account effectively for educational standards, financial performance, and risk management.
• Leads inclusive meetings, ensuring diverse viewpoints inform decision-making.
• Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and manages conflicts of interest proactively.

People and Team Development

• Builds strong, supportive relationships among trustees, senior leaders, and stakeholders.
• Establishes a culture of openness, trust, and constructive challenge.
• Promotes effective induction, ongoing training, and clear succession planning.
• Sets high standards and acts as an exemplary role model in governance behaviours.

Governance, Compliance, and Self-Evaluation

• Ensures compliance with charity law, company law, and regulatory frameworks.
• Understands effective delegation and holds the governance professional accountable.
• Leads purposeful evaluations of Board and executive performance, actively seeking and responding positively to feedback.
• Demonstrates self-awareness and prioritises the Trust’s interests, recognising when appropriate to transition leadership.

Key Application Dates:

• Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 12th May 2025
• Interview Date: Week commencing 2nd June 2025

Our commitment:

The Girls’ Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

As well as verification of identity, we ask all volunteers to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and aim to recruit a culturally diverse Board, which reflects the nature of our communities.