Trustee – Academy Trust

Voluntary role

We are seeking committed and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the strategic direction of our Academy Trust. Trustees play a vital role in ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and excellent educational outcomes for all pupils.

The Role

As a Trustee, you will work collectively with the Board to provide strategic leadership, robust challenge and effective oversight of the Trust. You will act in the best interests of pupils, uphold the Trust’s values and ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Governance
• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction for the Trust.
• Act in accordance with the Trust’s articles of association, charitable objects and funding agreement.
• Apply the highest standards of conduct in line with the Governance Code of Conduct and the Governance Handbook.
• Take part in Trust Board meetings and contribute to committees as required.
• Approve and oversee an effective scheme of delegation and committee structure.

Educational Performance and Safeguarding

• Hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the Trust and its pupils.
• Use pupil attainment and performance data to monitor progress and outcomes across the Trust.
• Ensure the Trust’s curriculum is challenging, engaging, accessible and compliant with the national curriculum.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
• Maintain strong oversight of safeguarding arrangements, including compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

Compliance and Legal Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with education legislation, government guidance and the Academy Trust Handbook (ATH).
• Ensure Trust policies are up to date, compliant and effectively implemented.
• Confirm that all staff receive appropriate training and undergo relevant DBS checks in line with statutory requirements.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee the Trust’s financial performance, sustainability and long-term viability.
• Ensure regularity, propriety and value for money in the use of public funds.
• Approve a balanced annual budget and monitor its effective implementation.
• Ensure management accounts are reviewed monthly by the Chair of Trustees.
• Appoint and oversee key financial roles, including the Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• Oversee executive pay decisions to ensure they are transparent, proportionate and evidence-based.
• Appoint an Audit and Risk Committee and respond appropriately to audit findings.
• Ensure audited accounts are submitted to the ESFA by statutory deadlines.

Communication and Relationships

• Declare and manage conflicts of interest in line with Trust policy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with trustees, executive leaders and members.
• Provide appropriate challenge and support to executive leaders.
• Listen to and consider the views of pupils, parents, staff and the wider community where appropriate.
• Ensure effective communication across the Board and with the Trust community, while maintaining confidentiality.

Monitoring and Accountability

• Monitor Trust-wide performance, policies and risk management arrangements.
• Fulfil any specific monitoring or link trustee responsibilities assigned to your role.
• Work with the Board to hold executive leaders to account for staff performance management and organisational effectiveness.

Additional Duties

• Commit time to ongoing personal and professional development, including governance training.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and self-evaluation.
• Participate in the recruitment, appointment and appraisal of headteachers and senior leaders.
• Serve on panels for exclusions, appeals or other specific purposes as required.
• Abide by all Trust governance policies and procedures at all times.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with a strong commitment to education and public service. Prior governance experience is beneficial but not essential; full induction and training will be provided. The most important qualities are integrity, sound judgement, the ability to work collaboratively and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.