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Hales Valley Multi Academy Trust is a primary academy trust, based in Dudley, West Midlands. We currently consist of seven very different primary schools, ensuring that our Trust is a diverse and exciting place to work and learn.

We put our children at the heart of everything we do and are dedicated to providing them with an enriching curriculum, underpinned by our overall commitment to high standards across the board.

We value our staff and ensure that they are well supported and trained. We have a continual professional development guarantee that provides a clear career pathway of training and opportunities for all staff at all levels.

Our family of schools work closely together, ensuring that staff and children benefit from sharing the excellent practice that exists across the Trust. Our schools are well supported by the Board of Directors and the Trust Central team.

We believe that we are stronger together – all schools sharing capacity, resources and expertise. We believe that collaboration is fundamental to providing the best learning opportunities through a meaningful curriculum where children and adults acquire the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to prepare and strengthen them for their role in society: today, tomorrow and in the future. We support and care for each other, especially when things go wrong; we are a family.

This role provides you with an opportunity to join our family to improve outcomes for children. If you are interested in finding out more please do get in touch – we would be very happy to meet with you.

                                                                                                            'We are a values-led school, with our values driving our decision making'

Role:

Vacancy Reference: 

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic financial oversight to support the Trust’s long-term success and sustainability.

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the Trust’s vision, ensuring strong governance, and helping to deliver positive outcomes for our pupils, staff, and communities. Working collaboratively with fellow Trustees and senior leaders, you will contribute to effective decision-making and provide independent scrutiny and challenge where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

Trustees collectively provide:

• Strategic Leadership – setting the Trust’s vision, values, culture, and long-term strategy.
• Accountability and Assurance – overseeing performance, risk management, and organisational effectiveness.
• Stakeholder Engagement – ensuring meaningful engagement with key stakeholders to support informed decision-making.

As the Finance Specialist Trustee, you will bring professional financial expertise to the Board, supporting robust financial governance, sustainability, and effective stewardship of resources.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with strong financial knowledge and experience, who can provide strategic insight and independent judgement. Previous board experience is desirable but not essential.

Trustees are responsible for the governance of a charitable company and must ensure that the Trust complies with all relevant legal, regulatory, and statutory requirements. Trustees work closely with the Trust’s governance professionals and, where necessary, seek advice from external professional advisers.

This is an excellent opportunity to use your financial expertise to make a meaningful contribution to education and community outcomes.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This voluntary Trustee position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the strategic direction and financial sustainability of the Trust. Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed. Trustees are typically required to attend 4–6 Board meetings per year, in addition to committee meetings as required. Please see the advert for further information on the expected time commitment and hours associated with the role.

We are looking for someone who:

• Professional experience in finance, accounting, audit, or financial management
• Ability to analyse complex financial information and communicate key issues clearly to non-finance specialists
• Understanding of governance, risk management, and assurance frameworks
• Commitment to the values, vision, and objectives of the Trust

Desirable criteria

• Experience working within the public sector, charity, or education finance environment
• Knowledge of academy trust funding arrangements and financial frameworks
• A recognised professional finance qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience

For more information about this role please see attached job description and person specification.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Hannah Jackson via email on Hjackson@halesvalleytrust.org.uk

Closing Date: 

Shortlisting: TBC

Interviews: TBC

All applicants short listed will be required to take part in a formal interview.

Additional Information:

Hales Valley Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020).  This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered ‘protected’ and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.  Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974