Trustee at Chingford Academies Trust at Chingford Academies Trust

New

Job Reference #

EDV/2026/CAT/54257

Location

Chingford Foundation School 31 Nevin Drive, Chingford, London, Essex, E4 7LT

Contract Type

N/A

Contract Term

N/A

Salary

Voluntary role

Closing Date

9:00am, Sun 16th Aug, 2026

Start Date

asap

Positions Available

Positions Available 1

Interview Date(s)

tbc

Interview Date(s) tbc

About this Role

Application for a Trustee of Chingford Academies Trust (the Trust)

We are currently inviting applications from suitably skilled individuals who are interested in taking up this exciting, strategic role that will help shape the future of the Trust and its schools.

What is the Board of Trustees?

The Board of Trustees (the Board) is the accountable body for the general control and management of the administration of the Trust. The Board must act as a group and is responsible for the performance of all schools within the Trust and as such must:

ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

hold the executive to account for the educational performance of the schools and their pupils, and the performance management of staff

oversee the financial performance of the Trust and make sure its money is well spent and to ensure the voices of stakeholders are heard.

What is a Trustee?

Trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing how it is managed and run. As a Trustee of the Board, you will collectively assume responsibility for the strategic direction, broad policy framework, and oversight of the Trust and all its academies. Trustees take decisions that are in the best interests of the Trust as a whole and are not representative of any one of the constituent academies.

Trustees are both charity trustees and company directors. Trustees are bound by charity and company law and must also ensure their decisions comply with the Trust’s funding agreement and the Academies Financial Handbook.

Trustees must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements. Trustees should seek the advice of the board’s governance professional and other professional advice as appropriate.

Being a Trustee is a challenging but hugely rewarding role. It will give you the chance to make a real difference to young people, give something back to your local community and use and develop your skills in a board-level environment.

What is the time commitment?

This hugely rewarding role is unpaid and involves a monthly committee meeting and a half termly Board meeting of around 1.5 hours each, per academic year as well as training sessions and meeting preparation time. You can therefore expect to spend a minimum of 3 – 4 hours a month during term time.

What skills or qualifications will I need?

Schools need and benefit from a range of professional knowledge on the board. As a priority, the Trust is currently seeking trustees who have some of the following skills, qualifications or experience at senior level:

leadership, motivational and change management

HR including employment legislation, recruitment, performance management and pay

experience of marketing, media and PR

research and statistics/ data analysis

charity law and governance

health and safety and property management

strategic planning/problem solving

estates management

However, the trust would also be interested to hear from candidates who are experienced or skilled in the following areas:

inspection and oversight in the education sector

understanding of safeguarding in the education sector

financial planning and accounting

project management, contracting services, purchasing and/or negotiation

Whilst there is no requirement for all applicants to have an understanding of the education system, the Trust is committed to appointing high calibre trustees who will be able to both challenge and support the Trust and its schools.

How long will I be a Trustee for?

Your term of office will be for four years from when you are elected. However, you can resign at any time during your term of office and you can be re-elected at the end of your term of office if you are still eligible.

How to apply

If you would like to apply, please complete your application here. We ask you to include a short personal statement to support your application that should be no longer than 250 words.

What happens next?

The Trust will review all applications and shortlist those candidates who are able to fill the skills gap of the existing trust Board, as per its recent skills audit. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview with the Chair of Trustees and other board members.

Chingford Academies Trust board is passionate about education and committed to continuous school improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for all our students. If you believe you may have the necessary skills, character and time to contribute, there is plenty of training available to help you learn about education.

Chingford Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all. All Trustees will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS clearance and will be required to complete training to support the role. If you have any queries regarding this process, or would like to discuss further, please contact the Trust Governance Professional (governance@chingfordacademiestrust.org.uk).