We are looking for an inspirational leader to help shape the future of our Trust. This is a unique opportunity for someone who can operate confidently at board level, bringing both strategic insight and the ability to foster a thriving, people-first culture.
The right candidate will be a trusted advisor with strong knowledge of employment law, but equally someone who leads with vision, empathy, and integrity. We want a leader who can empower others, set a clear direction, and embed a culture that inspires staff and pupils alike.
Culture is at the heart of everything we do — we’re seeking someone who understands its power, and who can nurture an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and proud to belong. At the same time, this role requires trust-level experience and the ability to contribute to high-level strategy, ensuring we grow with strength, purpose, and unity.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Proven experience operating at Trust Board or equivalent senior governance level.
- Strong knowledge of employment law and the ability to provide expert advice at a strategic level.
- A track record of driving positive organisational culture and leading change that benefits people and outcomes.
- Experience of leading Talent Management initiatives to attract, develop, and empower a thriving, high-performing workforce.
- Experience of shaping and delivering high-level strategy across a multi-school trust or similar complex organisation.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire confidence and trust.
If you’re passionate about people, strategy, and creating lasting positive change, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like an informal discussion about working for Shaw Education Trust in this role, please contact Natalie Turner, Recruitment Manager in the first instance (see attachment for details)
We are a dynamic and growing family of Primary, Secondary, and Special Schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our mission is to unlock opportunity for every young person—whatever their background, ability, or starting point.
Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their growth. Through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent acceleration, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals and we champion wellbeing, value every voice, and create a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.
You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and professional community fuel success. Every academy in our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital part in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
At the heart of our work is a deep respect for the children and young adults we serve. We are proud to have high expectations of every student, preparing them for adulthood including further education, employment, or training in inclusive environments where integrity, equality, and opportunity thrive.
If you have the moral integrity, passion, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our incredible team.
Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
- Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
- Trust Leadership Contacts based on working full time, all year - 41 days holiday including bank holidays, with a maximum of 16 days to be taken in term time and flexible working during school holiday times.
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests
- Cycle to work scheme
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.
Working hours: 37 hours a week, full time, all year
Location: SET Head Office located at Kidsgrove Secondary School site with School travel if required
Shaw Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, click here to review Safeguarding and Pupil Protection Policy https://www.shaw-education.org.uk/our-trust/key-information
This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment.
An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the CRB, is required. You will be asked to disclose all relevant unspent and, where applicable, unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions, and convictions.
Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted.
We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an on-going basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications.
Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.