The Board of Trustees holds the CEO, executive team and academy leaders to account to successfully deliver against the Trust’s mission and strategic plan. They ensure an excellent education and level of safeguarding for students across the academies, a clear strategic direction, and the setting and monitoring of performance benchmarks. Trustees also have overall responsibility for ensuring that Shaw Education Trust complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, that resources are managed prudently, and that governance is of the highest possible standard.
Trustees actively participate in Board discussions, providing robust challenge in a constructive manner, and work well with other Board members and the leadership team. They understand the strategic nature of the Board’s role and how this differs from the role of executive leaders.
It is likely that candidates will have had some senior experience as either executive or non- executive in a large organisation, although first time Non-Executives / Trustees are welcome to apply. The Trust operates in a highly regulated environment in which good governance is paramount, and candidates should demonstrate a willingness to spend the requisite amount of time understanding these requirements.
All candidates should show integrity, honesty and compassion, and be great team players who can contribute to the Board but excel individually. They should demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm and passion for the mission and values of Shaw Education Trust, and the importance of providing an outstanding education to all students, no matter their background, ability, or starting point. Candidates may be based anywhere in the UK; although an affinity or familiarity with the locations in which the Trust operates would be an advantage but is not essential. It will however be necessary to attend meetings face to face, on three or four occasions annually.
Terms of the Appointment:
These roles are unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are 6 Board meetings held in person in the Midlands or Northwest and each member of the Board will to be a member of at least one sub-committee, (these meetings are currently held remotely). The total time commitment is expected to be approximately 8-10 days per year.
There will be additional induction and training commitments in the first year of term. The appointment is for an initial four-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.
Finance and Audit Committee meetings take place remotely the week before the Board meetings. Although there are nominated members of the finance and audit committees, everybody is invited to attend.
Education and Standards committee meetings take place just before Board meetings and all Trustees attend.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV and a cover letter that reflects their experience and passion for the role. We value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community.
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.
This position is subject to appropriate vetting procedures including an online checks and criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) which will require you to disclose details of all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions.
All shortlisted candidates will undergo an online search as part of Trust safer recruitment.
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.
We are an Equal Opportunities employer and will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CV’s alone will not be accepted.
Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.