Non-Executive Director at Insignis Academy Trust

Insignis Academy Trust (IAT) in Buckinghamshire seeks three new non-executive directors with skills in PR/communications, Education Leadership or Business Growth to join the board and support the trust through its next stage of development. This is an exciting opportunity to join the trust as it plans to open a new free school next year. Board meetings are held virtually at this time however will take place at the trust schools, on a rotational basis, when safe to do so.

The Academy Ambassadors programme brings the expertise of the business world onto boards at multi-academy trusts (MATs) throughout the country to raise standards of education and improve the life chances of young people, which is critical to our social and economic success.

The opportunity

Founded in 2016, IAT is based in Buckinghamshire, with two secondary schools - Princes Risborough School, a non-selective upper school based in Princes Risborough and Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School (SHFGS) based in Aylesbury. SHFGS was the founding academy which converted to a Multi Academy Trust in July 2016, following an Outstanding Ofsted inspection in January 2016. Princes Risborough School joined the trust in September 2018 following an Inadequate Ofsted judgement in June 2017. With new leadership and a focus on improving outcomes, the school is on an improvement journey, aspiring to a Good Ofsted inspection in the next 12 months.

IAT has aspirations to grow locally and was recently successful in its bid to run a new secondary free school, The Kingsbrook School, due to open in September 2022. The Kingsbrook School will initially open for Year 7 admissions and will also support a 24 place Social Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) unit to meet local needs. IAT are also in discussions with another local secondary school in anticipation of the school joining the trust later in 2021.

The board seeks three business leaders with board level experience in

• Education Leadership OR
• Growth management OR
• PR (communications)

As a key member of the board you will support the trust in achieving the following over the next 12 - 24 months:

1. Change management planning and delivery over the next two years as the trust grows from two schools, with 2300 pupils and 230 staff to at least three schools, including building capacity within the Central Services and Governance teams.
2. Opening of a new free school, with support from the Local Authority.
3. Ensuring continued school improvement at both of the trust's current schools, including an effective response to the post-pandemic needs of pupils and staff.

What's involved?

Board governance in education is a strategic, 'eyes on, hands off' commitment which typically involves attending c. six board meetings per year/6-8 hours' time per month.

You will be responsible for:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and
3. Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent

As an Academy Ambassador, you will join our ambassador network which provides resources, guidance, networking events and webinars to support you in your role.

All roles are pro bono.

People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What next?

Please apply now to be considered for the role. 

Once you select the option to apply you will be directed to the Academy Ambassadors webpage where further trust details and a full role specification are available.

Please be aware the closing date may change if we have received sufficient applications.