Non-Executive Director/Trustee at Cavendish Learning Community

Are you a Human Resources, Finance or Estate Management professional looking to make a difference to the education sector by joining an academy trust board? Cavendish Education Trust in Eastbourne seeks three non-executive directors/Trustees to join its board. Board meetings are held at BN21 1UE when safe to do so.

The Academy Ambassadors programme brings the expertise of the business world onto boards at single-academy and multi-academy trusts (SATs and 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

This is an exciting opportunity to join Cavendish Education Trust, a new trust yet to open and oversee the performance of three schools in Eastbourne. The Cavendish School is currently supporting Stafford Primary School and Roselands Infant School. The new trust seeks three non-executive directors/trustees with strategic expertise in Human Resources, Finance or Estate Management to drive improvement, integration and future growth. Board meetings are held virtually or at The Cavendish School, Eastbourne, BN21 1UE when safe to do so.

The board seeks three business leaders with board level experience in:

* Qualified Accountant
* Human Resources
* Estate/Asset/Facilities Management or Construction

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

1. School Improvement - Move Stafford Junior School to at least a Good Ofsted rating. The Cavendish Primary phase headteacher is providing school improvement support to Stafford. The board proposes to establish a shared, local governing board committee to hold leaders to account for the performance of both Stafford Primary School and Roseland Infant School, and a separate local governing board committee for The Cavendish School.

2. Trust Growth - Initially, the trust will focus on integrating the three schools and consolidating as a single legal entity which is the employer of staff, an admissions and contracting authority to maximise use of resources and ensure best value for money. The board will need to oversee the development of an estate management plan and asset register.

3. Implementation of Spiral curriculum across all schools to promote consistency across the trust and link subjects together, albeit with tailoring to suit the individual needs of children, particularly those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable.

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:
* Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
* 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
* 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 register your interest now to be considered for the role.
Please be aware the closing date may change if we have received sufficient applications.
Key dates Friday 25 June 2021