Non-Executive Director/Trustee at Schoolsworks Academy Trust

This is an opportunity to contribute to the community within Littlehampton area, by becoming an Academy Ambassador at Schoolsworks Academy Trust. Board meetings are held at BN17 6ER 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). Academy trusts exist to improve the outcomes of young people. At the highest levels of governance, they need highly skilled individuals with a variety of experiences to hold executive leadership teams to account. Insights from a wide-range of backgrounds, ensure that boards are able to make informed choices on decisions that impact the lives of children and staff.

The Academy Ambassadors Programme is service funded by the Department for Education, to match senior business leaders with academy trusts looking to strengthen their boards. By working together, inspirational educationalists and talented business leaders can provide a better future for the next generation.

The opportunity

Schoolsworks Academy Trust in West Sussex is a trust focused on putting children first within a family of seven open primary schools, promoting a blend of curriculum alignment with individual ways of delivering education to suit the needs of their pupils and communities. One brand new school is due to open in 2023. The trust board seeks a non-executive director with expertise in HR to join the board. Board meetings will continue in the main to be held virtually although may include a hybrid arrangement with in-person meetings held in Littlehampton area.

The board seeks one business leader with board level experience in:

• Strategic HR Leadership

As a key member of the board you will support the trust in achieving the following over the next 12 - 18 months:

1. Continued academic improvement
2. Growth
3. Governance and strategy

What's involved?

Board governance in education is a strategic, 'eyes on, hands off' commitment which involves attending six board meetings per year, amounting to 14 hours of work a 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.

When you select the option to Apply you will be redirected to the Academy Ambassadors webpage where you will find a full role specification with more details of the opportunity and the trust, including details of how to apply for the position.

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