Trustee at The Good Shepherd Multi Academy Trust

The Good Shepherd Trust in Cumbria seeks two non-executive directors with finance or HR experience to join its board. Board meetings are held in Penrith when safe to do so. Applications are invited from candidates of all faiths or none.

The opportunity

This is a rapidly growing trust of rural / coastal and urban fringe schools, nestled within the most amazing learning landscape (Cumbria /Lake District). Candidates should be committed to ensuring that the Christian character of Church of England academies with the Multi Academy Trust are secured, preserved and developed; and respect the status of any non- Church of England academies within the Multi Academy Trust.

Successful financial growth has seen continued support from the Carlisle Diocese, and success from Finance bids allows The Good Shepherd Trust to develop systems and processes to now support multiple regions and cluster of schools in and joining the trust. A strong board of directors have secured growth to 10 schools (to date) with two more schools joining in the New Year.

The schools are able to deliver the best educational, spiritual and emotional outcomes for children and their families, guided by their own unique vision and ethos. As the Trust continues to grow, it expects to add to and enhance the already considerable benefits of being part of a family of schools & the communities that they serve.

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

• human resources OR
• finance

Throughout your term of office (typically 4 years, but this may vary between trusts), you will be an active contributor to key board decisions. Specifically, in the next 12 - 24 months the trust's key focus areas will be:

1. Covid recovery - ensuring all children make good progress.
2. Growth of numbers of schools
3. Development of Clusters of schools within the trust
4. Continued development of board expertise

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/4-6hours' 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.

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.