Academy trusts exist to improve the outcomes of young people. At the highest levels of governance, they need 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 Opportunity
We are currently seeking three non-executive directors. One position requires expertise in either Primary Education Leadership or HR and we are also looking for two leaders with strategic awareness and/or commercial experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Education
• IT/Digital
• HR/Employment
• Estate Management
• Safety (Safeguarding, Health & Safety and/or Mental Health & Wellbeing)
• Governance (Self-Assessment)
As a Trustee, 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:
Pupil Achievement - Continuing to improve the educational experience and outcomes for all pupils, ensuring no child is left behind. After an unprecedented year of disruption caused by the pandemic, this is an even greater priority.
Growth Strategy - Growing our group of schools, partnering and networking with others who share our vision and values. We will gradually expand our network and be outward facing to work with other schools in our local community, helping to influence educational experience in our region.
Shared Service Provision - Providing a supportive and collaborative shared services model which underpins and improves our operational efficiency. By pooling professional and technical expertise we will add value, increase efficiency and save money for our schools.
A Learning Organisation - Developing a trust-wide learning culture which positively impacts our pupils and their families, every staff member, our governors and our trustees. A commitment to lifelong learning for our entire community.
Excellent Governance Structures - Strengthening our governance and communication at all levels throughout the Trust. Evaluate and improve the effectiveness of current communications to and between all stakeholders.
Board governance in education is a strategic commitment which for us will involve attending c. six board meetings per year, which are held in Warlingham, Surrey (or remotely) and additionally, approx. four hours’ time per month. All roles are pro bono.
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
About Us
Tandridge Learning Trust was formed in 2017 by four primary schools and one secondary school, which serve the needs of over 2000 pupils, with a staff of around 450.
The Trust is a strong partnership of exceptional schools committed to providing a caring and nurturing learning environment that delivers equity and excellence in education for every child; it is committed to supporting the communities it serves and to inspiring a lifelong love of learning for everyone. The Trust’s foremost priority will always be pupil achievement and how best to continuously improve the learning experience for every child within the Trust.
The Trust places a high importance on excellent Governance structures and works to strengthen its governance and communication at all levels throughout the Trust. To do this, the Trustees ensure the Trust’s vision and values guide their governance decisions and communications. The Trust invests in induction, support and training for all its governors and provides opportunities to develop skills and engage in collaborative work across its local governing committees
What next?
Thank you for your interest in this rewarding opportunity. Please contact us to arrange an informal chat with our Chair in the first instance. Visits to our Trust are also welcomed.
Tandridge Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
As an equal opportunities’ employer, Tandridge Learning Trust is also committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds irrespective of personal characteristics.
Please note that applications will be considered upon receipt. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close the selection process once suitable candidates are appointed.