Become a Trustee
We sometimes look for new people to sit on our Board of Trustees and look for a broad range of skills, attributes and experience. Learn more below about being a Trustee:
INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Thank you for considering to join our Board of Trustees. Trustees are pivotal in the oversight of a multi academy trust and we are extremely grateful for each and every person for giving up their time. Our Trust Board is extremely diverse in it's background and skills which ensures we can oversee the operation of the Trust and support where necessary. Learn more about our existing Trustees here.
WHAT DO TRUSTEES DO?
The main responsibilities of the trustees are to:
- Set the strategic direction of the trust
- Hold senior leadership to account
- Oversee the trust’s financial performance
For many people, volunteering as a trustee is a meaningful way to give back but also to develop skills and gain non-executive director experience.
WHAT ROLES ARE THERE ON THE TRUST BOARD
Our Board of Trustees has a set of roles including the below that shows you don’t just need to be someone already involved in education:
- Quality of Education
- Finance
- Growth
- People
- Safeguarding
- Compliance
We offer training and support when you first become a Trustee and we will guide you right from the start.
Increasingly businesses are allowing their staff to have free time under their Social Corporate Responsibility, or similar, policies to support local causes so perhaps talk to your employer.
HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE
We recognise that Trustees are volunteers. The Trust anticipate that Trustees will attend all Trust Board Meetings, once every half term (6 a year) that last around 2 hours. Trustees are expected to attend at least two Local Academy Board meetings at one of our schools a year and meet with the central team at least three times a year. Trustees who sit on committees or are involved in specific projects will also provide additional time.
Reports will be circulated before any meetings, you will need to allow time to review these before the meeting itself.
WHAT SUPPORT DO NEW STARTERS RECEIVE
Becoming a new Trustee can seem daunting, however, you will be supported in your journey.
Firstly, it is important that you meet with the Chair and the Chief Executive Officer and liaise with the Clerk who will provide:
- Introduction to the Trust Board
- Introduction about Concordia Multi Academy Trust and it’s Academies
- Set up and familiarisation with Governor Hub
- Opportunity to ask any questions regarding the Guide to Trustee Governance
It can be daunting learning the terminology used in schools if you aren’t from an education background, our Clerk will support you to avoid acronym overload.
If being a Trustee is new to you, we can buddy you with an experienced Trustee, who can provide some further insight, be available to answer your questions and guide you through the first few months.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
If you have now decided you would like to join our Board of Trustees, please either contact us at [email protected]. At this stage, please provide an email or letter introducing your skills and why you would like to join the Trust Board.
Following this and subject to their being vacancies we will be in touch with you for more information and to arrange an informal meeting to learn more about each other.
Our Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting safety and wellbeing. If successful, we will then have to carry out some checks, including obtaining a DBS certificate (Disclosure and Barring Service). We will also request references and carry out a Section 128 check.