PACE Academy Trust in Coulsdon seeks three non-executives/directors with executive level experience in either finance & operations, primary education leadership, HR or PR/communications to join its board. Board meetings are currently held virtually but will be held at CR5 3BW when safe to do so.

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

Formed in 2013, PACE Academy Trust is a values led trust currently composed of five primary schools but aiming to grow within the next few years. The trust provides an education for a total of 1,732 pupils, 280 employees and operates with a budget of £9.3 million. The trust serves a diverse a cohort. Across the schools, the proportion of children in receipt of free school meals ranges between 10-34%. One of the schools was rated Required Improvement by Ofsted before joining the trust and has not been inspected since, three were rated as Good at their last inspection, and the founding academy Chipstead Valley remains rated Outstanding.

The board seeks three business leaders with board level experience in one or more of the following:

• Finance at CFO level (with accountancy qualifications) or
• Human resources (employment law, wellbeing and remuneration) or
• Audit/Risk or
• PR/corporate communications & social media
• Estates management

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

• Covid-19 response - Ensuring the safe and effective operation of the trust's schools
• CEO succession - The trust has an excellent CEO who is due to retire at the end of the school year (August 2021)
• Growth - the trust board aims to grow to 7 schools in the next few years

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.

A full trust specification is available on the Academy Ambassadors Board Opportunities page.

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