South Suffolk Learning Trust in Colchester seeks four non-executives/directors with a demonstrated history in safeguarding, human resources, property/estates management or primary educational experience to join its board. Board meetings are held at East Bergholt High School, Colchester 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

South Suffolk Learning Trust (SSLT) was formed in June 2017. The trust was established in the belief that by working together all the schools in the multi-academy trust will support each other to improve yet further by sharing best practice in teaching and learning. The schools currently work closely together with the head teachers, leading collaborative work based on school improvement. The trust is made up of a group of semi-rural schools.

The four Suffolk schools have low English as an additional language, special educational needs and disadvantaged pupil numbers. Colchester Academy has a high level of disadvantaged and SEN students. All schools been rated Good by Ofsted.

The new trustees as part of this round of recruitment will further deepen and broaden the skillset on the Board. This is an ideal opportunity to join a refreshed board that will plan the strategic future of the trust. In addition, the Trust has been approved as a sponsor by the Department for Education and is currently looking to grow with the recruitment of primary schools to create a primary hub. Discussions are underway with one potential school to join the trust.

The board seeks four business leaders with board level experience in

• Safeguarding or
• Human Resources or
• Property/Estates Management or
• Primary Education

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

• To improve and further develop leadership and governance across the Trust
• To further improve the schools to become outstanding
• Engage with other schools to grow the Trust and develop collaborative working further
• Further refine the highly effective financial management system to ensures that the Trust and schools can deliver it aims
• To develop a responsive and flexible workforce to manage the complex changes and pressures faced by schools in the current educational climate
• Further develop effective community engagement and involvement

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 at the academy ambassadors website.

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