The newly-forming Polaris Multi Academy Trust in West Yorkshire seeks a non-executive director/trustee possessing extensive finance and/or accountancy skills to join its board. Board meetings will be held in Rastrick, West Yorkshire, when safe to do so.

The Academy Ambassadors programme brings the expertise of the business world onto boards at single-academy and multi-academy trusts (SATs and MATs). Academy trusts exist to improve the outcomes of young people. At the highest levels of governance, they need highly skilled 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 Academy Ambassadors Programme is service funded by the Department for Education, to match senior business leaders with academy trusts looking to strengthen their boards. By working together, inspirational educationalists and talented business leaders can provide a better future for the next generation.

The opportunity

A newly-forming academy trust comprising four schools in the Calderdale area of West Yorkshire, The Polaris Multi Academy Trust is being established through the successful application of Rastrick High School to become a sponsor academy and the adoption, through a voluntary transfer, of the schools within Brighter Futures Academy Trust. The Polaris MAT's intention is to grow and develop over time, focusing on the Calderdale, Kirklees and Bradford areas. The trust seeks to add significant financial knowledge and expertise to its board with the recruitment of up to two trustees/non-executives possessing extensive experience in financial management and/or accounting. The roles will begin in September 2021. Board meetings will be held in Rastrick, West Yorkshire, when safe to do so.

The board seeks a business leader with board level experience in

• Accountancy/qualified accountant and/or

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

• Cohesion and shared vision: bringing together four school communities under the banner of The Polaris Multi Academy Trust, communicating the vision of the trust and achieving complete buy-in from all stakeholders;
• Ofsted outcomes: Moving Siddal Primary Academy and Field Lane Academy from an Ofsted judgement of 'Requires Improvement' to a judgement of at least 'Good';
• Systems and mindset: Embedding a systemic approach and mindset in the education and business/back office staff across the trust.

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.

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.