We currently have vacancies for Directors.

Our Governance Structure

The governance of our Multi Academy trust has 3 distinct layers; our Members (appointed by the Diocese) who have a hands-off role in ensuring the organisation meets its charitable objectives, our Directors, who set the strategic vision for the organisation as a whole; and crucially, our Governors, who provide local support, challenge and strategic direction to our individual schools.

What do our Directors do?

Directors of a Multi Academy Trust are responsible for the same three core governance functions performed by the governing body in a maintained school: setting the direction, holding executive leaders to account and ensuring financial probity. As charity trustees, they must also ensure that they are complying with charity law requirements. Directors are tasked with;

• Working with other board members to plan the strategic direction of the Multi Academy Trust.
• Overseeing the Trust’s financial performance, ensuring money is well managed across the Trust and that financial procedures are met
• Holding the executive leaders to account for school improvement and performance.
• Overseeing the management and mitigation of risks across the Trust

Directorship is a voluntary, unpaid role for people who have the energy and skills to make a real contribution to shaping the future of our schools.

A specialist knowledge of education is preferred but not always considered essential.

What is the time commitment?

The national estimate number of hours commitment for a Director is 10 hours per month

Activities can include:

• attending Board of Director meetings: 5 Full Board and for those allocated to Committees, a further 5 for each (Education Pay and HR, or Finance Audit and Risk). Each meeting should be no longer than 2 hours and take place between 4.30 – 6.30pm once per term.
• reading through papers that present information and evidence on the MAC school improvement priorities and KPIs along with supporting review reports.  Directors are required to have prepared questions and challenge in advance of a meeting.
• Conducting ‘link visits’ in a particular area and reporting back to the board.
• Involvement in staff disciplinary matters in line with HR process. This would take form of additional meetings throughout the year where necessary
• supporting in recruitment processes for Principals and Executive Leaders when necessary through attendance on interview panels.
• undertaking induction training and ongoing development
• attending networking sessions for governors across the multi academy

Who can be a director?

You don’t need to be an education expert to volunteer as a director. Boards require a combination of hard and soft skills to ensure they operate effectively, however experience in strategic planning and governance is advantageous. No formal qualifications are required.

What support will you receive?

We invest in membership of the National Governance Association that includes a wealth of resources and training modules to help you in your role as director. Our Governance Lead is also on hand to answer questions you may have, and provide ongoing support.

Please contact Mrs Amanda Moore on 01384 889422 or email amoore@sjbca.co.uk