Chair of the Trust Board

Chair of the Trust Board

Hours: Variable –Rewarding yet demanding at times, c.50 days per year

Grade/Salary: Voluntary

Contract Type: Appointed by Trust Members; as a Trustee, the term of office is 4 years (renewable)

The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT) is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) of 3 secondary and 3 primary academies serving communities in North Somerset and Somerset. It is a relatively small and young MAT with an appetite for further growth.

That’s where you may come in.

TPLT is recruiting someone to help lead us into the next phase of development from well-established to an even more influential player in local education. Our governance is strong. We are seeking someone to be the head of TPLT Board, discharging various duties and roles but who will also galvanise our able Trustees, our highly effective Central Team and our academies’ governors. We are committed to strong performance and sustainable growth. With this in mind we are looking for someone who may have Trust or senior Board experience – but, we’re open minded and have no real preconceptions. This is clearly an exciting opportunity for the right person.

The new Chair will:

• Have the skills and personality to work with stakeholders across the Trust and beyond;
• Balance operational demands of the Chair with a role one step removed from the everyday;
• Facilitate the shaping and sharing of the Trust’s vision without being the only source of ideas.

Your Priorities will be:

• To employ a high level of organisational skill to work with and support fellow Trustees;
• Forge effective, supportive but challenging relationships with the Executive Principal (EP = CEO) and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other key members of the Central Team;
• A commitment to support and challenge TPLT’s Academy Councils (local governing bodies).

This may sound a tall order for someone new to TPLT (or even educational governance).

Don’t let that put you off!

If you want to play such an influential role – and have the skills and capacity – we will ensure you have the support and handover period to enable you to gently immerse yourself over the academic year 2019-2020. Initially appointed as a Trustee, you will be able to familiarise, meet people, see the way we work, offer new suggestions to improve our ways of working to enhance our Trust. You will be supported by Trustees and our Central Team whilst doing this – no pressure! The retiring Chair, with extensive experience, remains on hand and an Interim Chair will hold the ring until you are ready to get going.

So, who are you?

Must you have an education background? Not necessarily.

Do you need experience of working with trusts or organisational governance? Probably.

Do you need a commitment to voluntary public service? Definitely.

Is this a new career? No – you’ll be busy at times and doing important work but it is voluntary and not managerial.

And, how you manage the role, how much you delegate to others or leave to the Central Team, will be for you to shape and develop.

What do we want?

Please look at the specifications for yourself but we seek someone interested in helping shape the education of local children, getting the very best we can for them and from them.

We want someone who understands complex organisations and who will nurture TPLT staff.

Are you that person? – If you think this could be the role for you – Do not hesitate to apply

Click apply below for further information and to submit a copy of your application. Formal applications will be submitted with a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4).