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- Tasks: Join our board to guide and support schools in Birmingham and Solihull.
- Company: Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust is dedicated to improving education for over 4,000 students.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts on shopping and wellness resources through Perkbox.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Bring your passion for education and willingness to challenge the status quo.
- Other info: This is a volunteer role with flexible hours and ongoing training opportunities.
FMAT is offering an opportunity for the right person to make a real difference to the outcomes and life chances of young people across Birmingham and Solihull.
Our Schools:
- Fairfax Academy
- Erdington Academy
- Bournville School
- Smiths Wood Academy
This is an opportunity to give something back to the local community and use and develop your own skills in a board-level environment. We need individuals willing to commit some of their time and apply their skills and experience to be a director of our Multi-Academy Trust.
FMAT has 4 schools, 3 are secondary schools and 1 is an all-through school (4 to 16) with over 4,000 students. We serve students from a wide range of backgrounds including some in challenging circumstances. We have higher than average proportions of students from disadvantaged homes and with special educational needs. We firmly believe that every student has the right to realise their full potential, and to do that they need to experience a high-quality education in a supportive environment to help them achieve their career aspirations and live their lives to the full.
We are seeking to appoint a number of directors with a range of skills including education, finance, human resources, risk management, health and safety, estates, and marketing.
Key elements of being a director include:
- Providing strategic guidance and drive to FMAT and its schools
- Holding leaders to account for the school's performance
- Overseeing the financial and operational propriety of our organisation
The role of director is challenging but hugely rewarding.
Brief role description
Commitment:
- 5 Trust Board Meetings per annum
- 5 committee meetings per annum (per sub-committee) x 2
- Plus training, school visits (Ideally 3 half days a year) and ad hoc panels
- Circa 100 hours per annum including meeting preparation, ad hoc meetings, and school visits
Responsibilities:
- Strategic oversight, set the vision and policies for the Trust
- Ensure appropriate governance and decision-making
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
- Hold the executive to account for academic standards and outcomes
- Oversee the finances and effective use of funds
- Set appropriate targets and hold the CEO to account
- Agree and monitor budgets
- Review performance across the Trust
- Deal with contractual relationships with third parties
- Maintain a risk register which actively informs Trust agenda and decision-making
Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will therefore be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account.
Benefits
- Perkbox discount platform: Discounts on a variety of online and high street stores, supermarkets and more
- Perkbox Wellness hub: A variety of wellness content to proactively support your health and wellbeing
Skills
- Knowledge of education legislation, guidance, and legal requirements - Essential
- Willingness to challenge current thinking, the method of governance and management in a constructive manner and in the best interests of all our students - Essential
- Ability to remain impartial and to maintain confidentiality - Essential
- Ability to evaluate and interpret management information and other data/evidence - Essential
Personal Qualities
- Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the Trust - Essential
- Commitment to the education and welfare of all our children, pupils, and students - Essential
- Commitment to equal opportunities, inclusion and the promotion of diversity - Essential
- Independence of thought and sound judgment - Essential
- Ability to work as part of a team - Essential
- Commitment to seeking and taking account of the views of stakeholders - Essential
- Willingness to make and stand by collective decisions as an Association - Essential
Fairfax Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.
Following the update of KCSIE 2023 Fairfax Multi Academy Trust will now carry out online checks of all appointments.
Fairfax Multi Academy Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust Director (Governor) employer: Fairfax School
Contact Detail:
Fairfax School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust Director (Governor)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by the schools within the Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust. Understanding the unique needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds will help you demonstrate your commitment to their welfare during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former directors and governors in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the responsibilities and expectations, which will help you articulate how your skills align with the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for the Trust. Think about how you would approach governance and decision-making, and be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led initiatives in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain a safe environment for all students.
We think you need these skills to ace Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust Director (Governor)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a director at Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust. Familiarise yourself with their mission, vision, and values to align your application accordingly.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in education, finance, or governance that showcases your ability to contribute to the Trust. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and commitment to improving educational outcomes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for education and community service. Mention how your personal values align with those of the Trust and why you want to be part of their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a director role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fairfax School
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a director at the Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust. Familiarise yourself with their mission, vision, and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in governance, education, or any relevant field. Highlight specific examples where you've made a positive impact, particularly in areas like strategic oversight or financial management, as these are key elements of the role.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to Education
Express your passion for education and your commitment to improving outcomes for students. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the Trust's goals, especially in supporting disadvantaged students and promoting diversity and inclusion.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the Trust's future, such as inquiries about their strategic plans or how they measure success in their schools. This demonstrates your engagement and forward-thinking mindset.
