Chief Executive Officer & Accounting Officer

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Provide inspirational and values‑led leadership for the Trust, setting a clear strategic vision that delivers excellence for all children and young people.
  • Lead the development and implementation of the Trust's strategic plan, ensuring long‑term sustainability, growth and impact.
  • Promote a culture of ambition, inclusion, collaboration and continuous improvement across all schools.
• Educational Excellence
  • Drive outstanding educational outcomes and school improvement across the Trust.
  • Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, curriculum and inclusion.
  • Champion evidence‑informed practice and innovation.
• People and Culture
  • Develop and empower leaders at all levels, building leadership capacity across the Trust.
  • Foster a positive organisational culture where staff can thrive and perform at their best.
  • Lead workforce development, talent management and succession planning.
• Governance and Accountability
  • Work closely with Trustees and Local Governing Bodies to ensure strong governance and accountability.
  • Act as the key adviser to the Board on educational, strategic and operational matters.
  • Promote the highest standards of integrity, transparency and public accountability.
• Finance and Operations
  • Ensure effective stewardship of public funds and organisational resources.
  • Provide strategic oversight of financial planning, risk management, compliance and operational effectiveness.
  • Ensure the Trust remains sustainable, resilient and responsive to future challenges.
• System Leadership and Partnerships
  • Represent the Trust locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Build strong partnerships with schools, families, community organisations and external stakeholders.
  • Strengthen the Trust's role as a civic leader within education and the wider community.

Person Spec

• Essential
  • Proven senior leadership experience in education, including successful headship experience.
  • Significant system leadership experience with demonstrable impact across schools, trusts or wider education settings.
  • Track record of improving educational outcomes and driving sustained school improvement.
  • Experience of developing and delivering organisational strategy and leading change.
  • Strong understanding of curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment and accountability.
  • Experience of financial oversight, resource management and delivering value for money.
  • Strong understanding of governance, compliance and regulatory requirements.
  • Experience of developing high‑performing teams and senior leaders.
  • Ability to build effective relationships with trustees, governors, staff, pupils, families and external partners.
  • Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
  • Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, equity and high expectations for all children and young people.
  • Values‑led leadership with integrity, resilience and strong emotional intelligence.
• Desirable
  • Relevant postgraduate or professional qualification.
  • Experience of leadership across multiple schools, phases or settings.
  • Experience of leading within a multi‑academy trust environment.
  • Experience of trust growth, merger, organisational expansion or significant transformation.
  • Experience of working with initial teacher training, research schools or wider system leadership organisations.
  • Experience of influencing educational policy or contributing to regional or national education networks.
  • Understanding of the Accounting Officer responsibilities within an academy trust.