At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of education by contributing to strategic decisions and holding leaders accountable.
- Company: Great Heights Academy Trust, known for school improvement and teacher training.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while gaining valuable experience in decision-making and leadership.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 8 hours per month with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and help enhance educational outcomes for young people.
- Qualifications: Expertise in finance or HR; passion for education and community development.
About the Trust
Great Heights Academy Trust (GHAT) is an academy trust with an established and strong reputation in the West Yorkshire region, with a strong track record of school improvement and rich teacher training and development opportunities. All except one of GHAT's primary schools are officially graded Good or better by Ofsted, and the trust continues to work with all its schools to retain those assessments at the next visits. GHAT has a well‑established School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) centre that trains primary and secondary teachers, some of whom join the trust's schools and others who move to other schools in the region. The trust also has Research School status, involving about 30 schools that focus on cutting‑edge research and practice in the teaching of literacy, reading and curriculum development.
Role Overview
These roles have a dual function: as well as operating as a trustee of the academy trust as a charity, volunteers are classed as Non‑Executive Directors, listed on Companies House and subject to company law. You will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision‑making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long‑term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability and challenge.
Typical meeting schedule: 4 full board meetings per year (Oct, Dec, Mar, Jul) on Mondays at 5.10 pm, lasting around 90 minutes. Volunteers are expected to give up to 8 hours per month of their time and attend up to 6 meetings over a 12‑month period, alongside any additional school visits required by the role.
Key Functions
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and for efficient performance management of staff
- Overseeing the organisation's financial performance and ensuring its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people
Qualifications
One appointee: expertise in finance, audit or risk (accountancy skills beneficial but not essential). Second appointee: skills connected to HR, people and/or estates.
Benefits
Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people's futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account, ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes. Alongside making a tangible impact, you will gain valuable experience in senior‑level decision‑making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non‑executive portfolio, and give back to education.
Trustee/Director in Elland employer: Great Heights Academy Trust
Great Heights Academy Trust (GHAT) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape in West Yorkshire. With a strong focus on school improvement and professional development, GHAT fosters a collaborative work culture that values transparency and accountability. As a trustee or director, you will not only make a meaningful impact on young people's futures but also enhance your own career through valuable experience in strategic decision-making and governance.
Contact Details:
Great Heights Academy Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee/Director in Elland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to education and governance. Attend local events or webinars related to the academy trust sector to meet potential contacts who can help you land that trustee role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for education! When you get the chance to chat with decision-makers, share your thoughts on how to improve educational outcomes. This will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the role, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the trust's mission and recent achievements. Knowing their goals and challenges will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their success, making you a more appealing choice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Great Heights Academy Trust and making a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee/Director in Elland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and community shine through. We want to see why you're excited about the role and how you can contribute to shaping young people's futures.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have that aligns with the key functions of the role. Whether it's finance, HR, or educational leadership, we want to know how your background makes you a great fit for our trust.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a difference in education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Great Heights Academy Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research Great Heights Academy Trust. Understand their mission, values, and recent achievements. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As a trustee, you'll be involved in strategic decision-making. Brush up on key topics like educational performance, financial oversight, and governance. Think about how your skills can contribute to these areas and be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Education
Demonstrate your passion for improving education and supporting young people. Share any relevant experiences or initiatives you've been part of that highlight your dedication to making a positive impact in the community.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared. This could be about the trust's future plans, challenges they face, or how they measure success. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
