Trustee Director at GST Governance in Surrey

The Good Shepherd Trust (GST), founded in 2012 by the Diocese of Guildford, is a Church of England multi‑academy trust committed to delivering high‑quality education within a supportive Christian ethos. The Trust has expanded to include 24 schools across Surrey and Hampshire, comprising infant, junior, primary and secondary Church of England schools and one community school. Serving a diverse range of communities in both urban and rural settings, GST is known for its strong track record in turning around under‑performing church schools while also attracting good and outstanding schools. This mix enables a collaborative model of school improvement based on peer support and executive leadership development.

The Trust’s central support team is based in Guildford. GST is led by Chief Executive Officer Paul Kennedy, who joined the Trust in February 2020. With over 30 years of experience in the education sector, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to the organisation. Recognising the varied and evolving needs of its school communities, the Trust places strong emphasis on collaboration, collective responsibility, and the strategic use of talent across schools to drive ongoing improvement.

Guided by its 2026‑2030 strategic plan, the Trust is focused on four key priorities:

• securing educational excellence;
• sustaining and nurturing the Christian distinctiveness of GST faith schools;
• targeted growth and financial resilience;
• high‑quality and financially efficient support for schools.

The central team provides expert support across education, finance, governance, HR and estates, helping to streamline operations so that school leaders can focus on teaching and learning. In addition, strong professional development networks are in place to support succession planning and leadership growth at all levels of the organisation.

In recent years, the Trust has recruited strongly to its Board and executive team and now looks to develop its Board further with the recruitment of a number of talented Trustee Directors who will bring expertise along with challenge and support to the executive.

Role specification

The Board at The Good Shepherd Trust brings together a strong mix of educational and professional expertise, with Trustee Directors offering a range of perspectives to support effective decision‑making.

• Provide strategic direction and oversight, ensuring decisions align with the Trust’s Christian ethos, vision and long‑term goals.
• Bring professional expertise to contribute to high‑level decision‑making across areas such as education, estates, digital/AI and HR.
• Scrutinise proposals with attention to detail, offering constructive challenge and support to the executive leadership team.
• Help the Trust navigate opportunities and mitigate risks, ensuring it remains on track to deliver its strategic priorities.
• Champion the Trust’s mission to provide high‑quality education, rooted in its Church of England values, across all schools.
• Participate actively in Board meetings and relevant committees, contributing thoughtfully to strategic discussions.
• Monitor and evaluate the Trust’s performance, ensuring accountability, strong educational outcomes and financial sustainability.
• Provide support and guidance to the executive team, drawing on relevant experience to inform key decisions.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive culture, building strong relationships across the Trust’s schools and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and governance standards, upholding the highest levels of integrity and ethical conduct.

Trustee Directors of The Good Shepherd Trust are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethical behaviour and governance, in full accordance with the Nolan Principles.

Person specification

GST is seeking to attract Trustee Directors and is open to candidates from a range of senior level backgrounds who are passionate about shaping the future of education. While the Board is open to a broad range of experience, it is particularly interested in candidates with expertise in the following areas:

• Digital transformation and AI: Knowledge of digital innovation and emerging technologies to help develop robust and future‑focused oversight.
• Education: Leadership or governance experience in education, particularly within Safeguarding and primary settings. Church of England school experience is desirable but not essential.
• HR and organisational development: Expertise in people strategy, culture, or organisational design to guide the Trust through growth and change.

Candidates will be strategic thinkers with a collaborative mindset, capable of chairing committees and bringing others along through facilitation and influence. They will have a strong personal presence, offering thoughtful insight and acting as a critical friend to the executive team, while supporting the Trust’s mission and values. While prior board experience is preferred, first‑time non‑executive directors with the right skills and mindset are welcome.

The Trust is committed to protecting the community character and Christian character of its church schools. While board members do not need to be practising Christians, it is important that they are aligned with and supportive of the Trust’s vision, values, and ethos, and are willing to uphold and respect its faith‑informed approach to education.

Diversity

The Good Shepherd Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from under‑represented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.

Terms of appointment

This role is unremunerated. Reasonable, pre‑agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are, at present, six Board meetings and five committee meetings per year. Trustee Directors are invited to sit on at least one committee as well as the Board. Meetings are usually in person but some can take place virtually. Additionally, Trustee Directors are expected to visit one or two schools each year and attend an annual strategy day. Trustee Directors should expect to commit on average two days per month. Induction and training will be provided. The appointment is for a four‑year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Members. Candidates will be appointed to the Board subject to references, an enhanced DBS check and a section 128 check.