Trustee/Director in Leicester

Are you ready to contribute to education outcomes nationally by becoming an academy trustee at The David Ross Education Trust? DRET is seeking a Secondary Educationalist to join their Trust Board. The trust operates across London, Midlands, Lincolnshire and the North East and serves approximately 17,000 learners. Its annual budget is £120m.

The David Ross Education Trust (DRET) is one of the earliest and most established academy trusts in the country and has since grown to 36 schools. A significant majority of academies are judged Good or Outstanding (under the former Ofsted framework), with none currently considered Inadequate. Recent achievements include Charnwood College being designated a DfE Attendance and Behaviour Hub, recognising its impact on improving standards across the wider system.

The Board, comprising 8 trustees, is looking to recruit as part of their succession planning and further develop capacity on the board. This is a rare opportunity to join a large, nationally recognised trust at a significant moment in its development. DRET is recognised as one of only 11 system leader trusts in England, offering an exceptional platform to apply your professional expertise at scale and make a meaningful difference to children and communities across widely varied contexts.

DRET benefits from long-standing support from the David Ross Foundation, which invests in enrichment, professional development and leadership across the network. As the trust prepares to appoint a new CEO and continue its next phase of development, the board is now seeking new trustees to strengthen strategic leadership and ensure continued excellence across all regions.

Type of establishment: Multi-academy trust

What does the role include?

As a trustee/director your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account – both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation's financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people. By volunteering as a trustee/director 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.

What are the 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'll 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.

Further information:

You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page. The David Ross Education Trust reference number is 2854. The following webpage also provides useful information and reading to any potential trustee. If you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team.