Non-Executive Director / Trustee

Who are STEP Academy Trust? STEP Academy Trust (STEP) is a multi-academy trust of 19 primary schools in two geographical areas – South London and East Sussex. Established in 2011, STEP is founded on a clear moral purpose and commitment to working with schools in challenging circumstances. STEP has developed a strong track record for rapid school improvement by utilising the transformational power of partnership. Indeed, our name reflects the aspirational nature of the organisation – Striving Together for Excellence in Partnership.

This is an exciting time for the Trust, and we would like to enhance the skillset of the Trust Board to prepare us for the next stage of our growth and development. We are particularly looking for Trustees who have financial, risk, legal, educational and HR expertise, as well as an understanding of the educational sector. STEP Academy Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion, and we are seeking to recruit trustees from diverse backgrounds, and this is crucial to the success of the Trust.

Key Skills and Experience

• The desire to create a positive change for young people;
• Experience in leadership and management and the ability to ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Ability to hold leaders to account for the educational performance of the Trust, its pupils and the performance management of staff;
• Be willing to devote time, enthusiasm and effort to the duties and responsibilities of a Trustee.

Highlights and Benefits

You will be making a real difference to the lives of our pupils, by ensuring that our governance, strategic direction, decision making, finances and focus are robustly and carefully managed, to provide excellent education. You will help create positive change for young people and commit to the Mission and Vision of STEP Academy Trust.

Expectations

We aim to use trustees’ time carefully and respectfully and support a healthy work life balance for all. There are up to six Trust Board meetings a year (in the evenings), including an annual Board Development Session, which take place either remotely or at one of our STEP academies. Additional Committee meetings and training sessions are held as necessary by the Trust Board. Trustees will also be expected to visit an academy to gain a greater understanding of how the academies operate and to talk to the staff and pupils.

Training

STEP offers a full induction programme for all new trustees to ensure that you are well equipped from the beginning to carry out your role as a trustee. We also offer a continuous CPD and governance training programme throughout the year delivered internally.

Contact

If you have any questions concerning this role, or if you would like to discuss it further, please contact Cheryl Gilbert, Recruitment Manager via email button below. The Role Description and Person Specification fully outline the requirements of this post and can be found on our website www.stepacademytrust.org. Supporting statements should be written in line with the Person Specification.

Closing date: 11th February 2026. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, Social Media check and satisfactory references. STEP Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. STEP Academy Trust believes that its governance and workforce should reflect the local community and that all groups within the community should have equal access to the Trust’s opportunities. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. Applicants must hold the right to work in the UK.