Trustee/Local Governance Vacancies

We currently have vacancies on the Ivy Education Trust board of trustees, as well as on our local governance bodies.

We would be delighted to hear from you if you:

  • Are interested in children’s education and the performance of a group of schools;
  • Have an enquiring mind, and the confidence to ask questions and debate issues that have an impact on the quality of education we provide;
  • Can consider matters strategically, objectively and can make informed judgements;
  • Have an enthusiastic and proactive attitude;
  • Are able to work well as part of a team.

What is the role of governance within our trust?

The board of trustees is the governing body for all the schools within the Trust and has three core functions:

  1. Strategic leadership of the academy trust: the board defines the trust vision for high quality and inclusive education in line with its charitable objects.  It establishes and fosters the trust’s culture and sets and champions the trust strategy including determining what, if any, governance functions are delegated to the local tier.
  2. Accountability and assurance:  the board has robust effective oversight of the operations and performance of the academy trust, including the provision of education, pupil welfare, overseeing and ensuring appropriate use of funding and effective financial performance and keeping their estate safe and well-maintained.
  3. Engagement:  the board has strategic oversight of relationships with stakeholders.  The board involves parents, schools and communities so that decision-making is supported by meaningful engagement.

We currently have eight schools within our Trust whose Local Governing Bodies (LGBs) report to the board of trustees. The LGB carries out it’s functions in relation to the school as a committe of the Trust Board and in accordance with the policies of the board and those delegated to the individual school. The role of a governor is an important one, designed to provide focused governance for the school at a local level.

Our schools

In practice, what will I be expected to do?

  • Attend governance or board meetings (five-six per academic year), having read the information submitted electronically in advance of the meeting so that you may ask relevant questions and provide appropriate challenge to executive leaders during the meetings;
  • Attend appropriate training and read information updates to help you understand your role;
  • Use your skills and knowledge to be a link governor or part of a board committee;
  • Provide feedback on the efficiency of the governance structure;
  • Make occasional school visits and/or meet with relevant staff to help monitor a specific area of responsibility (e.g. safeguarding).

Our trust has an extensive training programme available, supporting governors and trustees to deliver the best possible governance for all stakeholders.

If you are interested, or know someone who would be, please email our Trust Governance Officer at gaby.willis@ivyeducationtrust.co.uk who can explain the different roles available.

Trustee or Governor Application Form