Role of the Member

The role of a Member at the Rutland and District Schools’ Federation (RDSF), (which consists of Catmose College, Catmose Primary and Harington School) is a limited, but crucial one in safeguarding academy trust governance.

Members are tasked with assessing if the governance of the trust is effective, that academy trustees are acting in accordance with the trust’s charitable objects and that they, the Members, use their powers to step in if governance is failing. Members are not involved in the day-to-day business of the academy trust and must ensure they do not assume the powers of the academy trustees. They do, however, have an important role in the academy trust, based on a number of key powers set out in the articles of association and in company law.   

Members have an ‘eyes on’, but ‘hands off’ role and should not assume the role of trustees or governors.

Academy trusts are founded by Members, who may then appoint additional Members to join them.  The first Members are the signatories to the memorandum of association which is drawn up when the academy trust is first established. These first Members agree the academy trust’s first articles of association, which include the academy trust’s charitable purpose.

Academy Structure

The Powers of Members

Members help to ensure that Academy Trustees are exercising effective governance by utilising a range of powers including:

  • Appointing and removing Academy Trustees: Members can appoint academy trustees and remove any or all serving academy trustees.
  • Appointing and Removing Members: There must always be a minimum of three Members.  Members can appoint new Members or remove existing Members.  At least two Members must be independent of the trust board.
  • Directing Academy Trustees: Members can, by special resolution, direct academy trustees to take a specific action where academy trustees are unable, or unwilling to act in the best interests of the academy trust. This should only happen in exceptional circumstances. Members should consider using this power if they believe the trust board is failing to carry out its core functions, or is acting unlawfully.
  • Amending the Academy Trust’s Articles of Association:

In certain circumstances Members can amend the articles of association (including the objects clause), subject to any restrictions in the articles, the funding agreement or charity and company law. Academy trusts must gain permission from the Charity Commission for changes to some clauses; these are known as regulated amendments. These clauses relate to the academy trust’s charitable object, benefits, and arrangements on dissolution or winding up of the academy trust.

Role Commitments

Members sit above the trustees and typically meet once a year, usually in the summer term. It is important for Members to be kept informed about academy trust business so they can be assured that the trust board is exercising effective governance. Members will therefore be given access to an online portal where they will be able to access amongst other papers, the academy trust’s audited annual report and accounts.

 

Qualities Required for the Post

Essential Desirable
Commitment
A clear recognition of and, commitment to our aims as Academies.  A Member should understand and is supportive of the trust’s ethos and culture, and appreciates the need and desire to achieve the trust’s charitable object.
Qualifications
A good basic level of education, including 5 A* – C GCSE or equivalent, examination results, including English and maths.		 Confident user of email as a method of communication.
Experience
An interest in education.		 Skills and expertise in leadership, finance, business or HR.