Definitions

  • The term ‘Academy’ is used to refer to any school within the Federation, which consists of Catmose Primary, Catmose College and Harington School.
  • The term ‘Principal’ is used to refer to the most senior member of staff within the Academy, delegated by the Executive Principal to have responsibility for its day-to-day running; currently the Head of School at Catmose Primary and Harington School.
  • The trust board is led by a Chair, and is the decision-making body of the academy trust and is accountable and responsible for all the academies in the academy trust.

This Job Description should be read in conjunction with the following:

  • The Code of Conduct for Governors/Trustees.
  • Articles of Association of the Rutland and District Schools’ Federation.
  • Terms of Reference for the Resources Committee.

 

Role of a Trustee

Trustees are responsible for governing a charitable company and directing how it is managed and run. They must ensure that the Federation has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction that will enable it to fulfil its charitable objects and is focused on achieving these.  Trustees must also ensure that the trust complies with all legal and statutory requirements.

Trustees work together to carry out their three core functions:

  1. Ensuring clarity of the vision, ethos and strategic direction.
  2. Holding the Principal to account for the educational performance of the Academy and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff.
  3. Overseeing the financial performances of the Academy and making sure that its money is well spent.

The board of trustees works closely with the Executive Principal and the senior leadership team. The senior leadership team are responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the trust and its academies, whereas the role of the board is a strategic, non-executive one. As such, trustees are responsible for:

  • Determining the mission, values and long-term ambitious vision for the trust.
  • Deciding the principles that guide trust policies and approving key policies.
  • Appointing and appraising the Executive Principal and making pay recommendations, including those of teaching and support staff.
  • Working with the senior leadership team to develop a strategy for achieving the vision.

Academy Standards

  • Ensuring that all academies in the trust deliver a broad and balanced curriculum such that pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their education and adult life.

Resources Committee

  • Taking ownership of the trust’s financial sustainability and ensuring effective resource management across the trust, including monitoring spending against the budget and ensuring money is well spent and value for money is obtained.
  • Agreeing the trust’s staffing structure and keeping it under review to ensure it supports delivery of the strategy.
  • Ensuring robust risk management policy and procedures are in place and that risk control measures are appropriate and effective.
  • Taking ownership of projects such as the College expansion.

Role Commitments

  • The role of a trustee is voluntary. However, trustees are obliged to attend Trust meetings (typically 3 per year).Trustees are expected to serve a four-year term of office.
  • Meeting notes and papers will be available on an online portal in advance of the meetings, these should be read in full for discussion and meaningful contribution.
  • Trustees are also encouraged to attend Academy events such as theatre performances, art shows or awards evenings. It is also recommended to attend at least one of the local governing body meetings in the academic year.

Qualities Required for the Post

Essential Desirable
Commitment
A clear recognition of and, commitment to our aims as Academies.  A Trustee 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, legal, education, corporate leadership or HR.