Chair of Trustees

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 2nd April 2024.

Who we are

Advantage Schools is an ambitious school trust (also known as a multi-academy trust) determined to play a key role in the emerging school trust landscape. Ahead of significant consolidation of school trusts in the coming years, the CEO, executive team and Trustees are determined that the strong performance and purposeful direction of Advantage Schools will be a part of the future landscape.

About the role

The Trust now looks to appoint an experienced strategic leader as Chair of the Trust Board to succeed Dr Campbell. The successful candidate will lead an expert Board and provide support, challenge and coaching to the Trust’s CEO. They will act as both a non-executive leader and an external ambassador, working to raise the profile of the Trust amongst stakeholders.

The Trust requires a Chair who is innovative, enthusiastic and professional and able to command the respect of peers and the confidence of future partners. Fostering the ambition of the organisation, the Chair will support the CEO and Board in a period of expansion, as the Trust is positioned for further growth.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Chair with experience in leading a large and complex business or charitable organisation, which is comparable in size and scale and employs a large and diverse staff team. You will be willing to share your business acumen and apply it to our trust context. As a publicly funded organisation that ensures a valuable return on public funds entrusted to us, it is very important to us that the next Chair brings experience in financial planning and can demonstrate financial literacy at an appropriate level.

Our next Chair will be a lead ambassador for Advantage Schools, working closely with our CEO to manage stakeholder relationships with other local and national education providers, with the Department for Education, and with funders and local authorities. Our Chair will have the necessary time and capacity to be an effective outward-facing representative of Advantage Schools in the face of an evolving sector and amidst current political uncertainty. With that in mind, experience in the school system is not essential but a willingness and ability to learn and become educated is crucial.

Relevant insight from leading merger and acquisition processes and demonstrating an understanding of financial probity and risk, ideally from a multi-site corporation is also vital.

We welcome candidates from all professional backgrounds to apply to be our next Chair, though the person must appoint shares our perspective of being the best possible provider of education for our pupils and their families. Advantage Schools has an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of underprivileged learners across Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton, and we are proud to provide opportunities through education to everyone who comes through one of our schools.

The Chair will lead our board meetings which take place seven times per academic year, ensuring discussions that are had and decisions which are made uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life. The Chair is expected to read and analyse all board papers in advance of the meetings and ensure, outside of scheduled or formal meetings, to foster a positive working relationship with our CEO. It is expected that the person appointed should be willing to devote up to 2-3 days per month to the role, though this will be flexible throughout the year.

Peridot Partners and Advantage Schools are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Apply’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 2nd April 2024.