Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust in Birmingham seeks three non-executive directors with experience in audit, risk or HR to join its board.

The Academy Ambassadors programme brings the expertise of the business world onto boards at single-academy and multi-academy trusts (SATs and MATs) throughout the country to raise standards of education and improve the life chances of young people, which is critical to our social and economic success.

The opportunity

Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust was founded in 2013, established on the leadership and governance of Washwood Heath Academy in Birmingham, and has since grown to encompass a total of seven schools: one all-through school (including a sixth form); four primary schools and two 11-16 secondary schools. The trust seeks three non-executive directors/trustees to strengthen the areas of audit, risk and human resources.

Board meetings have been held virtually in recent times: the intention is to hold meetings across the trust's academies, but to use the flexibility of technology to ensure colleagues can attend.

The board seeks three business leaders with board-level experience in

• Audit
• Risk management
• HR

As a key member of the board you will support the trust in achieving its strategic priorities for coming years.

Due to a Financial Notice to Improve (FNTI), the trust seeks audit, risk and HR professionals to strengthen its board further and help establish good financial practices, policies and procedures to ensure a swift resolution of the FNTI and a strong financial framework for the future.

The trust, following extensive staff consultation, has set a new strategy for the next three years with a one-year plan to set the actions required for the first year of implementation.

What's involved?

Board governance in education is a strategic, 'eyes on, hands off' commitment which typically involves attending c. six board meetings per year/6-8 hours' time per month.

You will be responsible for:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent

As an Academy Ambassador, you will join our ambassador network which provides resources, guidance, networking events and webinars to support you in your role.

All roles are pro bono.

People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What next?

Please register your interest now to be considered for the role.

When you select the option to Apply you will be redirected to the Academy Ambassadors webpage where you will find a full role specification with more details of the opportunity and the trust, including details of how to apply for the position.

Please be aware the closing date may change if we have received sufficient applications.