Kingsway Community Trust in Manchester seeks one non-executive director/Trustee with a background in finance to join its board. Board meetings are held at M20 4SR when safe to do so.

The Academy Ambassadors programme brings the expertise of the business world onto boards at multi-academy trusts (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

The Kingsway Community Trust currently supports three primary-age schools in South Manchester: Ladybarn Primary, Green End Primary and Cringle Brook Primary. Green End Primary and Ladybarn Primary both schools academised in 2013, and Kingsway Community Trust was formed. The motivation for opening Cringle Brook Primary started in May 2012, when the founding schools became aware of the shortage of school places for Manchester reception children in the community. The Governors in the trust were clear about their moral purpose and community responsibility to all children and so in April 2014, the third school, Cringle Brook Primary opened. All three trust schools have been graded as Outstanding by Ofsted. The trust is led and managed by one Executive Headteacher who is a National Leader of Education and a Trust Board. Our Trust Board is an experienced and highly skilled group, led by the Chair of Trustees who is a National Leader of Governance.

'Kingsway Community Trust creates an enthusiasm for learning that will shape children's lives and future chances. Our union allows us to be innovative, be creative and provide pupil and parent support which would be more difficult for one school alone. Kingsway Community Trust is committed to ensuring that every child succeeds highly during their time at our schools and this commitment will be at the heart of everything we do. Through excellent leadership and strong governance, we will develop high academic achievement, strong social skills and a sense of place in the world for every child.'

The board seeks one business leader with board level experience in:

• Financial Management/Accountability
• Estates/Facilities Management experience is also desirable, but not essential

The successful candidate will also be asked to chair the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. The trust has a budget of approx. GBP6.7m, and candidates should be able to display experience in successfully managing finances of a similar or larger scale.

As a key member of the board you will support the trust in achieving the following over the next 12 - 24 months:

• Assessment of the impact of the pandemic in the trust - educational achievement, financial robustness and governance.
• Ensuring the trust board has long sustainability, has the right skills around the table and that all trustees have a commitment to education.
• Ensuring governance is robust following the pandemic.

What's involved?

Board governance in education is a strategic, 'eyes on, hands off' commitment which at Kingsway Community Trust involves attending 5 meetings per academic year, amounting to approximately 6 hours a month work.

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.

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