Why become a Director?

No previous experience in education is required. Effective boards benefit from people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and expertise.

Being a director provides an opportunity to:

• Make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.
• Contribute your skills and experience to an important governance role.
• Help shape the long-term vision and strategy of the trust.
• Support and challenge executive leaders to deliver excellent outcomes.
• Develop your own understanding of leadership, governance and organisational strategy.
• Work alongside experienced professionals who share a commitment to improving education.

What do Directors do?

Directors are responsible for the strategic leadership and accountability of the trust. Working collectively, they:

• Set the trust's vision, values and strategic direction.
• Hold executive leaders to account for educational performance and organisational effectiveness.
• Ensure financial sustainability and responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Monitor risk, compliance and safeguarding.
• Promote a culture that enables pupils and staff to flourish.
• Act in the best interests of all children and young people served by the trust.

The role is strategic rather than operational. Directors do not manage schools on a day-to-day basis; instead, they provide support, challenge and assurance to the executive team.

What is the commitment?

The role is voluntary and typically involves attending board meetings each term, reading papers in advance, participating in training and, where appropriate, serving on committees (one per term) or taking responsibility for a particular area of oversight. A typical time commitment would be 6-8 hours per half term.

Please contact Jayne Newson, Governance Professional to express your interest or request further information:

By email: jayne.newson@sharemat.co.uk

By telephone: 01484 955007