Non-executive Director

Academy Ambassador ,
Norwich, Norfolk

Overview

About the trust The Free School Norwich is a popular and highly successful co-educational school for children aged 4 – 11 years old. The trust welcomes children of all abilities, faiths and social backgrounds. Situated in the centre of Norwich in a beautiful Georgian house, they offer a unique educational experience with a truly broad and balanced curriculum. The school is a very happy environment where individual interests are encouraged and developed. Academic standards are high and the school has a strong tradition of success in sport, music and drama. The trust believe that learning should equip children with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to succeed in their adult lives. They also believe that children learn best when the learning is relevant and fun. The curriculum is broadly based upon the objectives of the National Curriculum, but focuses upon teaching key skills through a creative, cross-curricular approach. The School is the home to the Norfolk Schools Dyslexia Support Network. The aim of the network is to promote awareness and understanding of dyslexia in schools across Norfolk and to provide free practical advice for schools on how to support dyslexic pupils to enable them to achieve their potential. Number of positions advertised: 2 Roles 1-2 – Trustee/Non-Executive Director Trustees – or non-executive directors - are both charity trustees and company directors of the academy trust. The core functions of their role are: ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction; holding executive leaders to account for the educational and financial performance of a charitable company funded by the public purse. The board of trustees manages the business of the academy trust and may exercise all the powers of the trust in compliance with its charitable objects, company and charity law. Non-executive directors will be responsible for maintaining stability and the management of a dynamic structure. The role also includes contributing to financial planning for sustainability and potential growth, and holding the CEO/CFO to account. In the interests of safeguarding and in accordance with DfE requirements, all trustee appointments will be subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service check. Person specification Every trustee is expected to abide by the trust’s code of conduct and the seven principles of public life set out by Lord Nolan: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. The Competency Framework for Governance (DfE) 2017 details the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for effective governance: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/583733/Competency_framework_for_governance_.pdf The strategic expertise required for this role includes: Essential (due to multiple roles, candidates may be accepted who possess one or more of the skills below) HR CFO/Finance Desirable Non-executive/ Trustee Succession Planning CEO/ General Management Primary Education Chartered Accountant Role 1 - HR : The successful candidates must have senior experience of HR, professional development and/or change management to support positive trust growth. They will support the trustee in developing processes to ensure effective succession planning within the trust. Role 2 - Finance The trust would welcome applications from candidates who hold or have held a finance leadership and management position in a medium to large organisation with significant experience of audit and risk management. Whilst an accounting qualification would be an advantage, it is not essential. Applications from candidates with experience in charity or public sector finance / audit roles would be particularly welcome. The trust would hope and expect the successful candidate to chair the risk and audit committee. Time commitment 6-8 hours /month minimum.