About the trust

A five-school multi-academy trust (MAT) located in Halesowen, Hales Valley Trust is a nursery and primary-age provider, serving over 2,200 students.

The trust was formed in February 2017 and currently consists of five primary schools, each bringing something different to the overall mix and ensuring a vibrant and diverse culture. The trust’s schools are:

• Lutley Primary School – the main sponsor of the trust
• Lapal Primary School
• Woodside Primary School and Nursery
• Hurst Hill Primary School
• Priory Primary School

The trust has c.350 staff and an annual budget of c£.9.5mn.

Role summary

Number of positions advertised:

1

Trustee/Non-Executive Director or Member

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

• CFO/ Finance

Desirable

• Qualified Accountant
• Audit
• Growth Management
• Risk

The ideal candidate will have demonstrable and extensive experience in a CFO/ Finance lead role, operating at strategic level with overall responsibility for the financial aspects of a medium or large, complex organisation. A qualified accountant is very highly sought, possessing a recognised industry certificate. Experience of audit is additionally highly sought. Knowledge and experience of working in a non-profit setting is advantageous, but not essential.

Time commitment

Six hours /month minimum.

Location of board meetings and trust website

Trust board meetings are held at Lutley Primary School, Brookwillow Road, Halesowen, B63 1BU

http://halesvalleytrust.org.uk/

Governance structure

http://halesvalleytrust.org.uk/governance