The role of school trustee is hugely rewarding. It will give you the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people, develop your skills and knowledge in an engaging environment and support the local communities. You will also be joining the largest volunteer force in the country – there are over a quarter of a million volunteers governing state funded schools in England.
“Joining Abbey MAT has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. It’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of education, support school leaders, and ensure every child has access to the best possible start in life. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and bringing your skills to a purpose-driven role, I can’t recommend it highly enough!”
Matthew Short
Abbey MAT Trustee
For an academy trust to operate successfully, it requires a board with a balance and diversity of knowledge, skills and experience.
There is no requirement for you to have a formal understanding of the education system, just an enquiring mind, the ability to work as part of a team and the time to contribute and attend meetings.
A range of professional knowledge and experience should be represented on an academy trust board including education, finance, human resources, legal, marketing and public relations, estates management, health and safety and organisational change.
Direction
Ensuring there is clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
Performance
Hold executive leaders to account for educational performance, pupil outcomes and staff performance management.
Finance
Overseeing the financial performance of the Trust and making sure its money is well spent.
Stakeholders
Ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard.
"I feel incredibly privileged to work with so many passionate and dedicated individuals across the Trust, and to be able to contribute to the positive outcomes for the children in the Academies."
Kamila Morawiecka-Watkins
Abbey MAT Trustee
The average time commitment is five to eight hours per month, although this will vary depending on the needs of the trust and the specific trustee role.
This includes preparing for and attending six board meetings per year plus committees and ad hoc panels, visiting schools and undertaking statutory and developmental training.
Like magistrates or members of a jury, trustees have a right to reasonable time off work for their public duties, although this may be unpaid.
The term of office for trustees is four years. However, if your circumstances change, as a volunteer you can resign before your term is finished. A full induction, training and mentoring will ensure you’re well-prepared for the role.
Remember, governance is a voluntary role and is therefore unpaid, but travel expenses are available.
“Those responsible for governance have a strong oversight of the school. They challenge and support effectively. Leaders are mindful of staff workload and wellbeing. Staff feel well supported and are proud to work at the school.”
- Ofsted 2024
St Chad's CofE Primary Academy
