Aldridge Education is a national multi-academy trust consisting of eight schools and an adult education provider. Established by Sir Rod Aldridge, who founded Capita Group and transformed it from a start-up to a FTSE 100 company, Aldridge Education's ambition is to provide young people from disadvantaged communities with a high quality of education. In particular, it recognises the value which enterprising attributes and entrepreneurial instincts can add in supporting academic performance and preparing young people for employment and better life chances.

The Trust is passionate about serving local communities and transforming lives through entrepreneurial education. It is distinctive for its educational breadth and geographic range with schools spanning across Brighton, London, Darwen, and Salford.

Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) - an Aldridge Education school - opened in 2010 as the second Aldridge sponsored academy, and today serves around 850 pupils aged 11 - 19. BACA's provision is extremely broad, with a range of academic, vocational and technical qualifications on offer, combined with enrichment programmes and extensive employer collaboration. Beyond the traditional classroom the School offers world-class sporting facilities with access to some of the most successful sporting organisations locally and regionally (see Aldridge Cricket Academy); an award-winning specialist creative digital media faculty (see Brighton Digital Media Academy); and a new Construction Centre.

Over the last two years, BACA has been supported and steered by an Interim Executive Board (IEB) which took over responsibility from the Local Governing Committee (LGC) in April 2022. The IEB involved members of the LGC and drew on the expertise of others within and external to the Trust, and together with the academy leadership has achieved significant progress. The LGC is now reforming and will resume responsibility in the summer term.

The Vice Chair will work closely with the Chair and BACA's Principal to promote and maintain high standards of educational achievement by offering support, challenge and encouragement.

The Vice Chair plays a key leadership role on the Local Governing Committee (LGC), providing direction for Governors and, deputising for the Chair where necessary, and taking responsibility for the delegation of tasks. They will be an ambassador for BACA in the local area, regularly engaging with internal and external stakeholders. The LGC provides scrutiny of the delivery of BACA's Improvement Plan and monitors expenditure against the budget, thus holding the School’s leadership to account. It ensures that enterprise and entrepreneurship are embedded in all aspects of school life and that the local community is engaged with the Academy, so that BACA is properly meeting its community’s needs.

The relationship between the Aldridge Education Trust Board, the Executive Team and the Local Governing Committees is characterised as a partnership to achieve the Trust's vision.

Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) is now seeking a Vice Chair who will play a key leadership role on the Academy's Local Governing Committee (LGC). The successful candidate will be a proven strategic leader with experience gained in any sector and familiarity with the Brighton and Hove community. They will be comfortable in the non-executive role, able to provide appropriate challenge and support to the Board and executive team.

The Trust is open to candidates with a range of different backgrounds. The role would suit someone who has operated at a strategic-level in their executive career, who understands the difference between governance and management, and has the interpersonal skills and confidence required to provide authentic and inspirational leadership to a group of committed volunteers. Previous Governor experience and exposure to the education sector are welcome, but not essential. A connection with the Brighton and Hove community would be highly desirable.

The successful candidate will have sound judgement, strong communication skills and a willingness to commit the required time and effort. They must have high levels of integrity, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to challenge and advise the governing board and executive appropriately. A passion for Aldridge Education’s vision and mission is a critical attribute.

The Local Governing Committee will comprise nine governors, including the Chair, parent governors, staff governors, and Trust-appointed individuals.

This role is unremunerated, however reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are six meetings of the Local Governing Committee per year, each of which takes place in-person at the School. The Vice Chair will also be expected to engage with local stakeholders and meet regularly with the School's executive team. The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.

Candidates will be UK-based and able to attend in-person meetings in Brighton. 

Aldridge Education welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.