Established in 2010 to work in England’s post-industrial and coastal towns and cities, Creative Education Trust (CET) is now a network of 17 schools educating over 14,500 children and young people. A non-profit educational charity recognised by the Department for Education as one of the leading multi-academy groups, CET comprises 11 secondary academies and six primary academies across the Midlands and East Norfolk. The Trust has successfully transformed schools previously deemed to be inadequate into good ones in order that all of its students can have the best start in life.

All CET schools are non-selective and their demographic is that of the communities they serve. Focused on the quality of the educational experience it provides for its students, the Trust is committed to providing educational opportunities for children of all abilities and to building cultural capital through a wide range of co-curricular activities. Curricular innovation through its Knowledge Connected programmes promotes creative, integrated and proactive thinking so that its students are equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.

As it looks to the future, CET plans to expand the number of academies in the network to around 25 in the medium term whilst simultaneously strengthening performance and focusing on research-led pedagogy. This growth will allow CET schools to collaborate more effectively and develop imaginative new ways of delivering education, whilst preserving the ‘bespoke’ approach they currently offer. The Trust's aim is to develop a network of like-minded and ambitious schools which are a beacon for the local communities in which they operate.

The Board has responsibility for the strategic oversight of all aspects of the work of Creative Education Trust’s Executive Directors and the appointment and performance of the Principals and Head Teachers of the group’s schools. All statutory and fiduciary duties of governance reside with the Board, while more detailed oversight of particular areas is undertaken by the Estates and Property, Safeguarding, People and Remuneration, Education Standards, Finance, and Audit and Risk Committees. A range of local responsibilities is currently delegated to school Academy Councils.

CET is in the early stages of the development of a new educational technology strategy. The Trust wishes to harness the latest developments in the 'edtech' arena to provide an enhanced learning experience for its pupils. In addition to making a full contribution as a Trustee, it is expected that this appointee will play a key role in supporting the executive in the development of this strategy. 

Culture

The culture of CET is entrepreneurial, creative and energetic. Board and staff are fully committed to the ideal of education as an engine of social mobility, and to providing young people in industrial and post-industrial towns and cities with the knowledge, skills and creativity to enable them to succeed in the knowledge economy.

As it embarks on the design and launch of a new educational technology strategy, CET seeks an individual with a strategic-level background in the space who can support, guide and challenge the Board and executive team.

The ideal candidate will be an expert in educational technology with substantial experience at the cutting edge of developments in the industry. CET is open to individuals from a range of backgrounds. They might be the founder of an edtech business, an investor, an academic with a research interest in the space, or a leader of technology within an educational (tertiary or pre-tertiary) context. 

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 list of current Board members is available at https://www.creativeeducationtrust.org.uk/page/?title=Board+of+Directors&pid=1007

This is an unremunerated role, however reasonable expenses for UK travel and subsistence incurred in the course of Board duties will be reimbursed. There are four main Board meetings per year, which take place in-person in London. NEDs are also expected to join one of the Board's sub-committees, which meet an additional four times per year. In-person attendance at meetings is the Board's strong preference, however occasional remote attendance is possible when necessary. There is an annual two-day strategy residential, visits to schools, plus other ad hoc engagements. The appointment is for a four-year term which is renewable at the Board's discretion. 

Creative Education Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith 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.