The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust (DSAMAT) was established in 2016 by the Diocese of St Albans. It is an inclusive Trust, working with the Church of England and community schools that share DSAMAT's values and ethos, and a commitment to a broad education that prepares pupils for a happy, fulfilled life. DSAMAT has a clear vision for creating and maintaining successful schools that serve unique local communities through the provision of a rich and diverse curriculum, underpinned by Christian values. You can read about its mission, vision and values here.

The Trust has grown from being newly established in 2016 when it admitted its first three Academies, to now comprising of 13 Academies mainly in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, educating around 3000 boys and girls aged 4-18. DSAMAT is dedicated to delivering education that serves local communities. Its academies are inclusive, welcoming those from all and no faiths, from all abilities and backgrounds. It believes in providing a high quality education, underpinned by Christian values, which enables every child to flourish. The Trust is committed to continuing to grow sustainably so that it increases its shared organisational efficiency and widens its community of practice. The Trust is therefore keen to talk to schools that share its commitment and core purposes.

Northill CE Academy is a small previously Voluntary Aided Church of England school set in a beautiful rural location on the borders of Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire. The school is dedicated to providing a broad and balanced education for pupils from 4-9 years of age. Its staff, resources and facilities fully cater for the needs of all its pupils. There are currently 51 children on roll. In addition to a very caring and professional team of teachers, support in the classroom is augmented by an experienced and dedicated team of teaching assistants.

Northill CE Academy is part of DSAMAT, a Multi-Academy Trust. The Trust is a charity and its Board of Trustees must ensure that it complies with its charitable objects which relate to the provision of education in its schools. As such it is the Trust Board that is accountable for the performance of the Academies in the Trust, and in turn, it is held to account by the Department for Education.

The Trust has chosen to appoint committees for each of its Academies and these are known as Local Governing Boards (LGBs). They drive the local Christian vision for each school and are responsible for ensuring that the school continues to flourish, with support from the wider Trust. They work with parents and the wider community to ensure that each school is at the heart of the community and reflects the evolving needs of the stakeholders in the local area.

The specific tasks and responsibilities of LGBs can be summarised as follows:

• Ensuring clarity of the local vision, ethos and strategic direction (including the Christian ethos in Church schools)
• Holding school senior leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and the pupils, and the effective and efficient management of staff
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
• Proposing a budget to the Trust Board on behalf of the school

Located in the picturesque village of Northill in Bedfordshire, Northill CE Academy seeks a new Chair with strategic-level experience, gained in any sector, who is passionate about the role that education can play in changing the lives of young people.

The Trust is open to candidates from a wide range of different backgrounds. The role of LGB Chair 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 lead the Board. Whilst an understanding of the education sector would be beneficial, it is not a requirement for the role.

Northill is very much a community school, and it would be helpful if the appointed candidate had some understanding of Northill or village life in general. Although prior board experience is welcome, the Trust is open to applications from first-time non-executives.

You can read more about the Board of Governors here.

There are 6 LGB meetings per year. These meetings are held in Northill CE Academy, take place on weekday evenings (although this time slot is variable), and last for two hours. The roles are unremunerated, however reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

Candidates will either live in Northill (or its surrounding areas) or have a good understanding and appreciation of village life.

DSAMAT welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As young people and those from a BAME background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those candidates would be particularly encouraged. 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 diverse candidates can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.