Francis Holland Schools Trust (FHST) is one of the UK's most esteemed educational institutions, comprising three independent girls' schools located in the heart of London. Established in 1878, the Trust's mission is to offer exceptional education to girls aged 4 to 18 years old. The schools provide a stimulating and challenging environment where academic excellence is combined with the development of character and social skills.

The Trust's three schools – a junior school and a senior school in Sloane Square, and a second senior school in Regent's Park – have all maintained a standard of outstanding achievements, ensuring a unique position and reputation within the British independent school sector; FHS Sloane Square was recently named this year's Sunday Times Independent School of the Year.

Guided by its Christian ethos, the Trust is committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum that equips pupils with the knowledge, skills and values needed for success in their academic and personal lives. The schools encourage intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and a love of learning, which prepares girls for the challenges they will face in their future careers and lives. Whilst its pupils consistently achieve a stellar level of academic attainment, the ethos of the Trust is grounded in providing a broad, holistic education, eschewing a 'hothouse' environment in favour of doing the right thing according to each pupil's individual needs.

Now educating 1,325 girls across its three schools, FHST continues to go from strength to strength, and is excited to welcome new Governors to the Board to help see it through the next phase in its journey. With exciting potential for international expansion on the horizon as well as continued success at home, now is a wonderful time to join this renowned institution and contribute to the success of its pupils for years to come.

Governors at Francis Holland Schools Trust play a crucial in the strategy and governance of the Trust. They work closely the Headmistresses and senior leadership teams to ensure that the schools provide the highest standards of education to their pupils.

Key duties of a Governor include providing input and guidance on strategic planning and policy development; reviewing and approving budgets, financial statements, and reports; and overseeing the schools' compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

In addition, Governors monitor the quality of teaching and learning, ensuring that the schools are delivering an excellent education to their pupils. They are ambassadors for the Trust, engaging with stakeholders, including parents, staff, and the wider community, to ensure that its vision and values are communicated effectively. Overall, the role of a Governor at Francis Holland Schools Trust is to provide strategic leadership and direction to help the schools achieve their goals and aspirations.

This particular appointee is likely to go on to chair the Finance & Estates Committee.

In this appointment, FHST is looking for a strong finance professional. The Board currently benefits from a solid base of financial expertise, but in order to ensure good succession planning, it is hoping to shore up its expertise in this crucial area. The right candidate will have strong financial acumen, which they will be comfortable applying in the Boardroom to help to provide confidence to other Governors around all matters relating to finance. Likely a chartered accountant, the ideal candidate may have a background as an audit and risk partner at a top-tier consulting firm, or may have held a senior finance function role such as Chief Financial Officer or equivalent. 

In addition to their financial expertise, the successful candidate will have a sensitivity to the differences between charity and commercial environments. They will understand the importance of balancing the needs of the Trust's stakeholders while ensuring that the schools remain financially sustainable. As this appointee is likely to become Chair of the Finance & Estates Committee in due time, previous experience at board level would be a strong advantage.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. They will be diplomatic, reasoned, and be able to guide and influence other Governors and stakeholders. They will have a passion for education and a commitment to the highest standards of teaching and learning. 

Please note that owing to the potential for conflict of interest around financial matters, the Board is unfortunately not able to consider applications from current Francis Holland parents for this position.

For further information about the Board of Governors, please click here.

This is a voluntary role, although reasonable domestic travel expenses may be reimbursed. There are three in-person full Board meetings per year and an away-day; Governors also join at least one Committee, each of which meets a further three times per year, and are expected to make themselves available to attend major school events or advise on ad hoc issues when possible, as well as making occasional school visits. Governors are appointed for a three-year term which can be renewed with mutual consent.

Francis Holland Schools Trust is keen to ensure its governing body reflects its schools' communities. The Board welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals 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 candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.