Established in 2011, L.E.A.D. Academy Trust (L.E.A.D.) has grown significantly to become a successful group of twenty-six academies, serving a wide range of communities across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. 84% of its academies are rated as ‘Good’ or above by Ofsted. It is committed to growing further and increasing its positive impact on more children and young people.

One of the Trust's core priorities is the development of outstanding leaders. The Trust is therefore dedicated to providing an organisation that will:

• Develop inspirational school leaders for the future through high-quality recruitment, professional development and coaching
• Invest in joint training, peer coaching, shared good practice and professional dialogue in a climate of trust
• Continually improve, exploring new ways of working, alternative curriculums and innovation
• Strategically plan to produce the next generation of high-quality school leaders

L.E.A.D. stands as a highly ambitious and successful Trust, fostering a culture of empowerment and continuous, positive change within its community through robust leadership. The Trust is dedicated to ensuring that every pupil accesses a comprehensive curriculum, abundant in experiences, life skills, and academic achievements. 

Looking forward, L.E.A.D. embraces the transformative potential of collaboration to drive the continuous improvement of its academies and the overall expansion of the Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to join its dedicated team as L.E.A.D. embarks on the next phase of its journey.

L.E.A.D. Academy Trust currently operates 26 academies across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire and is preparing for further expansion. It is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity, governed by a Board of Trustees.

The Board of Trustees is looking to recruit a new Trustee with a background in Finance, Audit and Risk Management. The key responsibilities of the Trustees are to:

• Set the strategic direction of the Trust
• Hold senior executive leadership to account
• Oversee the Trust’s financial and educational performance

The Trustees are responsible for all academies within the Trust, delegating a range of responsibilities to both local governing bodies and executive leaders and holding all to account. The Trustees must ensure that the Trust meets its charitable objectives and remains compliant with charity and company law.

L.E.A.D. Academy Trust is looking for a new Trustee with a strong background in finance, audit or risk to provide scrutiny, ensure financial sustainability and act as a sounding board to the Board of Trustees and Executive team.

Individuals could come from a senior leadership position in finance, risk or auditing. Their experience can come from a range of areas including the public, private or not-for-profit sectors. They will be innovative in their approach and bring a strong commercial mindset. They will not need to be a qualified accountant and though non-executive experience can be beneficial, it is not a requirement for the role.

In exchange for their commitment to the Trust’s strategic objectives, individuals will acquire experience within a complex, values-driven, and evolving organisation. They will take satisfaction in the awareness that they are playing a significant role in enhancing the life chances of well over 10,000 children under the Trust's care. The Board works in a collegiate manner, emphasising respectful working relationships and the value of constructive curiosity.

A list of current Trustees can be found here.  

The role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be reimbursed. There are three Board meetings per year, plus three Sub-Committee meetings and Strategy Day, which is made up of two Board meetings in terms of formal minutes.

This Trustee candidate would likely be invited to join the Audit & Risk Committee. Having a separate Audit & Risk Committee is a requirement for any multi academy trust with income of more than £50 million p.a. Trustees meet with the Deputy CEO (Business) and other officers as required. The Audit & Risk Committee currently meets virtually three times a year. Board meetings will be in person at the Trust HQ in Nottingham (although joining virtually is possible occasionally) and committee meetings are held virtually. 

The appointment is for a renewable four-year term.

L.E.A.D. Academy Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. The Trust is always keen to increase the diversity of the Board and would particularly welcome applications from women, those from ethnic minorities, younger profiles, those with a disability, as well as any other individuals who have characteristics or backgrounds that will help to diversify the Board. 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.