Established in 2012 by its CEO, Jane Acklam OBE, South Pennine Academies (SPA) is a charitable multi academy trust based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. It currently works with eleven primary and secondary converter and sponsored academies located in Calderdale, Kirklees and Oldham, and operates Huddersfield Horizon SCITT, rated an Outstanding ITT provider by Ofsted.

The team at South Pennine Academies is committed to delivering school improvement through the development of effective partnerships with its academies, the communities it serves, and external organisations. South Pennines’ academies are an integral part of their local communities, and the Trust values the diversity and distinctive opportunities that working within its local communities brings. The development of local solutions to meet local needs is a key aspect of its work. Some of SPA’s academies are operating in high areas of deprivation and there is a high number of students who learn and speak English as an additional language.

Strong collaborative working brings drive, expertise and capacity to all elements of its school improvement work, allowing school to school support to flourish. By working together, the Trust provides a high quality educational experience and gives everyone the best possible chance to achieve. Improving the life chances of all our students is central to its vision. With a new CEO commencing in January 2023, the new Trustee will join South Pennines at a key moment in its development.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the educational character and mission of South Pennine Academies, and for overseeing its activities.

The Board is responsible for the effective, efficient and economical use of the Trust's funds. It sets and monitors the school's strategic direction to ensure the sustainable delivery of its core objectives, making appropriate provision for the support, advice, guidance and welfare of students.

As South Pennine Academies is constantly looking at ways to improve its excellent educational offer, Governors will provide appropriate constructive challenge to existing norms and propose changes to ensure that governance is both appropriately supportive and effective.

Trustee (Finance)

South Pennine Academies seeks a new Trustee who can bring senior experience in finance or accounting to advise and provide scrutiny to the Board as the Trust looks towards ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience. The successful candidate will bring an understanding of budgeting and accounts in the public or charitable sectors. Although they may come from the public or charitable sectors, they may also come from the private sector, for example as a CFO or Finance Dirextor. Trustees will provide advice to the Board and act as a critical friend to the management team.

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Trustee (Legal)

South Pennine Academies seeks a new Trustee who can bring senior level experience of law and compliance who can advise and provide scrutiny to the Board as the Trust looks towards ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience. Although the Trustee will not provide direct advice on legal matters, they will be able to explain and highlight legal and compliance issues to the Board. Trustees will provide advice to the Board and act as a critical friend to the management team.

There are four in-person Board meetings per year, which will take place at the Trust's new headquarters at Elland. Additionally, Trustees normally serve on one Committee, each of which meets virtually three times per year. The appointment is for a four-year term, once renewable. Finally, there will be some school visits and ad hoc communication with the executive. Reasonable domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed.