Southway is a subsidiary company of the Rodillian Multi Academy Trust, providing alternative and vocational opportunities in education for secondary school students at Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 who may otherwise be permanently excluded from mainstream school.

The school is situated in a state-of-the-art, multi-million pound ‘My Space’ building and has a suite of six classrooms as well as a fully-equipped mechanics workshop, recording studio and media suite.

Southway provides alternative provision for a range of schools from across Leeds and neighbouring authorities. In addition, it has been commissioned by Leeds Local Authority to provide 40 placements for students with complex social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, and also to provide short–term care solutions to support the transition of students who have an identified specialist need. Southway also provides a consultancy service to support other local authorities to replicate its recognised best practices and methodologies to improve outcomes for young people.

Southway has clearly demonstrated that even the most challenging and complex students can reach their full potential, and achieve academic success. At Southway, student outcomes continue to remain outstanding, with the last three years of outcomes placing it in the top 1% of alternative provisions, including pupil referral units, nationally.

Southway is keen to bring on new Non-Executive Directors who will provide an independent perspective as well as skills which are currently underrepresented on the Board.

The new Non-Executive Directors will act as a sounding board, providing both challenge and support to the executive team as appropriate. Alongside other members of the Board, they will ensure that Southway has a clear strategic direction, is well-governed, and delivers on its educational objectives, providing outstanding outcomes for young people who are otherwise at risk from exclusion.

To complement the current skill set of the Board, Southway is looking for Non-Executive Directors who will either bring a commercial background, or expertise in finance or safeguarding.

Commercial: While Southway currently sits as a private limited company, which is a subsidiary of the overall Multi Academy Trust, there is potential for this status to change in the future. This individual will have a senior-level background in an operational role, and be able to advise on strategic challenges as well as any change management required through this potential transition.

Finance: This individual will be financially qualified, with a depth of financial leadership experience whether as a Finance Director, CFO or Partner in an accounting firm. They will be able to bring their financial expertise to bear on matters which come before the Board, ensuring that Southway remains in a sound financial position.

Safeguarding: Southway provides for students who may be at risk or otherwise vulnerable. This individual will therefore have a background in education or the public sector more broadly, such as in a local council, and have an appreciation of the issues surrounding safeguarding. While they don't need to be an expert in this area, they will be committed to ensuring that Southway is a safe and secure environment for its students.

While not essential, candidates from the local area and with an appreciation of the local community are encouraged. Above all, they will share Southway's mission to give all young people, particularly the disadvantaged and disaffected, an excellent education and the chance to succeed in life.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Rodillian Multi Academy Trust Board.

Board meetings are held six times per year and last two hours. While currently virtual, in future it is hoped that some of these meetings will be held in person.