St John the Baptist is a Catholic Multi Academy Trust (MAT) with 10 schools in Norfolk, north Suffolk and Peterborough. The Trust is a strong network of schools (9 Primary Schools and 1 Secondary School) in the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia, who work together and across the educational landscape to provide an outstanding education for all its pupils, whilst also nurturing a supportive development of ethos and pastoral care within its Catholic mission.

Its vision is the provision and development of a world class community of schools, providing the highest possible care, support opportunities and outcomes for every child. Pupils are cherished for who they are, as much as for what they achieve, and all achievements are celebrated.

The Trust Directors work closely with schools, its governors, staff, parents and the local community to develop together the successful young men and women of our future. The Trust aspires for all its pupils to become valued citizens equipped with a vocation to serve their local community and global society.

The St John the Baptist Multi Academy Trust Board is a group of up to eleven committed people who offer engaged, expert advice and diverse perspectives on the Trust’s strategic direction and performance. Directors support, challenge and add value to the work of its valued executive team.

The Trust is looking for new Board members to join the board. The responsibilities will include:

• Practise the highest standards of governance, as set out in Charity Commission Guidance
• Work with the Senior Executive team and Heads Operations Committee to set the Trust’s strategic direction and keep it under constant and constructive critical review
• Set aims and objectives for the improvement of provision and outcomes in the schools
• Ensure there is a Trust and school improvement and development plan (TIDP and SIDP) in place for the Trust and each school to achieve the targets, embed policies, secure the aims and objectives
• Set and monitor the budget for the Trust and the schools and allocate resources taking into account the aims and objectives
• Challenge and support each Head to improve the school they lead; with particular focus on pupils who may not be making expected progress and the disadvantaged
• Review the overall effectiveness of the strategy and regularly review the framework for the Trust in light of evidence of progress
• Account to all stakeholders for the performance of the school

The St John the Baptist Multi Academy Trust seeks to appoint a new Director to join its Board. This candidate will bring previous experience in corporate, charity or education governance and should have a demonstrable background in leadership roles with strategic vision and knowledge of the Non-Executive Director role. It would be desirable, but not essential if candidates have a background in education and a previous Governor would be ideal for this role. 

The new Director will be committed to the values of the Trust, which have a particular focus on providing a holistic education whilst also nurturing a supportive development of ethos and pastoral care within its Catholic mission. Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals who have Catholic faith, however this is not essential for the role.  

St John the Baptist Catholic Multi Academy Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. It is particularly keen to improve the diversity of the Board and ensure that it is representative of the communities it supports. As those from an ethnic minority background, women and people with disabilities 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.

This role is not remunerated and the expected time commitment will be c. 8-10 half days per year for meetings, preparation time and visits. The actual time commitment will vary depending on where the candidate lives. The Trust operates in Norfolk, Suffolk and Peterborough, with headquarters in Norwich. At the moment, it is moving back to meetings being in person, wherever possible. The goal is to have three meetings in person and three virtual. There will be two in person meetings in the headquarters in Norwich and one in another school which rotates. The Trust will reimburse travel costs in accordance with its expenses policy.