Tenterden Schools Trust is a highly respected, growing academy trust of seven schools based in Kent. Tenterden’s schools cater for all phases (nursery, primary, secondary and sixth form) allowing the Trust to offer a seamless, coherent learning experience from birth to 19. Tenterden believes in inclusivity and offers excellent SEND support to those students who need it most.

Set to take on some new schools this year and grow further in the future, each Tenterden school maintains its own identity and has a special place within its community. Family, community and inclusivity are central to the values of this academy trust.

The Trust has a turnover of £18m which will increase as it takes on new schools in the near future. The Trust is financially strong and finances have been well managed over the years.

Tenterden Schools Trust seeks a Chair of its Finance and Resources Committee. This person will act as a critical friend to the management team, supporting the CEO and FD, and will chair the Finance and Resources Committee meetings.

Responsibilities will be to:  

• Scrutinise and ensure that the Trust’s finances are appropriately accounted for through budget setting, monitoring, preparation and publication of accounts and overseeing any investment decisions
• Advise the Board of Trustees on internal and external audit, internal controls and risk management
• Oversee, encourage and monitor the effectiveness of the financial and other internal controls of The Trust, on behalf of the Board
• Keep under review the internal controls and risk management systems
• Review the audited annual report and financial statements give assurance to the Board that the financial operations are being managed and operated
• Ensure the Trust’s compliance with legal duties and responsibilities, including adherence to the Trust’s Memorandum and Articles

Tenterden Schools Trust seeks a Chair of its Finance and Resources Committee. This person will bring strong financial and accounting acumen and will be able to provide guidance and oversight as The Trust looks toward ensuring its long-term sustainability and resilience.

The successful candidate will have senior, strategic-level finance experience, ideally gained within a large organisation as CFO or Finance Director. They will ideally be a qualified accountant though this is not essential. Professional experience could have been gained in a commercial, public sector or nonprofit setting and candidates should be able to demonstrate comfort in managing budgets of a similar size (£18m) as a minimum.

Candidates will be passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of children and will share the Trust's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The Trust is also interested in additional candidates with a finance / business background who would join the board as Trustee but not Chair the Finance and Resources Committee.

A list of existing Trustees can be found here. 

There are six Board meetings a year, which take place in person at Homewood School. These typically happen on Tuesday afternoons and last up to 90 minutes.

Additionally, there are three / four committee meetings per year which take place online. There will also be ad hoc events, school visits, and annual strategy day, and training is offered. The appointment is for a four-year term. This role is unremunerated; reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The Trust is open to candidate location as long as they are able to attend board meetings in person. Ideally candidates would be based in the South East or South East London.

In line with its commitment to diversity and inclusion, Tenterden Schools Trust is looking to broaden the profile and experience of the Board. As such, women, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those from underprivileged backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply, as well as those looking to take on their first non-executive role. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process.