Established in 2011, Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) is a multi-academy trust based in the Maidstone and Malling area of Kent. The Trust is a family of nine schools - five primaries and four secondaries - which work in partnership to provide an outstanding education. The Trust is headquartered in Maidstone, Kent, and has an annual operating budget of around £36m.  

VIAT believes in the benefits of cross-phase education whereby all pupils, regardless of background, are taught a broad curriculum by specialist teachers across all ages. The Trust aims to be at the forefront of new approaches to learning; its curriculum is innovative and interactive, based on the arts and academia. Pedagogically, VIAT favours the mastery approach whereby pupils are given ample opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their full educational and personal potential. Pupils are also challenged to develop their confidence and personal character through additional wider curriculum activities. Fundamentally, VIAT seeks to prepare its young people – both academically and personally – for their transition from primary into secondary school and a life-time of influence beyond.

VIAT is a proudly values-led organisation and it seeks to keep 'Integrity, Collaboration and Excellence' at the centre of everything it does. Its ambition is for all schools to see the Trust as a nurturing umbrella - there to help them be the best they can be. In the next phase of its development, VIAT will continue to be guided by its values as it consolidates its position as a high quality education provider in the Maidstone area. The Trust will keep its focus on continuous improvement for its existing family of schools, while also remaining open to sensible, strategically-aligned opportunities to grow.

VIAT is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. The Trustees (Directors) are therefore also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law.

The VIAT Trustees (Directors) are responsible for governing and exercising all the powers of the Trust. They are accountable to the Members of the Trust, the Secretary of State for Education and the wider community for the quality of the education received by all pupils of the Academies and the expenditure of public money. Trustees are required to have systems in place through which they can assure themselves of the quality, safety and good practice of the affairs of the Trust.

The Trustees focus on three core functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding the Trust Executive Group to account for the educational performance and overall performance of the Trust
• Overseeing the financial performance of the Trust and making sure its money is appropriately spent

A comprehensive Scheme of Delegation can be found here. 

Trustee (Finance)

VIAT is seeking a Trustee with senior strategic-level experience in financial management.

The ideal applicant will be a qualified accountant with experience leading a finance function in a successful, complex organisation. The Board is open to candidates from a range of different backgrounds and sectors but it has a particular interest in individuals with direct experience in public sector organisations. This could have been gained in either an executive or a non-executive capacity. An ability to quickly grasp the dynamics of VIAT's public sector funding model is essential, as is a clear and demonstrable passion for education.

Applications from first-time non-executive are welcome, provided they understand the governance role and how it differs from executive leadership. It is expected that this appointee will eventually take on responsibility as Chair of the Finance Committee.

Trustee (Education)

VIAT is seeking a Trustee with deep educational expertise to join the Board.

Applicants should be established educational leaders working across either the primary or secondary phases in a successful school, Trust or Local Authority. Of particular interest to the Trust are individuals with domain expertise in curriculum and pedagogy and a comprehensive understanding of Ofsted frameworks. Bringing a keen eye for quality, they will support and challenge the executive on educational standards and school improvement strategies. This Trustee will also be expected to join the Standards and School Improvement Committee.

Applications from first-time non-executive are welcome, provided they understand the governance role and how it differs from executive leadership.

A full list of current Board members can be found here. 

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. The full Board meets six times per year, and there is a strong expectation that Trustees attend in-person. Meetings are held on Thursdays between 1-3pm, either at the Trust's head office in Maidstone, Kent, or at one of its schools.

The Finance Trustee will eventually be expected to become Chair of the Finance Committee, which meets a further six times per year. Committee meetings are generally held online during the week, usually between 5-6:30pm.

The Education Trustee will be expected to join the Standards and School Improvement Committee, which meets a further three times per year (twice online and once in person). Committee meetings take during the working day and last for two hours.

Trustees are expected to allow time to comprehensively read all Board papers, which are shared at least one week ahead of any meetings. The appointment is a for a four-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

This organisation is based in Maidstone and meetings will take place in-person where possible. Candidates will therefore be based within a sensible commutable distance of Maidstone.

VIAT welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from an ethnic minority background 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.