Non-Executive Director/Trustee at Berwick Academy

Could you make a difference to the education sector by joining an academy trust board? Berwick Academy in Northumberland seeks three new non-executive directors/trustees with skills in HR, finance or business development to join its board. Board meetings are held virtually.

The Academy Ambassadors programme brings the expertise of the business world onto boards at academy trusts throughout the country to raise standards of education and improve the life chances of young people, which is critical to our social and economic success.




The opportunity

Berwick Academy is a secondary-age school for young people of all backgrounds and abilities. The academy serves the town and rural area of Berwick-upon-Tweed in the northern part of Northumberland. With around 550 students on roll, the academy also has a sixth form, which caters to around 100 students.

The school moved into Special Measures after an Ofsted examination rated it as Inadequate in 2018, as well as being under a Financial Notice to Improve (FNtI) and the Trust is working closely with Government agencies to bring about necessary improvements.

The board seeks three business leaders with board-level experience in

• human resources or

• business development or

• finance

As a key member of the board you will support the trust in achieving the following over the next 12 - 24 months:

• To foster an inclusive and supportive school community, which provides individual pastoral care to meet the needs of every child.

• To develop a spirit of enquiry and a lifelong love of learning, through inspirational teaching and positive learning experiences.

• To engender positive links between the school and the parents of its students, as well as with the local community, in order to support Berwick Academy learners in every way.

What's involved?

Board governance in education is a strategic, 'eyes on, hands off' commitment which typically involves attending c. six board meetings per year/6-8 hours' time per month.

You will be responsible for:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and

• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent

As an Academy Ambassador, you will join our ambassador network which provides resources, guidance, networking events and webinars to support you in your role.

All roles are pro bono.

People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What next?

Please register your interest now to be considered for the role.

A full trust specification is available at the Academy Ambassadors website: https://www.academyambassadors.org/board-opportunities/berwick-academy-0

Please be aware the closing date may change if we have received sufficient applications.