Trustee Update
 

We are very pleased to confirm the appointment of Mark Lees to the Trust Board.

 

‘I am delighted to have been appointed as a Trustee. The process was rigorous but has it has enabled me to gain an excellent understanding of the expectations of the role of Trustee and the workings of the Trust. This now means that following my induction, I will be fully effective as a Trustee, supporting and challenging the Trust and holding leaders to account for the performance of the Trust.’  Mark Lees

 

Mark Lees is an experienced primary school headteacher, local authority adviser, Ofsted inspector, MAT CEO, school governor and trustee from Cornwall. Mark began his teaching career in Gloucestershire, and he has recently returned to the area in retirement. We were delighted when Mark responded to our advertisement for new trustees in May 2024 and we are looking forward to working with him.

 

Mark Lees fills a vacancy left by founding Trustee, Claire Minett, who retired from the Board in May 2024 following her decision to move back to London. Claire had a background in finance having previously worked in banking, education and school business management.

 

However, we still have a vacancy on the Trust Board. This was initially advertised because Mark Horwood-James’s Term of Office was coming to an end. Mark, who chaired the Trust’s Audit and Risk Committee, attended his last Board meeting on 16 July 2024. Mark has a background in business and risk management, HR and entrepreneurship.

 

We are also aware of further likely changes within the Board in the forthcoming year. To help us plan for succession we would welcome more expressions of interest in the role of Trustee from people with a wider range of skills and experience.

 

Vacancies

 

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals with fresh ideas and unique perspectives to join our committed and welcoming Trust board. As a Trustee, you will be keen to influence and drive the strategic direction and success of our Trust through strong governance.  
 

• Are you interested in education and making more good things happen for children and young people in our local area?
   
• Do you have the skills and expertise to help us take the next steps in our development?

 
The Corinium Education Trust is an evolving multi-academy trust.

 

This is an exciting time to join the Board. We are working in partnership with a wider group of local schools. This focuses on collaboration and co-creation.

 

Two more primary schools are joining the Trust in 2024-25 and we are looking forward to opening a new primary school in September 2026 to serve the needs of children and their parents on The Steadings, a new residential development in Cirencester.
 
Following a recent skills’ audit, we would welcome applications and/or expressions of interest from

• Those with a background in business, public service, or education. Why? We are keen to appoint a new Trustee with a strong background in project management, resourcing, and delivery.
• Those with experience of secondary school leadership or governance, school improvement as an adviser (LA or MAT), Ofsted Inspector or both. Why? We are keen to complement the appointment of Mark Lees and we are looking to further build our capacity for school improvement across all phases.

 
The Board of Trustees is responsible for:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;  
• Holding the Trust Lead (CEO) to account for the educational performance of our schools and all of our pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
• Overseeing the financial performance of the Trust and making sure our funding is well spent.  

 
Volunteering as a Trustee can be very rewarding.

 

Trustees bring a range of expertise and different, but complementary, experiences to the Board. Our Trustees help us connect with our stakeholders and the communities our schools serve.   
 
Being a Trustee and holding a position on our Board can also help your career. It tells prospective employees that your skills and experience are highly valued.
 
Diversity is key to the success of our organisation and our Board is no different. It is vital to us that our Board represents diverse backgrounds and communities, and that they share our values and can positively contribute their lived experience as part of our inclusive Trust Board. This means we actively encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply and we do not discriminate based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status.
 
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. To this end, any appointments will be subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances.  
 
If you would like to know more about the role through an informal conversation, please contact Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), Corinium Education Trust on C.Henson@coriniumeducationtrust.net.
 
To request an application form, please email Kathy Jackson, Governance Officer, Corinium Education Trust, at clerk@coriniumeducationtrust.net.
 
Please send your completed application form to Kathy Jackson by midday on Friday 27 September 2024.  
 
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.