One of the largest not-for-profit multi-academy trusts in England, Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) has been sponsoring academies since 2009. Educating over 30,000 pupils across five OAT regions in over 40 schools employing over 5000 staff — OAT currently comprises 32 secondary schools, six primary schools, four alternative provision schools and one special school. 

OAT's very first school was sponsored by Ormiston Trust, a national charity formed in 1969 as a lasting memorial for Fiona Ormiston Murray and her husband who both tragically died the previous year on their honeymoon. It is a grant-making trust working strategically in its areas of interest which are mainly with schools and organisations supporting children, young people and families. Ormiston Trust established OAT to run its sponsored academies, and OAT remains accountable to it, as does its sister organisation, Ormiston Families. 

A national education charity, OAT is underpinned by its founder, Peter Murray’s, belief that every child should be given a chance to thrive. It serves pupils from many communities, all with their unique character, strengths, and challenges. Its sole purpose is: to provide OAT pupils with excellent learning opportunities, inside and outside the classroom.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape and lead the continued development and direction of one of the most established and successful multi-academy trusts.

The Chair's responsibilities include:

• Leading the Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership and governance for the Trust
• Holding the CEO, executive and senior leadership team to account to successfully deliver against Ormiston’s mission and strategic plan
• Along with fellow Trustees and the CEO, ensuring an excellent education and level of safeguarding of students, as well as setting and monitoring performance benchmarks
• Ensuring that the Board focuses on the right areas and is able to respond to opportunities and challenges effectively, both in terms of the way in which it conducts its business and the skills of the Trustees
• Developing productive and supportive professional relationships with others on the Board and in the executive leadership team, particularly with the CEO, as well as individuals within the wider Ormiston Families group
• Monitoring expenditure and overseeing effective asset and risk management, in line with legal obligations

Ormiston Academies Trust seeks an exceptional individual to step into the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees and lead the Trust as it embarks on a new strategic plan. This is a challenging role requiring an experienced leader with a track record of success, strong interpersonal skills and a strategic mindset.

The successful candidate will be passionate about education and making a difference to the lives of disadvantaged young people and the communities which Ormiston serves. They will understand that Ormiston is a family of schools and be committed to the important role that schools play in their local communities.

This person will have experience of leading a large and complex organisation with a national profile. They will have an understanding of the public sector and bring the political nous and outstanding communication skills to engage with a wide and complex range of stakeholders. By professional background, this person could be either an educationalist or equally someone with a public / private / third sector background with a demonstrated interest in the education sector.

While previous Chair experience is not essential, candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage robust discussion among Trustees and possess outstanding listening, interpersonal and ambassadorial skills. The Chair will need to form a strong, open and constructive working relationship with leadership team and will be skilled in robust, non-confrontational challenge.

A list of current Trustees can be found here. 

There are four in person board meetings per year and three virtual subcommittee meetings per year. In addition, every term there will be a Principal’s Forum, Principals Review Group (virtual) and the large MAT Chairs group meeting. There is an annual conference and annual awards evening as well as two board training and development sessions per year. There is also an annual meeting with the Department for Education. In addition, the Chair will be in regular contact with the CEO and other members of the board and will visit at least two schools per year. The role is unremunerated but reasonable, pre-agreed expensed will be reimbursed.

Candidates will be UK based.