The Primary First Trust (PFT) is a successful multi-academy trust of eight primary schools based in Kent. PFT nurtures, celebrates and values the distinctiveness of each of its schools. The Trust knows that each school has its own unique character and ways of working that best serve their communities. Being part of the PFT is about protecting their independence and celebrating this, learning from and challenging each other, and using each School's experiences to inform and enhance best practice. All of its Schools are at different points on their journey – each with a unique context, considerable strengths and specific opportunities. The Trust's refreshingly collaborative way of working, enviable track record of school improvement and deep understanding of primary-aged learning give it an unmistakable edge in driving up standards in every area of school life.

Primary First is dedicated to providing its young people with the best start in life, and works hard to ensure it adds value to its Schools, through initiatives including its effective school development framework, as well as Trust services that provide high-quality expert advice for core functions and sound financial acumen. The Trust knows that great education is only possible with great teachers. It supports its colleagues every step of the way to empower them to deliver high-quality education and care. By being the first choice for both teachers and students, the PFT plans to keep educational excellence at the centre of its future development plans in the years to come. 

In the last 10 years, the Trust has grown by over 50% and now provides education for over 3,600 boys and girls aged 3-11. As it looks to the next 10 years, PFT aims to double in size by taking on schools in the South East of England that require improvement, allowing the Trust to maintain its reputation for turning school performance around and being an exemplar in the primary education sector. The Trust will prioritise taking on schools which are aligned with PFT values; by maintaining its belief in quality, excellence and high standards, the PFT aims to be the first choice for parents, children and teachers alike. As the Trust grows, it will look to leverage its purchasing power and take advantage of greater educational collaboration between its growing family of schools.

The Primary First Trust is a multi-academy trust (MAT), and so has a Board of Trustees who also act as company directors and are accountable in law for all decisions about their academies.

To enable all Trustees to be effective in their core governance functions, the PFT has Trustee committees. These committees are: the Finance and Audit Committee, HR Committee, Education Committee and Compliance Committee. This Trustee would be expected to chair the HR Committee.

The Trustees also invite governance partners to be part of the committees to ensure the local community and its school directly influence the Trust's decision and policy making. The MAT board delegates key responsibilities to academy committees through a Scheme of Delegation, also known as local governing bodies, or Governance partnership bodies (GPBs).

The Trustees are accountable for three core governance functions: 

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding executive leaders to account for the performance of the organisation, and the performance management of staff
• Overseeing and ensuring effective financial performance

As charity Trustees, they must also comply with charity law requirements. In addition to the responsibilities of a Trustee, this person will also be responsible for chairing the HR Committee, meeting regularly with PFT's HR team and liaising with the Executive and HR Lead where needed.

The Primary First Trust is seeking a new Chair for the HR Committee. This individual will also be a Trustee, and will bring a strong background in HR to add to the expertise of its Board.

The successful candidate will have strategic-level leadership experience gained, for example, as an HR Director, Chief People Officer or Director of People. This experience could have been gained in any sector, but PFT are particularly interested in hearing from applicants who have worked in the commercial sector, who can support and challenge the Board around issues faced in terms of staffing, pay, tribunals and continuing to focus on PFT's mission to be an employer of choice for local teachers and support staff. 

Above all, candidates will have a passion for education, and will be strong contributors to PFT's mission. They will champion the PFT values of adventure, creativity and excellence, and be ambitious for the development of the Trust. The Trust is open to applications from those with non-executive experience in education (such as those who have sat on education boards or committees), but prior board experience is not a requirement for the role.

You can read more about the current Trustees here.

There are four Board meetings per year, with two taking place online and two taking place in person in Gravesend, Kent. Meetings start at 6pm and last c. two hours; any reading material is sent one week in advance. There are also four HR Committee meetings per year, which take place online in the evenings and last c. 90 minutes. Additionally, there will be ad hoc communication with the Board, along with other occasional ad hoc meetings as required. The role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed domestic expenses will be reimbursed. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be extended at the discretion of the Board.

As there are in-person Board meetings twice per year, candidates will either be local to either Kent or South East London or willing to travel for meetings.