The Role of the Trustees   

Trustees are appointed by Members.

Trustees are appointed for their knowledge skills and/or experience in the following areas as required by the Board:   

• Corporate and Business Strategy/Development   

• Financial management  

• Asset management   

• Communication, Marketing and PR   

• Legal Systems  

• Education QA & standards  

• Special Education Needs  

• Safeguarding 

• Enhanced and Alternative Provisions 

• Child Support Services 

• Education Assessment Frameworks 

• Educational Charities 

• County and Local Council   

• Chief Executive Officer (Trust Performance and Development)  

The trustees are the charity trustees (within the terms of section 177(1) of the Charities Act  2011) and are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of the trust in accordance with the provisions set out in the memorandum and articles of association. The board of trustees is the accountable body for the performance of all schools within the trust and as such must:   

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction   

• Hold the executive to account for the educational performance of the schools and their pupils, and the performance management of staff   

• Oversee the financial performance of the trust and make sure its money is well spent   

Because trustees are bound by both charity and company law, the terms ‘trustees’ and ‘directors’ are often used interchangeably. We use the term trustee as it avoids the possible confusion caused when executive leaders are called directors.