Join the Board of Derby Diocesan Academy Trust and bring your secondary education expertise to the role of Trustee to support the development of a growing, values-led multi-academy trust.
Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 18th August 2025
Location: Hybrid/Derby
Time commitment: 6 – 8 days per year
About Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT)
Established in 2014 and built upon Christian values and ethos, the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) has grown into a thriving and effective family of 28 Church and 5 non-Church schools, with two new free schools in the pipeline.
DDAT consists of infant schools, junior schools, primary schools, and one secondary school. Based in the East Midlands region of England, DDAT enjoys a strong and productive relationship with the whole of its family of schools but also benefits and supports schools and organisations across Derby and Derbyshire. Within the DDAT family, there are over 7,500 children and young people, and more than 1,000 members of staff. The Trust has an annual income of £53m.
The Derby Diocesan Board of Education developed DDAT to allow schools to take advantage of an academy model, but without being distracted from their core business of educating pupils. The Trust was designed to secure the schools’ church heritage, and to provide highly effective external support and challenge whilst delivering much of the business side of being an academy.
Our Trust’s vision is rooted in Christian teachings, aiming to nurture and empower everyone to reach their fullest potential.
Through the values of inclusivity, integrity, community, excellence and courage, we aim to support all of our students and staff to embrace the abundant possibilities of “Life in all its fullness.”
About the role
As a Trustee at DDAT, you will hold a strategic and non-executive role, providing oversight, support, and challenge to our executive team, and ensuring that the Trust delivers on its core mission: to provide excellent education, rooted in our Christian values, for all children. Trustees have collective responsibility for setting the vision and strategic direction of the Trust, monitoring performance and standards, safeguarding public funds, and ensuring that we operate ethically and in line with our charitable objectives.
This specific vacancy has been created to bring additional expertise in the secondary phase of education to our Board. As Derby Cathedral School continues to grow and expand its educational offerings, and as we explore future opportunities to extend our secondary provision, we want to ensure that our Board has the necessary insight to oversee and guide this work with confidence.
This may include contributing to conversations around curriculum design, school improvement strategy, sixth form development, behaviour and attendance, or educational disadvantage.
You will work closely with other Trustees, including those with expertise in finance, HR, safeguarding and primary education, as well as our CEO and executive team. This is not an operational role; Trustees are not involved in the day-to-day running of schools or the Trust but provide constructive challenge and high-level scrutiny. You will help ensure that our education strategy is well-informed, equitable, and ambitious for all learners.
In return, you will gain significant non-executive board experience, contribute to the development of a trust that is growing in influence and support us in shaping the life chances of young people across our region. This is a public service role with real meaning.
Who we are looking for
You will be an experienced secondary leader, inspector, or education policy specialist with deep insight into curriculum, assessment, inspection or school improvement.
As a Diocesan multi-academy trust, our vision and values are built upon a Christian ethos that celebrates individuality, fosters collaboration and promotes unity. We welcome students and staff of all faiths and none, supporting each person to learn, grow and live life in all its fullness. As a trustee, you will bring a deep understanding of this theologically rooted vision, living and championing our values of inclusivity, integrity, community, excellence and courage through your governance and strategic leadership.
We value Trustees who are curious, humble and values-driven. You do not need to have been a Trustee before, our Governance team will support you with induction, training and development, but you must be able to contribute with clarity, independence and care.
An understanding of the difference between strategic and operational leadership is essential: we are not looking for someone to run the school, but to help steer the Trust at a strategic level.
Derby Diocesan Academy Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As those from ethnic minority backgrounds are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. However, in line with the Equality Act 2010, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Peridot Partners and Derby Diocesan Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 18th August 2025.
Recruitment Agency
21 - 50
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
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The Corporate Justice Coalition (CJC) is seeking dynamic, motivated and experienced people who want to add their energy and expertise to pursuing our mission to end corporate abuses of human rights and the environment.
Corporate Justice Coalition’s (CJC) mission is to secure greater protection of human rights and the environment with regard to the global operations of UK corporations, including improved access to justice for those harmed by the activities of UK companies. We work with a diverse range of mainly civil society coalition partners from the fields of global poverty, environmental sustainability and human rights to: change government policies and the law; maintain and strengthen civil society advocacy and campaigning on corporate accountability; develop and promote shared policy solutions; promote public support for the rights of people affected by corporate abuses and solutions to this.
We are looking for two new trustees to join our board. We are looking for a treasurer and another trustee with experience of fundraising in the charity sector.
In addition to the time required to fulfil the responsibilities of any trustee, the role of treasurer would require around 1 additional hour a month.
We are seeking to deepen the diversity of our board and will take that ambition into account when appointing trustees. We would especially like to hear from people with lived experience of the impact of corporate wrongdoing - either overseas or in the UK. In addition, trustee members with experience or skills in running a small charity are always welcomed.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Who We Are
We’re Causeway, the UK-wide charity who believes in the power of lasting change. We take people from existing to living, and empower our service users, including survivors of modern slavery and exploitation, to find their voice and place in society. Since 2005, we have expanded across multiple regions and now provide accommodation and outreach support to hundreds of survivors of modern slavery every year. In 2018, we launched LifeNavigate, a trauma-informed programme committed to breaking the cycle of crime, collaborating alongside organisations including Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and South Yorkshire Police. Our vision is to ensure a thriving future for marginalised and vulnerable people, and it would not be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Causeway Charitable Services delivers support operates across the United Kingdom. Our head office is based in Sheffield, with other offices in Liverpool, Manchester and Sunderland.
Role Summary
How this role fits into the vision and objectives of Causeway
Our trustees bring strategic oversight and direction; to ensure Causeway is true to its purpose and effective in its strategic objectives, whilst ensuring all governance responsibilities are fulfilled. They champion the people we support, promote the charity and its work and bring expertise to purposefully develop Causeway and its impact.
The role of Treasurer brings to our Board Financial acumen, experience and understanding of charity finance and will be a supportive sounding Board for the Senior Executive team in relation to Strategic Financial planning.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for an outstanding new Treasurer who shares our values and brings energy, expertise and a strategic mindset. We are particularly looking for our Treasurer to have:
· A relevant accounting qualification.
· Experience of charity accounting and relevant accounting standards.
· Ability to maintain overview of the financial affairs of the charity, ensuring its viability and proper financial records and procedures.
· A confident networker who will bring relevant connections and facilitate introductions for the benefit the charity.
It is important that trustees reflect our geographical reach in the North, and that we have diversity of knowledge, experience and background on the trustee board. If you have lived experience relevant to our work or can bring a perspective that is under-represented, we strongly encourage you to consider applying.
The role of the Trustee
The Charities Act 1993 defines charity trustees as those responsible under the charity’s governing document for controlling the administration and management of the charity.
Our board of trustees have shared responsibility for the overall governance, financial health and strategic direction of the charity, developing its organisational aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.
In addition to the statutory duties, each Trustee uses their specific skills, knowledge and experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions and support the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership Team in delivering the charity’s mission.
As a Trustee of Causeway’s board, you will have the opportunity to help govern a growing organisation, knowing that your time will go some way towards helping people most in need, to go on to lead good, happy and successful lives.
Job Description
Role Title: Treasurer and Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
Salary: Voluntary (Trustees can claim out of pocket expenses incurred in travelling to meetings)
Location: Applications are welcomed from applicants across the United Kingdom.
Closing date for applications: Rolling.
We aim to make trustee appointments by 30th November 2025. Roles will be provisionally offered, before being finalised subject to DBS check, references and due diligence check, in line with our Safer Recruitment policy.
Interview Date: w/c 3rd November
Responsibilities
The role of the Board of Trustees is to receive assets from our partners and donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of Causeway. The trustee board must always act in the best interests of the charity, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility.
Specific responsibilities as Treasurer and Chair of FAR
· To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document and its own financial rules, charity law, company law, and other relevant legislation or regulations.
· To ensure that adequate financial procedures and controls are in place and that the organisation operates within a sound financial framework.
· To advise the Trustees on the financial implications of their strategy and policy objectives, and ensure appropriate financial risk management and reserves policies are in place.
· To lead the creation and chairing of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee on behalf of the Board of Trustees, and to attend the Remuneration Committee.
· In association with the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Finance, to ensure that all financial dealings are properly accounted for, including grants and restricted funds.
· To lead the production of an annual budget, propose its adoption to the Board, and monitor performance against the budget with support from the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Finance.
· To liaise with the Chief Executive Officer and Head of Finance to ensure timely, comprehensive and accurate financial information is provided to the Trustees (e.g. balance sheet, cash flow, bank balances, fundraising performance, reserves reporting).
· To discuss the auditor's report and annual accounts with Trustees at the Annual General Meeting and manage the process of appointing auditors.
To be involved in closely managing the organisation’s investments, and provide tax and investment advice where necessary, with attention to pensions provision.
The legal responsibilities of a trustee are to:
· Ensure that Causeway complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
· Ensure that Causeway pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
· Ensure Causeway applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
· Contribute actively to the board of trustees by providing strategic direction, setting overall policy, and defining goals and targets
· Ensure the financial stability of Causeway
· Safeguard the good name of Causeway, scrutinise board papers and other key communications
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee will use their specialist skills, knowledge and experience to identify key issues, provide advice and guidance to the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership team, and help improve the decision making of the Board.
· Our trustees will seek to promote Causeway, drawing upon their strategic contacts and networks and supporting fundraising efforts in order to maximise the charity’s impact and brand.
Trustee Criteria (skills and expertise)
Each trustee must be:
· Support and provide advice on Causeway’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
· Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
· Oversee Causeway’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
· Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
· Ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
· Review and approve Causeway’s financial statements.
· Provide support and challenge to the CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
· Keep abreast of changes in the landscape that Causeway operates in
· Contribute to regular reviews of Causeway’s governance.
· Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
· Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Causeway’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
· Contribute to the broader promotion of Causeway’s objectives, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and networks.
Person Specification
· Enthusiasm for Causeway’s vision and mission.
· Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship in the UK charity sector.
· Able to demonstrate strategic vision and think creatively.
· Relevant experience and knowledge of managing finances.
· Experience and knowledge of current practice relevant to charities or SME finance.
· The skills to analyse proposals, examine their financial consequences and make concise recommendations.
· A recognised financial and/or accounting qualification would be highly beneficial but is not a prerequisite.
· Ability to analyse financial data and communicate findings clearly to non-financial stakeholders
· Willingness to be available to employees with financial responsibilities on a scheduled or ad hoc basis to provide advice and answer queries.
· Willing to speak their mind and exercise independent judgement, whilst operating with tact and diplomacy.
· Ability to work with others in a way that supports positive board dynamics.
· Ability to represent the organisation credibly externally.
· Availability and commitment to perform the role and dedicate the time required to fulfil the role.
Diversity
All applications are welcomed regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. Causeway is particularly keen to further diversify the Board and ensure that it is representative of those we support. We particularly welcome applications from Black and racially minoritised, LGBTQ+ individuals and/or disabled candidates who are currently under-represented on our board. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.
Minimum Time Commitment
Location
Causeway board meetings are held in person and online.
Hours/time-commitment
This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
The overall time commitment for the Treasurer is expected to be around 1-2 days per month.
There are four full board meetings a year that last approx. 2 hours, outside regular office hours.
There will be a quarterly commitment to the FAR committee once established.
Papers for meetings are distributed 10 working days (plus a weekend) in advance of meetings.
As part of induction, trustees are expected to read relevant policies and complete induction training, which includes an introduction to our services, safeguarding, information governance, and EDI.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.