About the organisation
Embark Federation started as a two school federation in 2017 between Richardson Endowed Primary and Kilburn Junior School under local authority control. After considerable interest from others we became a multi-academy trust officially in January 2019 formed by 7 primary schools across Derbyshire.
Embark has always had a keen focus on the Arts, Sports, Sciences and ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum and providing a wide range of opportunities across all our schools.
During Covid, as a group of 9 primary schools alongside Sharon Gray OBE, Embark designed the Rising Strong Recovery programme which was a toolkit of activities for staff to use upon their return to schools based around the social and emotional health of children and staff. This was recognised by the DfE and Cabinet Office and case studies were shared and the resources were shared across the Uk and beyond with headteachers sending thanks as far away as Australia and New Zealand.
Post Covid, the Embark family continued to grow and were approached by many schools who shared our values of Family, Integrity, Teamwork and Success. Embark are proud to have stuck to our growth principle of never approaching a school and instead focusing on doing our best by our current schools and their communities.
Currently, we have 25 schools in our family made up of 21 primaries and 4 secondaries. Our schools have excellent and vibrant curriculums that serve their context and give our children the very best education. Our standards are high and schools meet the accountability demands through being creative, sharing together and standing out.
We are developing six regional teams across Derbyshire and work closely with local businesses and have formed some excellent partnerships with the likes of The University of Derby, Chatsworth House and Derby Kids Camp to name just a few.
We are always looking at how we can bring exciting opportunities to our schools and for example, have hosted whole trust World Book Days with cast members from Matilda to bring the book to life. Embark have enabled many children in need to receive a well deserved holiday each summer through the trust.
We have been recognised nationally and received numerous awards over recent years including; Large MAT of the Year 2024, Community Trust of the Year, Excellent governance in a Multi-Academy Trust to name just a few.
Our purpose is to Love Learning and Love Life and we live out this and our core values every day. If you are interested in finding out more please do not hesitate to get in touch.
About the role
At Embark Federation we are seeking two new trustees to join our Trust Board at an important stage in our growth. This is an ongoing, strategic governance role rather than a time limited project. Trustees are appointed for a fixed term and are expected to provide sustained oversight, challenge and support to the organisation, contributing to long term decision making and the delivery of our strategic plan for the benefit of the 9,000 young people we serve across Derbyshire.
The role focuses on strengthening the Board’s collective expertise, with particular interest in individuals who bring experience in collaboration and partnership working, marketing and communications, legal practice, finance and accounting, or secondary education. Trustees are expected to use their professional insight to help shape strategy, test assumptions, identify risk and opportunity, and support the Executive team in maintaining a strong organisational culture aligned to our values of family, integrity, teamwork and success.
This is not an operational role. Trustees are not involved in the day to day running of schools or the Trust. Instead, they work at a strategic level to ensure the Trust is well governed, financially secure and educationally ambitious. Key elements of the role include contributing to the Board’s oversight of financial sustainability, ensuring robust systems of internal control and risk management are in place, and holding leaders to account for educational and organisational performance. Trustees with relevant expertise may be asked to take a lead role in specific areas, such as finance, audit, legal compliance or external engagement, working closely with senior leaders and external advisers where appropriate.
Trustees are required to attend four full Trust Board meetings each year. These meetings are typically held in the evening and focus on strategy, performance, risk, finance and culture. In addition, trustees are usually expected to sit on at least one Board committee, such as Finance and Resources or Audit and Risk. Committee meetings are generally held three to four times per year and allow for deeper scrutiny and discussion in specific areas. Trustees with significant experience may also be invited to chair a committee or take on a link role, depending on skills, interest and capacity, although this is not a requirement for all volunteers.
Beyond formal meetings, trustees are expected to prepare thoroughly by reading papers in advance, contribute actively to discussion, and engage constructively with fellow board members and the Executive team. There may also be occasional additional commitments, such as strategy days, development sessions, or visits to schools, which help trustees build understanding of the Trust and its communities.
Volunteering as a trustee at Embark Federation offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people and their communities, while developing board level experience in a values led organisation. We are particularly keen to hear from people whose perspectives are currently under represented at board level and who are motivated to help us build a leadership team that reflects the diversity of Derbyshire.
Our ideal candidate
At Embark Federation, we are a values-driven multi-academy trust, and we’re looking for two new trustees to join our board. We welcome people who can bring fresh ideas, energy, and expertise – particularly in:
- Collaboration and partnership working
- Marketing and communications
- Legal experience
- Finance and accounting
- Secondary Education
We are keen to attract candidates who bring diverse perspectives and welcome expressions of interest from the widest possible range of backgrounds, particularly those currently under-represented at board level. The strongest boards reflect the workforce and communities they serve, so we particularly encourage applications from younger people, anyone from an ethnically diverse background, individuals from local Black, Asian, minority ethnic and LGBTQ+ communities and people with disabilities.
We are committed to building a leadership team that truly represents the population of Embark and Derbyshire. Our trustees are a critical part of our Trust governance, offering challenge and support to the Executive team particularly around our culture and the delivery of our strategic plan. Our Trust Board is an essential part of a growing organisation of 1,500 employees across 25 schools and making a difference to 9,000 young people across Derbyshire.
What’s in it for you
Why volunteer as a trustee? • Make a meaningful impact on young people and their communities in Derbyshire • Contribute to a supportive, values-led trust built on family, integrity, teamwork, and success • Access excellent professional development opportunities • Strengthen your leadership profile and CV
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
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