Plymouth CAST Chair of the Board
recruitment pack
July 2017
St Boniface House, Ashburton, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ13 7JL
[email protected] Tel: 01364 645450
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Contents
Welcome from the Bishop 3
About 4
Ethos 4
Our plans for the future 5
Governance structure 6
Chair of the Board 7
Key information 10
Application Process 11
Schools in the trust 12
Welcome from the Bishop and Chair of the Recruitment Panel
Dear Applicant,
On behalf of the RC Diocese of Plymouth and the Members of the Plymouth CAST trust, I would
like to thank you for taking an interest in the position of Chair and Trustee of Plymouth CAST. You
will know that at the centre of our Catholic schools, is our primary mission that each child be able
to encounter the living God, who in Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth. This gives
us three objectives:
Firstly, to provide an environment in which children are enabled to build and deepen their
relationship with God. Secondly, to foster a rigorous academic culture aimed at the pursuit of truth.
And thirdly, to actively promote the development and growth of virtue in each child.
The new Chair has the opportunity to take a leading role in the governance and transformation of
one of the largest academy trusts in the country and the largest in the south west operating across
Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.
A unique trust that opened in 2014 with 36 schools, serving 8000 pupils, employing c.1,700 staff
and overseeing an annual revenue of c.£43 million, the core purpose of Plymouth CAST is to
provide outstanding education and learning in a safe environment where the Catholic mission in
education is promoted and encouraged for the benefit of all.
The trust is facing a number of challenges and is looking for a new Chair of the Board and additional
trustees that will bring strength, breadth and depth to the trust board to lead and support rapid and
sustainable improvement across the schools alongside transformational restructuring of both
governance and operations.
Leading a trust such as ours through its next phase will be both challenging and rewarding. We are
looking for an exceptional individual, a practicing Catholic with executive business expertise who
would wish to become a trustee and take forward the role as Chair of the trust. Alongside this we
are looking to appoint a further three business individuals to become trustees who have the right
experience and expertise to support and challenge us, and who will share our values and ambitions
to ensure the future success of the trust and its schools.
I very much hope that you will consider this opportunity to make a positive contribution to the lives
of the young people in our schools across the south west.
Yours sincerely
Bishop Mark O'Toole
RC Diocese of Plymouth
About Plymouth CAST
Plymouth CAST was created by the Catholic Diocese of Plymouth in April 2014 to enhance the
development of its schools. The trust is currently comprised of 36 academies, which includes, 33
first/primary schools, two secondary schools and one nursery. The trust’s schools are located across
the South West from Penzance to Bournemouth covering seven local authorities. At present,
Plymouth CAST is one of the largest multi-academy trusts (MATs) in the country and the largest in
the south west. The trust has 8,000 pupils on roll, employs c.1,700 staff and oversees an annual
revenue of c.£43 million.
Trust board meetings are held at St Boniface House, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7JL.
Trust Ethos and Values
Plymouth CAST inherits its ethos and values from the mission of the Catholic Church. The trust’s
mission is to provide outstanding education and learning in a safe environment where Catholic
values are promoted and encouraged for the benefit of all. Ultimately their aim is to be a trust with
schools:
where children of all abilities and backgrounds flourish;
where every parent would want their child educated;
where every school sector employee would want to work;
where all look to for good practice and innovation;
where vulnerable educational institutions look for support;
where ‘the gospel is preached at all times; where necessary, using words’ (after St
Francis).
Our Future Plans
“If we are to achieve our mission we must ensure that
EVERY CHILD
receives the support needed to become the best that they can be:
spiritually; academically; and socially.”
The trust is unique in that it came into being as a 36-school organisation; rather than slowly growing
to that size. While this brings many strengths, it means that its infrastructure and systems are still in
development and the trust is facing a number of challenges and as such is in the process of
overseeing a swift turnaround and change programme.
The key challenges for the board over the next 12-24 months are:
1. To strengthen governance and leadership. Following a recent Ofsted report, the trust has
begun a plan to overhaul its governance structure, strengthening the main board, reviewing its
central committees and local governance, and introducing a regional governance structure that
works more closely with the schools. The trust hopes to have this in place by January 2018 at
the latest. In parallel the trust is in the process of recruiting a new CEO and restructuring the
local accountability framework.
2. Rapid and sustained school improvement is critical for the trust and the board is recruiting a
Head of School Improvement to lead in this area alongside a recently recruited Chief Operating
Officer both of whom will report to the current interim CEO. In parallel Plymouth CAST is
implementing a “Target Tracker” across all its schools to strengthen monitoring and to better
examine their performance. All the trust’s schools will have been the subject of an OFSTED
inspection by July this year.
3. To continue the financial security of the trust. The role of the newly appointed Chief
Operating Offer is to drive forward improved financial control and to generate economies of
scale across the trust’s schools by centralising services and support functions such as
recruitment and procurement.
4. More sustainable solutions to individual school challenges. The board is currently looking
at solutions for specific schools that are facing challenges on performance, pupil numbers or
finances.
Governance Structure
The governance structure of Plymouth CAST is currently made up of:
Members - 3 all members of the Catholic clergy of which one is the Bishop
Trustees – 11 Trustees / Non-executive directors from across education, the clergy and business
with a majority meeting the Catholic foundation criteria
The trust currently operates as 3 clustered regions. This is anticipated to change as part of the
governance reorganisation and transformation.
The current structure is:
Chair of the Board
Selected by the trustees and formally approved by the Bishop, the Chair of Plymouth CAST
provides leadership and direction to the board of directors and enables the board to fulfil its
responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the trust.
The chair of the board plays a vital leading role in setting the direction and structures for the trust.
He/she supports the development of positive working relationships between the board, the
executive leaders and the trust staff.
THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD ROLE DESCRIPTION
Plymouth CAST is seeking to appoint a new Chair of the Board to:
— ensure that the organisation pursues its Objects as defined in its articles of association,
charity law, company law, public law and other relevant legislation/regulations determined
by the Education and Skills Funding Agency;
— work in partnership with the Chief Executive (CEO) to support the employees, helping them
achieve the aims of the organisation; and to optimise the relationship between the board of
directors and the staff;
— facilitate the board of directors in stimulating excellent, well-rounded and carefully
considered strategic decision-making.
In relation to the board, the Chair will:
— lead board meetings in a way which embodies the culture, values and ethos of the trust;
— facilitate the formulation of strategic plans and regular reviews of long-term strategic aims
of the trust;
— ensure the development of trust’s policies, defining of goals and targets and the evaluation
of performance against agreed targets;
— lead the board and challenge leaders appropriately in setting risk appetite and tolerance,
and ensure that the board has sight of, and understands, the trust’s risks and undertakes
scrutiny of risk management plans;
— approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate
meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented;
— assume guardianship of the legal and financial integrity of the trust;
— maintain careful oversight of any risk to reputation and/or financial standing of the trust;
— liaise regularly with the CEO to maintain a clear grasp of the trust’s financial position and to
ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the board;
— lead and mentor other board members to fulfil their responsibilities and enable access to
training/coaching/information to enhance the overall contribution of the board, meeting
annually with each director to discuss the role and assess any training needs and develop
succession planning;
— annually lead the review of the board structure, role, staff relationships and ensure
implementation of agreed changes/developments are carried out;
— create a strong, profitable and fulfilling working relationship with trustees and the CEO
through review and self-reflective evaluation of contributions and effectiveness of the board;
— encourage team working among board members and encourage them to identify and
support the recruitment of new trustees as required.
In relation to the CEO / Executive Principal, the Chair will:
— in participation with the board, lead the appointment of the CEO, oversee the CEO’s
activities in the context of the implementation of the board’s strategy and policies, and lead
the process of appraising and constructively guiding the performance of the CEO;
— consult with the CEO on matters of strategy, governance, finance and HR;
— receive regular informal progress reports of the trust’s work and financial performance
through the CEO / Executive Principal.
In relation to the community and code of conduct, the Chair will:
— represent the trust as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions;
— facilitate and in partnership with the CEO and trust board, pro-actively seek opportunities
for partnership working that supports the agreed strategic goals;
— ensure the protection and management of the assets of the trust;
— lead the board and work alongside the CEO in fostering relations with the sector’s
regulators and key strategic stakeholders;
— act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures, if required;
— facilitate change and address conflict within the board of trustees and within the trust, and
liaise with the CEO to achieve this;
— undertake review of external complaints as defined by the trust’s complaints procedure;
— ensuring adherence and compliance with the trust’s articles and policies, and in all
decisions and discussions of the board and its sub-committees;
— attend and be a member of other committees or working groups when appropriate in their
role as chair.
THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD PERSON SPECIFICATION
The role holder will be:
— an effective chair or strategic leader with the ability to fulfil strategic non-executive
leadership roles;
— mindful of their responsibilities under equality legislation and to the role of governing boards
in contributing to the wider education system in an increasingly diverse society.
Essential Qualities of a Chair
— Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of
trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,
objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
— Commitment to the trust’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry
out responsibilities.
— Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the trust’s objects and aims.
— Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the
context of the trust’s and external environment.
— Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of
colleagues.
— Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.
Plymouth CAST requires a Chair with experience of corporate strategic governance and
excellent skills in managing a board and a complex organisation –
— experience of chairing a board in the charity, public or private sector, the ability to chair
meetings effectively and to participate actively in group decision making;
— proven leadership experience to help guide the trust in a business-like manner through the
challenges that lie ahead;
— experience of working in a organisation with a revenue exceeding £40 million; and
— flexibility and willingness to travel to the trust and its schools, attend meetings and support
the trust as required.
The Chair will line manage the CEO and oversee the transformation of the trust, so will be skilled in
performance management and able to hold the executive of a large educational organisation to
account.
The chair of the board is a non-executive director, and as such will also be working to the non-
executive director requirement, in line with the broader aims of the board.
Key information
TIME COMMITMENT AND EXPENSES:
The role of the Chair of the board is a key role and will require around 4-6 days a month once in
post.
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:
The new Chair as a new non-executive director will receive induction training and supporting
material covering key issues of academytrust governance and the Plymouth CAST. They are also
expected to keep up to date with national and local issues through ongoing development.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SAFEGUARDING:
All directors must be committed as an employer to equal opportunities and the safeguarding
requirements of the Plymouth CAST’s policies. All appointments require a disclosure check will this
will be undertaken prior to confirmation of appointment.
COMMITMENT TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH
As a Catholic diocesan MAT, the Chair must ensure the protection and embodiment of the Catholic
ethos of the trust and its schools, and therefore the Chair of the Board should be a practising
Roman Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church.
CONFLICT OF INTERESTS:
All academy trusts are bound by the Academies Financial Handbook that sets out standards of
transparency. To be a non-executive director you will need to state if you are related to a board
member or an existing employee of Plymouth CAST, and if you have any financial interest in the
trust or any of its service partners.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECRUITMENT
Academy Ambassadors is currently also recruiting for up to four non-executive directors for
Plymouth CAST. For more information, please see:
https://www.academyambassadors.org/business-leaders/board-opportunities/plymouth-cast
Application Process
If you would like to apply for the role of the chair of the board, please send a CV and a brief
expression of interest which sets out your suitability for the role in terms of your skills and
experience.
Please include your reasons and motivations for applying for a role.. Please ensure that you have
included work, mobile and home telephone contact numbers and an e-mail address if applicable.
Please send these and any questions you may have to
The closing date for applications is:
4th August 2017
Interviews are likely to be held during August and September in anticipation that the successful
applicant can take up their position during the first term of the new academic year.
We look forward to welcoming you to Plymouth CAST.
Schools
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Bodmin, PL31 1LW
St. John the Baptist Catholic Primary School Camborne, TR14 7AE
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Falmouth. TR11 4PW
St. Mary’s Catholic School Penzance, TR18 2AT
Notre Dame School Plymouth, PL6 5HN
St. Boniface’s Catholic College (Secondary) Plymouth, PL5 3AG
Cathedral School of St. Mary Plymouth, PL1 5RZ
Holy Cross Catholic Primary School Plymouth, PL4 9BE
Keyham Barton Catholic Primary School Plymouth, PL2 2DE
St. Jospeh’s Catholic Primary School Plymouth, PL1 4DJ
St. Paul’s Catholic Primary School Plymouth, PL5 1NE
St. Peter’s Catholic Primary School Plymouth, PL5 4HD
Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School Barnstaple, EX32 8DN
St. Margaret Clitherow C P School Brixham, TQ5 0EE
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Buckfast, TQ11 0EA
St. John the Baptist RC Primary School Dartmouth, TQ6 9HW
St. Nicholas Catholic Primary School Exeter, EX1 3EG
St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Exmouth, EX8 2JP
St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Newton Abbot, TQ12 1PT
Sacred Heart Catholic Nursery & Primary School Paignton, TQ3 2SH
Our Lady & St. Patrick’s Catholic Nursery & Primary School Teignmouth, TQ14 9DT
St. John’s Catholic Primary School Tiverton, EX16 5LA
Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Primary School Torquay, TQ2 6DB
Priory Catholic Primary School Torquay, TQ1 4NZ
The Orchard Nursery Bournemouth, BH11 9EH
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Axminster, EX13 5BE
Christ the King Catholic Primary School Bournemouth, BH11 9EH
St. Catherines Catholic Primary School Bridport, DT6 3TR
St. Mary’s Catholic First School Dorchester, DT1 2DD
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Marnhull, DT10 1JX
St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Poole, BH12 4DZ
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Poole, BH15 3QQ
St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School Swanage, BH19 1QE
St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary School Weymouth, DT4 0RH
St. Catherine’s Catholic Primary School Wimborne, BH21 2HN
St. Mary & St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wool, BH20 6DS
For more information – please see http://www.plymouthcast.org.uk/web/our_schools/276738