Chair
Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust
voluntary basis with expenses reimbursed
The Diocese of Chichester Academy Trust (DCAT) was founded in 2015, initially to cater for the needs of Church of England schools in the Diocese of Chichester. Today, nearly 9000 children are taught and supported by 1200 staff in 27 DCAT schools across the South coast.
Children stand at the heart of everything we do. We are continuously focussed on realising our vision, helping every child achieve their God-given potential. The Trust aims to develop each child in its 27 schools to be keen to learn and able to work together, to listen to and care for each other, and to be confident in the knowledge that they are known and valued.
DCAT enjoys a high reputation regionally and attracts other schools to join us. It is a sign of our wide appeal that two outstanding schools have chosen to join DCAT. We are also highly successful in MAT mergers into our Trust. Currently in the top ten fastest expanded Trusts in the UK, the Department for Education has recognised DCAT as a ‘strong’ Multi Academy Trust.
We respect the uniquely individual character of each school while offering the strong support and guidance of a community of schools within an affirmative Christian culture.
THE ROLE
Over ten years, we have fulfilled our initial ambition for growth, with most schools rated in the top two Ofsted grades and all demonstrating measurable improvement. We now have the scope and opportunity to embed excellence. Our sound financial foundations, robust framework of governance and our committed and able Executive Team underpin our confidence.
The recent departure of a long-standing and highly-regarded Chair has created this opportunity to enrich the Board by seeking an external appointment to lead its development and, in collaboration with the Executive Team, our new strategy.
A key part of the Chair’s role will be to help build on that collaboration. This will involve enabling the talented and motivated Board actively to complement the current reconfiguration of the Executive Team in a partnership of accountability and constructive engagement in line with our new strategic intent. This is a challenging and rewarding role at a critical stage in the Trust’s development.
DCAT’s foundation lies within the Church of England, and our vision and values are an expression of our faith. But not all our schools are church schools and our Board is strengthened by the contribution of Trustees who do not have a religious faith. We seek someone whose own values are closely aligned with our own and who, leading the trustees, is committed to doing the very best for our schools and the children who attend them.
How to apply
To make an application, please click on the apply now button below, with the following prepared:
- a CV (no more than three sides) or equivalent biographical information
- a short covering letter that explains your motivation, suitability and availability and confirms that you are not subject to any conflict of interest
Please tell us if there are any dates during the selection process (outlined below) when you would not be available to participate. If you have a disability and identify any barriers in the job description or person specification, please let us know during the application process.
Closing date
Friday 2nd May 2025
First stage discussions
w/c 12th and 19th May 2025
Agreement of the shortlist
w/c 26th May 2025
Informal conversations with stakeholders
Early June 2025
Final interviews
Early to mid-June (TBC)