Chief Executive Officer

About Equals Trust

Equals Trust is a thriving multi-academy trust that will soon comprise of 19 primary schools, deeply committed to providing high-quality education that leads to outstanding outcomes for all children. At the heart of our work is a firm belief in the benefits of collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to the communities we serve. We foster a culture that celebrates innovation, continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence. Our vision is to nurture each school’s individuality while harnessing the collective strength of the Trust to enhance outcomes for all.

The Role

Equals Trust is seeking a visionary and values-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our Trust into its next phase of growth and success. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate leader who believes in the power of collaboration, engagement and the importance of putting children at the heart of every decision. As CEO, you will embody the Trust's vision and values, ensuring that every school thrives and that our shared purpose is upheld across all areas of leadership and operations.

We are looking for an individual with a total commitment to educational excellence, who can provide strategic vision and operational expertise. The ideal candidate will be a highly successful current or recent headteacher with a proven ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, collaboration and inclusivity across multiple schools.

Key Responsibilities

• Visionary Leadership: Lead the Trust with a clear and compelling vision that aligns with our core values of collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence
• Strategic Partnership: Work in close partnership with the Board of Trustees and Members to develop and deliver the Trust's strategic goals
• Collaboration and Culture: Nurture a culture of shared purpose and collaboration across all 19 schools, ensuring the Trust's vision is consistently reflected in practice
• Educational Excellence: Uphold and enhance high educational standards placing children’s success and wellbeing at the centre of all decisions
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee financial management to ensure the sustainability and long-term success of the Trust, balancing innovation with value for money
• Community Engagement: Build and sustain strong, positive relationships with local communities ensuring that the Trust remains rooted in its values
• Innovation and Best Practice: Champion innovative practices and collaboration that empower staff and foster excellence across the whole Trust
• Team Leadership: Lead a multi-disciplinary central executive team, ensuring cohesiveness and impactful support for all schools.
• External Partners: Positively engage with a diverse range of external stakeholders, including the Regional Director, the Local Authority, the DfE and ESFA. Act as the face of the Trust, fostering strong, positive relationships that enhance our reputation and impact. Play the lead role in developing relationships with prospective schools, inspiring confidence in our vision and supporting their successful integration into the Trust. _________________________________________________________________________

About You

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has a proven ability to lead with vision and empathy and who will inspire a shared sense of purpose across multiple schools and within the central team
• Demonstrates a deep and evidenced commitment to the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and engagement
• Possesses strong financial acumen with experience in managing multiple budgets and ensuring value for money
• Is experienced as a Head Teacher with substantial experience of school leadership and a strong track record in improving educational outcomes across a range of schools in a primary setting
• Exhibits outstanding, proven communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect and build positive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Is driven by a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children, with a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and the wellbeing of every pupil

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to lead a thriving Trust with the very best people Education has to offer. You will be supported by an experienced Board as well as by a leadership group with a wealth of experience, passion and commitment.

We are committed to the personal and professional development of all of our staff, offering  a comprehensive employee assistance programme alongside access to a generous benefits platform designed to support your work-life balance and overall wellbeing.

Safeguarding Commitment

Equals Trust is committed to providing a safe environment and to promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applications and offers of employment will be subject to relevant safer recruitment checks including DBS and social media checks in line with our child protection policy.

Application Process

To apply, please use the button below.

For an informal conversation with our current CEO please contact Phil Palmer at ceo@equalstrust.org You can also contact the Chair of the Board, Peter Foale at chair@equalstrust.org For any further information or to arrange visits to our schools please contact Tara Cook, Head of HR at tara.cook@equalstrust.org

Key Dates

·       Application Deadline:   24^th January 2025

·       Interviews:                   26^th and 27^th February 2025

·       Start Date:                   Autumn Term 2025