Legal Trustee Recruitment

The Trustees form a Council which is legally responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the GDST. It sets strategy, authorises building and other capital development programmes, monitors performance against key indicators, reviews policies and procedures, ensuring financial viability and the safety and welfare of pupils. The successful applicant will be appointed as a Trustee to further the work and aims of the GDST and act as an ambassador for the organisation. In addition to attending Council meetings, the successful applicant will sit on one of the Council's Committees. Statutory duties:

• With the other Council Members, to ensure that the Trust complies with its governing document (the Memorandum & Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that the Trust actively pursues its objects as defined in the Memorandum & Articles of Association and uses its resources exclusively in furtherance of those objects
• To contribute actively in giving firm strategic direction to the Trust, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against those targets
• To safeguard the reputation and values of the Trust
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Trust
• To ensure the financial stability of the Trust
• To protect and manage the property of the Trust and to ensure the proper investment of the Trust's funds
• To appoint the Chief Executive and monitor his / her performance
• To chair and / or attend Council Committees, subsidiary company boards or other groups given delegated authority by the Council
Additional duties:
• To prepare for Council business by reading and reviewing Council and Committee papers
• To attend meetings of the Council and contribute to discussions and decision-making
• To be an active Council Member in exercising its responsibilities and functions, This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are six Council meetings, along with up to four Committee meetings per year. Council meetings may be held either in-person or virtually, and they tend to start at 9am and be finished by lunchtime. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed twice at the discretion of the Board.
  
  The ideal candidate will either be a senior or recently retired solicitor, barrister, or an in-house counsel with the expertise and gravitas to provide professional insight in response to complex legal issues at board level. Individuals with experience in corporate/commercial law or employment law are of particular interest to the Board. The role of the Trustee is not to provide legal advice to the charity which has its own in-house legal team, but to bring skills and experience to board discussions . Previous non-executive experience would be welcome but is not essential for this role.
The successful candidate will possess sound judgement, strong communication skills and an empathy with the mission and values of the GDST. They will be supporters of girls' education, and advocates for the value of independent education. While experience as a non-executive is not essential, all candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the governance role, as well as a firm commitment to Nolan's seven principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

The Girls' Day School Trust (GDST) is a unique family of 25 all girls' schools across England and Wales. Founded in 1872, the Trust has been at the forefront of education for girls, and a strong voice in promoting opportunities for young women, throughout its history. The GDST is the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, and the largest single educator of girls in the UK. Comprised of 23 independent fee-paying schools as well as two state-funded academies, there are over 18,000 pupils enrolled in GDST schools today. GDST schools represent the very best in teaching and pastoral care; they foster academic excellence but also build character, helping girls to be confident, resilient and fearless. The GDST strives to create environments in which each girl, whatever her disposition and direction in life, can learn without limits and thrive in her own way. The unique power of a GDST education is best encapsulated in The GDST Difference. Over the coming years, the GDST will continue to refine and improve its educational offer. In embracing innovation, centring important issues such as sustainability, and keeping a focus on mental health and wellbeing, the Trust will remain united in its mission to help girls learn without limits, so that they can lead lives without limits., The GDST's commitment to diversity, inclusion and real change, is powerfully articulated via its undivided initiative.