I am currently the Chair of the St Bartholomew’s CE Multi-Academy Trust and my name is Richard Pithers. I was elected Chair in 2015. I am a Director (Trustee) of the Trust appointed by CECET. I am also a National Leader of Governance.

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In September 2016 the Trust consisted of one school - St Bart’s, and in December 2016 St Benedict Biscop Primary School in Wombourne joined the Trust. In September 2017, the Trust welcomed Woodfield Infant and Junior Schools in Penn, Wolverhampton.

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The Trust is run by a Board of Directors, currently seven, who have a range of skills necessary for the smooth running of the Trust. The Board meets at least once every term with a clear agenda and inputs from the Executive Headteacher and Business Manager.

 

The role of Chair of the MAT is quite wide-ranging and includes the following:

 

• Giving a clear lead in organising the work of the Trust

• Ensuring the Board of Directors works as a team

• Managing meetings effectively

• Attending relevant training

• Having regular meetings with the Executive Headteacher and being a critical friend offering support, challenge and encouragement

• Ensuring the Executive Headteacher's Performance Management is robust and rigorous

• Keeping fellow Directors fully informed

 

This is a new role for me and at times it is very demanding. All Directors are on a learning curve ensuring we all understand our roles and responsibilities.  The Board of Directors is a decision making group for the whole Trust and key body for school improvement of all schools within the Trust. It sets the overall strategic direction of the Trust, holds the school leaders to account and continues to focus on driving up standards across the Trust.

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