Trustee

About the role

TRUSTEE

Voluntary role

Full term of office: 4 years (annually by election)

Start date:  September 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter

Hitchin Boys’ School (HBS) was founded in 1632. The school became an Academy in 2013 and remains a Single Academy Trust. This non-selective boys’ school has been expanding since 2018 and currently has 1350 pupils on roll, of whom 300 are in the sixth form. HBS is part of the sixth-form consortium of three secondary schools in Hitchin. HBS was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2016 and retained the Outstanding judgement under the new inspection arrangements in 2021.

HBS governance structure comprises two boards: the Board of Trustees (around 23 members, trustees also acting as de facto governors and directors) and the Board of Academy Trust Members (nine members) which maintains oversight of the Board of Trustees. The school completed a successful external review of governance in April 2023.   

We are looking for a Finance Trustee to support the Audit Risk and Resources Committee in interrogating the finances of the school on a regular basis, overseeing the financial health and sustainability of the schools and ensuring effective resource management.  The Finance Trustee will also provide trusted advice in relation to capital expenditure, ensuring investments are well made and in line with the school’s strategic plan.  Regular meetings with the School Business Manager will form part of the role.

As a Trustee of the school, the successful candidate will also form part of the Full Governing Board.

The time commitment is four Full Governing Board meetings per year, and three Audit Risk and Resources Committee meetings per year.  Meetings usually take place at 6 pm at Hitchin Boys School, with an option to join by Teams.  Meetings with the School Business Manager would be in person at the school in person, so availability to travel and be present in Hitchin is important.  Aside from this, you may wish to volunteer for other projects or subcommittees.

The ideal candidate will have a finance background and will have a strong understanding of company accounts, budgeting and capex projects.  A strong knowledge of financial regulations is essential.

Training and continuous professional development for all Trustees is provided through arrangements with HfL Education, the National Governance Association (Virtual College), and Governors for Schools.

HBS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be carried out for all posts. 

HBS welcomes applications from all applicants who meet the requirements for the position, however we are especially keen to receive applications from those in minority groups for which the Board of Trustees is currently underrepresented. We celebrate diversity and thrive on the benefits it brings.

If you would like to arrange an informal conversation with the Chair of Trustees, please email cot@hitchinboys.co.uk.  

To apply, in the first instance please send a CV and covering letter setting out how your experience, knowledge and skills might meet the requirements of the role to cot@hitchinboys.co.uk.  

Please visit the school website https://www.hbs.herts.sch.uk for further information on the school.