Aldridge Education is a national multi-academy trust consisting of eight schools and an adult education provider. Established by Sir Rod Aldridge, who founded Capita Group and transformed it from a start-up to a FTSE 100 company, Aldridge Education's ambition is to provide young people from disadvantaged communities with a high quality of education. In particular, it recognises the value which enterprising attributes and entrepreneurial instincts can add in supporting academic performance and preparing young people for employment and better life chances.

The Trust is passionate about serving local communities and transforming lives through entrepreneurial education. It is distinctive for its educational breadth and geographic range with schools spanning across Brighton, London and Darwen.

Aldridge Adult Learning (AAL) is a unique independent learning provider in Brighton offering adult education courses, evening classes and part-time education for those over 19. Part of the Aldridge Education multi-academy trusts since 2019, AAL firmly believes that education opportunities don’t stop at the age of 18 and supports adult education for all - particularly the most vulnerable and hard to engage.

Catering for over 200 students, AAL has responded to the changing business skills required in the local area and offers courses in maths, english, computing, business and marketing, finance, art and craft as well as The Access Diploma which gives adults the opportunity to access higher education if they left school without the required qualifications.

The Chair will work closely with Aldridge Adult Learning’s Principal to promote and maintain high standards of educational achievement by offering support, challenge and encouragement. Importantly, the Chair will build strong local relationships and be invested in the Brighton area.

The Chair must provide the Local Governing Committee with a clear lead and direction for the Governors, taking responsibility for the delegation of tasks. The Chair will be an ambassador for AAL in the local area and play a key role in engaging with external stakeholders. The Local Governing Committee provides scrutiny of the delivery of AAL’s Improvement Plan and monitors expenditure against the academy budget, thus holding the school’s leadership to account. It ensures that enterprise and entrepreneurship are embedded in all aspects of school life and that the local community is engaged with the academy, so that AAL is properly meeting its community’s needs.

The relationship between the Aldridge Education Trust Board, the Executive Team and the Local Governing Committees is characterised as a partnership to achieve our vision.

Aldridge Education seeks an excellent leader who will be able to chair AAL’s Local Governing Committee authentically, ambitiously and effectively. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader and have operated at board level, whether that be in the commercial, public or third sector.

Aldridge Education is passionate about serving the communities in which it operates and the Chair will play a key role in engaging with AAL’s external stakeholders including local businesses, local authorities, neighbouring schools and the Aldridge Education multi-academy trust board.

Aldridge Education is proud of its commitment to student development through entrepreneurship and extra-curricular enrichment. The new Chair should be passionate about these initiatives and support and challenge the executive to drive improvements in these areas. Equally important, the Chair should be passionate about adult learning and interested in how AAL can respond to the need for specific skills desired by businesses operating in the Brighton area. It is therefore preferential, though not essential, that this person has had some exposure to Adult Learning, Further Education or apprenticeships in the past.

The successful candidate will have sound judgement, strong communication skills and a willingness to commit the required time and effort. They must have high levels of integrity and offer both challenge and support to the executive team and governing committee. A passion for Aldridge Education’s vision and mission is a critical attribute.

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are sixmeetings per year, stakeholder engagement and meetings with the Principal. Currently meetings are a blend of in person and virtual but this may change over time. The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.