Trustee Elections

Parent Trustee Nomination Process

The Trust Board is seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals to join an effective and cohesive team of people to hold the school to account, to shape the vision of the school and to set its strategic direction. Although Trustees are volunteers, excellent support and development opportunities are available through an induction process, and a full programme of training is available through Solihull MBC. There are also opportunities to work alongside experienced Trustees and to take a particular interest in an area of the school improvement plan or a specific curriculum area. We don’t expect you to be an expert in education, and we welcome Trustees from all walks of life to bring different perspectives and views. You just need to be committed to supporting our school community and improving the educational outcomes of our students.  The school is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity. We intend that our Trust Board should reflect this diversity.

 

What are the expectations of a Parent Trustee?

The time commitment really depends on you. At a minimum, you should be able to attend two to three meetings in each school term, which are usually held on Thursday evenings at the school. These would normally include one Trust Board meeting and either the Business Management Committee or the Staffing and Curriculum Committee or Risk and Audit Committee. We are keen for Trustees to form a link to a key area in the school, such as a specific curriculum area, Safeguarding or SEND. Trustees are needed from time to time to participate in appointment panels for school staff, review meetings with students and parents and occasional disciplinary or other hearings for either staff or students. We recognise however that this can be difficult for those in full time employment or with other full time responsibilities. Parent Trustees are expected to:  

  • Prepare for meetings by reading papers in advance.
  • Abide by the Trustee Code of Conduct.
  • Attend training for new Trustees.
  • Show a commitment to promoting the school and its values in the community.

 

Training

SMBC runs training courses for new Trustees which you would be expected to attend. The Chair of Trustees and experienced Members will also give you a full induction onto the Trust Board. If  you have any questions or would like to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact :

Annette Scott, Chair of Trustees, via g201ascott@aIderbrook.solihulI.sch.uk 

or our Governance Professional, Claire Hawkes on s201chawkes@alderbrook.solihull.sch.uk

 

How to apply

If you would like to submit a nomination to become a parent trustee you should do so using the form below, to the Governance Professional, Claire Hawkes, via email to s201chawkes@alderbrook.solihull.sch.uk  or by post c/o the school office

Alderbrook School, Blossomfield Road, Solihull, B91 1SN.

Letters of nomination must be countersigned by two sponsors, who must also be parents/carers of children currently attending the school. You should also include the names and contact details of two referees, at least one of whom should not be a parent at the school. The closing date for the receipt of nominations by the school is 4pm 13 October 2023 .  You should also send a statement setting out:  

  • Evidence of the extent to which you possess the skills and experience the Trust Board desires;
  • Your commitment to undertake training to acquire or develop the skills to be an effective Trustee;  
  • How you would plan to contribute to the future work of the Trust Board.

This statement should be a maximum of 250 words.  Please find attached the nomination form.

In the event of more than one application being received each candidate’s statement will be sent to all parents and a ballot will be held.

Please be aware that nominations received after 4pm on Friday 13th October will not be considered.