Trustee/Director

Rainham Mark Education Trust (RMET) is a small but ambitious trust based in Gillingham, Kent, comprising one grammar school and two primary schools, all of which were judged at least Good in their most recent Ofsted inspections. Riverside Primary School was inspected in June 2025 and was rated Outstanding for Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development. The Trust provides education across the full 3-19 age range, and its schools are proud of their inclusive ethos and strong community connections.

Twydall Primary & Nursery School continues to adjust to the local falling birth rate, now operating two classes in Years 5 and 6 and one form of entry elsewhere. Part of the site has recently been vacated by a local free school, and discussions are underway with the local authority about repurposing some of the space for a specialist SEND unit. Two of the Trust's existing schools already house specialist SEND provision, supporting pupils with hearing impairment and physical disabilities, and consequently have a higher-than average proportion of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The Trust has faced a period of transition, including a proposed merger with another trust that did not proceed. An independent review has been commissioned to help Members and Trustees evaluate the Trust's long term direction, with findings expected to be shared at the December 2025 Board meeting.

RMET's leadership and governance structures have recently strengthened under a new Chair of Trustees, appointed in summer 2025. The Chair joined the Board in 2023 and now works alongside three new Trustees, including two serving headteachers and one DfE nominated Trustee who is CEO of a 37 school trust. The Board has benefited from this refreshed mix of perspectives and expertise and now wishes to appoint two new Trustees and two new Members to further strengthen its capacity and independence as it sets the future strategy for the Trust.

The Chief Executive Officer currently serves on an interim basis (two days per week) and is also the substantive CEO of a larger, established multi academy trust. This interim arrangement is in place until summer 2026, providing stability and experienced leadership while the Board considers future executive structures.

Financially, RMET has been operating with an in year deficit but has sufficient reserves to meet its costs. The new Chair and interim CEO are working closely with school leaders to implement tighter financial controls, ensuring spending is managed effectively and aligned with pupil needs. The Trust's overall income is approximately £17.5 million per annum, and finances are now stable, though careful oversight remains essential.

The Board currently operates with two committees:

• Finance, Audit & Risk (FAR)
• Quality of Education (QoE)

Each committee meets three times per year, in addition to four full Board meetings annually. The Trust may consider commissioning a formal External Review of Governance later in 2025, depending on the outcome of the independent strategic review.

RMET is seeking to appoint two Trustees and two Members to strengthen its governance structure at a key point in the Trust's journey.

The Trust wishes to appoint two Trustees with strong financial or business acumen. Candidates should have experience managing significant budgets and bring a firm understanding of company finance, financial controls, and value for money principles. While formal accountancy qualifications are not essential, candidates must be able to interpret financial information, assess risk, and provide effective scrutiny and challenge to the Trust's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

Previous Board or committee experience would be advantageous, as would an understanding of education or charitable governance, though neither is essential. Trustees will play a vital role in helping to stabilise and strengthen the Trust, supporting its financial resilience and overall strategic direction.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

All meetings are face to face, held at Twydall Primary School, Gillingham (ME8 6JS), with a hybrid (video conference) option for those unable to attend in person.

Trustees:

• Board meetings: four per year (September, December, March, July) - Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00pm
• FAR Committee meetings: three per year (November, February, June) - Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00pm
• Both new Trustees will join the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, and it is hoped one will take on the role of Committee Chair.

Induction and Support:

• An introduction to the Chair, Governance Professional, and Interim CEO
• Access to GovernorHub for Trust documentation
• Online training through the National Governance Association (NGA) and Confederation of School Trusts (CST)
• Access to The Key for School Governors (a members only governance resource)
• Optional mentoring and tailored induction resources to suit individual experience

This is an excellent time to join RMET and help shape its future direction. The Board is entering a phase of renewed stability and reflection, supported by a strong new Chair, a cohesive leadership team, and a commitment to effective governance.

New Trustees and Members will have the opportunity to make a tangible impact - providing independent challenge and oversight at a time when the Trust is refining its strategy, strengthening its financial position, and reaffirming its commitment to providing high quality education across its schools.

For those interested this role offers the chance to use your professional expertise to support and influence the next stage of RMET's development.

Skills

• Finance
• Strategic Leadership
• Type of establishment: Multi academy trust

What does the role include?

As a trustee/director your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account - both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation's financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people. By volunteering as a trustee/director you will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability, and challenge.

What are the benefits?

Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people's futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account - ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes. Alongside making a tangible impact, you'll gain valuable experience in senior level decision making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non executive portfolio, and give back to education.

Further information:

You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page . RMET reference number is 16030. The following webpage also provides useful information and reading to any potential trustee: . If you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team on .

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