Help shape the future of girls’ education

The Girls’ Learning Trust (the GLT) is committed to providing an exceptional education for girls and young women. Our Trustees and Governors play a vital role in achieving this ambition, bringing their experience, expertise and independent perspectives to the leadership and governance of the Trust and its schools.

We welcome interest from people with a wide range of professional backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to education and want to make a positive difference to young people's lives.

What is the difference between a Trustee and a Governor?

Trustees are responsible for the strategic leadership and governance of the GLT as a whole. They oversee educational performance, finances, risk management and the Trust's long-term development. Trustees are also company directors and charity trustees, with associated legal responsibilities.

Governors serve on the Local Governing Body of an individual school. They work with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to monitor educational performance, safeguarding, school development and the experiences of students and staff.

Both roles involve providing constructive support and challenge, helping to ensure that the Trust and its schools are well led and accountable for their performance.

What skills and experience are we looking for?

You do not need to have worked in education or have previous governance experience to become a Trustee or Governor. We value the different perspectives and experiences that volunteers bring. Depending on our current vacancies, we may be particularly interested in individuals with experience in:

• Education and school leadership.
• Finance, accountancy and audit.
• Human resources and organisational development.
• Legal matters, governance and compliance.
• Estates, property and facilities management.
• Technology, digital transformation and cyber security.
• Business, strategic leadership and project management.
• Communications and community engagement.

Above all, we are looking for individuals who demonstrate sound judgement, integrity, curiosity and a genuine commitment to improving education for young people.

We welcome interest from people of all backgrounds and recognise that diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen effective governance.

What is the time commitment?

Trustee and Governor positions are voluntary and require a regular commitment throughout the academic year.

Activity	Trustee	Governor
Meetings	Attend Trust Board meetings and normally contribute to one or more committees.	Attend a minimum of three Local Governing Body meetings each year.
Preparation	Read meeting papers and prepare questions in advance.	Read meeting papers, normally requiring approximately two hours per meeting.
Additional activities	Participate in school visits, training and occasional Trust activities.	Participate in school visits, training and occasional governance activities.

Trustee roles generally involve a greater time commitment because of their responsibilities for the whole Trust and involvement in committees. Additional time may occasionally be required for recruitment, hearings, strategic planning or other governance matters.

Our Governance Team can discuss the expectations of individual roles with you before you apply.

What support will I receive?

All new Trustees and Governors receive a structured induction, relevant training and ongoing support from our Governance Team.

You will have access to the Trust's policies, guidance and governance resources, alongside opportunities to visit schools, engage with senior leaders and learn from experienced Trustees and Governors.

You will not be expected to understand every aspect of education or governance before taking up your role.

Why volunteer with the GLT?

Becoming a Trustee or Governor is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the education and future opportunities of thousands of young people.

You will work alongside experienced professionals and volunteers, develop your understanding of education and organisational leadership, and strengthen your skills in strategic thinking, decision-making and governance.

Trustee and Governor positions are unpaid, but offer valuable opportunities for personal and professional development.

How do I become a Trustee or Governor?

All Trustee and Governor vacancies are advertised through MyNewTerm, our online recruitment platform. Each vacancy includes information about the role, the skills and experience we are seeking, and how to apply.

View our current vacancies 

Interested in volunteering, but cannot see a suitable vacancy?

We are always pleased to hear from individuals interested in supporting the GLT through governance. Please email governance@girlslearningtrust.org, providing a brief introduction to yourself, your relevant experience and whether you are interested in becoming a Trustee or a Governor.

Our Governance Team will be happy to discuss potential opportunities and explain the next steps.

All appointments are subject to the relevant eligibility requirements, suitability checks and the Trust's appointment procedures.