We are looking for thoughtful, community-minded individuals to join Greensand Multi Academy Trust as Members, a vital but often little-known governance role.
Members are volunteers who act as ‘guardians’ of our Trust, holding Trustees to account and providing strategic oversight without day-to-day involvement in the running of the Trust or its schools.
What are we looking for?
You don’t need to have a background in education, just an interest in making a difference and a willingness to learn.
We’d love to hear from people with:
- An interest in supporting the local community and a willingness to commit to the role
- An analytical mindset and strong problem-solving skills
- Confidence in asking the right (and sometimes tough) questions
- A collaborative spirit and a belief in the power of support and challenge
What commitment is needed?
- Currently, the Members Board meets 3 times a year (once each term). Meetings last no more than 2 hours, although some reading & prep is required beforehand
- Members are also asked to attend the 2 annual governance training events. These are events where attendees learn more about the Trust and new developments in the education sector, as well as being a great opportunity to network with fellow Members, Trustees and Governors across our ten schools
- Members are sent occasional ad-hoc updates to read, resolutions to sign or training to undertake.
We caught up with Ashlee Woodruff after her first full term as a Greensand Member, having been appointed in April 2025. Ashlee has also been on the School Committee (Greensand’s name for local governing boards) of Yattendon School (one of Greensand’s ten schools) since January 2023.
- How have you found the role over the last term?
Insightful and fun.
- What has helped you feel part of the Trust and its work?
The existing members of the Trust have been kind and supportive. It has been great to network and get to know them.
- What commitment is required? Is the workload manageable?
The workload has been manageable, even with all my other commitments I've found the time to read the documentation and prepare for the meetings. Our meetings are run efficiently and effectively within the two-hour schedule.
- How has this role allowed you to use your skills or learn something new?
I enjoy putting my skills and expertise to use in new ways. I've actively contributed to discussions, leveraging my knowledge of data and technology.
- What support & training is available?
There is so much training available and a great team at Greensand Multi Academy Trust to help you navigate which courses will have the most impact for the role. The most recent training I completed was enhancing safeguarding knowledge with Judicium.
- Have you had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully so far?
I don't know that I would say I've done that yet as I’ve only been in the role one term, but I have been accepted into the role with open arms and can't wait for the new term and to get stuck in over the Autumn and Winter.
- What are you most looking forward to in the coming academic year?
Experiencing new opportunities and rising to the challenge of immersing myself more in the educational sector; there is just so much to learn and an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience in the Trust to support me on the journey.
- What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in becoming a Greensand Member?
Reach out and learn more, it's a rewarding role and one well worth pursuing to develop new skills and experiences that further enhance you in both a personal and a professional capacity.
For more info, or to express an interest, contact our Lead Governance Professional, Maria Gorham: m.gorham@greensandacademytrust.co.uk.
