About The Two Counties Trust

The Two Counties Trust was established in 2016 and in that time, we have built a strong reputation and track record, gained through striving for excellence in all that we do.

Since inception the Trust has expanded to ten secondary schools across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and has a turnover in excess of £100M, educates 12,000 students and employs in excess of 1,600 staff.

The Trust’s mission is “enhancing life choices”, and we are united by our core values of ambition, teamwork and honesty. We are a genuinely values driven organisation and these values are at the heart of everything we do. We put students first, but never staff last; which is why our schools are considered the “school of choice” for students families and staff.

The Trust is led by Chief Executive Officer Wesley Davies, who joined the Trust in January 2021. Prior to joining the Trust, Wesley was an Executive Principal at Dixons Academies Trust where he enjoyed a highly successful career spanning almost 20 years. Wesley brings a wealth of knowledge to the organisation and has led on all areas of school leadership.

The Trust places a strong emphasis on creating an even playing field that supports our priority students and fostering an environment where 100% kindness and 100% consistency is seen by all. This is encapsulated in our mission “to provide our students with opportunities and experience to enhance their life choices, making a positive contribution to the world we share”.

Guided by our 2024-2027 strategic plan, the Trust’s current priorities are improving attendance, increasing attainment, developing and retaining talent, and building an efficient and sustainable organisation.
The central team provides expert support across education, pastoral, and professional services, streamlining services so that school leaders can focus on teaching and learning. In addition, strong professional development networks are in place to support succession planning and growth at all levels of the organisation.

The Board of Trustees, led by Karen Potts, are strategic, highly engaged and committed to developing an ambitious and successful Trust that provides the best educational experiences for all our students.

The role

The Trust Board brings together a strong mix of educational and professional services expertise, with members offering a range of perspectives to support effective decision-making.
Trustees:

  • Provide strategic direction and oversight, ensuring decisions align with the vision and mission.
  • Bring professional expertise to contribute to high-level decision-making.
  • Scrutinise proposals with attention to detail, offering constructive challenge and support to the Executive Team.
  • Help the Trust navigate opportunities and mitigate risks, ensuring it remains on track to deliver the strategic priorities.
  • Participate actively in Trust Board and Committee meetings, contributing thoughtfully to strategic discussions.
  • Monitor and evaluate the Trust’s performance, ensuring accountability, financial sustainability, and strong educational outcomes.
  • Promote a collaborative and inclusive culture, building strong relationships across the Trust community.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and governance standards, upholding the highest levels of integrity and ethical conduct.

The person

The Trust welcomes candidates from a range of senior level backgrounds who are passionate about shaping the future of education. Candidates should be strategic thinkers with a collaborative mindset, capable of chairing meetings and bringing others along through facilitation and influence. They will have a strong personal presence, offer thoughtful insight and be able to act as a critical friend to the Executive Team.

Whilst prior Board experience is preferred, first-time non-executive directors with the right skills and mindset are welcome as full training will be provided.

Terms of appointment

This role is unremunerated. Reasonable domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The Board meets six times a year consisting of four Board meetings and two half-day strategy days. There are two committees, each of which meet 3 times a year and Trustees are invited to sit on at least one committee. Meetings are usually in person at the Trust Offices in Kirkby in Ashfield with some taking place virtually. Trustees are expected to act as a link to at least one school and commit to attend at least one School Governors Meeting annually. Trustees also join panels when required for student, staff or family matters which require Trustee engagement.

Trustees should expect to commit on average one day per month and the appointment is a four-year term of office.

To find out more

If you would like to apply by CV with a short supporting statement describing how your experience can support our Trust. or have an informal discussion to explore the role of a Trustee in more detail, please contact our Lead Governance Professional, Emma Paine, via Emma.Paine@ttct.co.uk.

More information on governance at The Two Counties Trust can be found here.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All Trustees will be required to satisfactorily complete vetting clearances prior to appointment which will include an enhanced level DBS Disclosure, a social media check and S128 clearance.