OverviewFylde Coast Academy Trust (FCAT) is a well-established multi-academy trust (MAT) comprising ten schools, including five primary schools, three secondary schools, and two all-through schools (Nursery to age 16). The majority of schools (eight) are based in Blackpool, with two located in Lancashire. FCAT serves 6,500 pupils and employs 900 staff, with 45% of students eligible for Pupil Premium. FCAT is committed to improving educational outcomes for all pupils.ContextThe trust has undergone a range of Ofsted inspections in recent years. While some schools have demonstrated strong improvement, others have faced challenges. In December 2024, one of the all-through schools was rated as requiring special measures. Some areas of the school were judged to be Good,D while others were Inadequate,D and FCAT leaders are awaiting a decision from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding the school9s future. The trust intends to make representations to retain the school and drive improvement. Several FCAT schools are strong performers, including Hambleton Primary, which retained its OutstandingD Ofsted rating in December 2024. Many other schools within the trust are currently rated GoodD, and trust leaders are confident in their ability to drive further improvement across the MAT.About FCATThe trust was formed through the Free Schools Programme, which provided new schools in the area. Armfield Academy joined in 2018. There are currently no plans for further expansion, with leadership focused on consolidating and improving existing schools. FCAT operates on an annual grant income of approximately 50 million and holds a healthy financial reserve to manage cost pressures. Falling birth rates are affecting pupil numbers, and leaders are addressing this proactively.Role: Trustee (up to three positions)FCAT is seeking to appoint up to three new trustees, each bringing strategic expertise to the board. New trustees will preferably have expertise and senior leadership experience in either primary education, business, risk, community engagement, or finance.Expected contributionsEducationalist trustees will offer insight, challenge, and support in improving primary provision across the trust. They should have experience working across multiple schools (within a multi-academy trust, local authority, or school improvement consultancy) with expertise in curriculum development, staff training, leadership development, or inspection processes. A strong understanding of the Ofsted inspection framework is beneficial, though direct inspection experience is not essential. The successful candidate will be invited to join the Curriculum & Standards Committee, playing a vital role in driving school improvement and ensuring high educational standards.Other trustees will bring broader business and strategic leadership experience. The trust particularly welcomes applications from individuals with expertise in strategic planning, risk management, change management, finance, or stakeholder engagement to complement existing governance expertise and support the long-term vision and sustainability of FCAT.Time commitment and meetingsTrustees are expected to attend four board meetings per year (September, December, March, July). The September meeting reviews the previous summer9s pupil performance; remaining meetings cover general governance matters. Meetings take place on Tuesdays at 4.45pm and typically last up to two hours.In addition to board meetings, the trust operates three committees: Curriculum & Standards, Audit & Risk, and Finance & Resources. These committees meet on Tuesdays, lasting up to 90 minutes each. The Curriculum & Standards Committee meets at 4.45pm, the Audit & Risk Committee at 4.30pm, and the Finance & Resources Committee at 5.15pm. New trustees will ideally join the committee most aligned to their skill set and interests. FCAT supports remote attendance when necessary, with a preference for in-person attendance where possible.Benefits and supportThis is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and ambitious trust committed to improving education for thousands of children. FCAT has recently undergone leadership renewal, with a new CEO appointed 18 months ago and a new Chair in place since last year. Trustees will play a critical role in supporting and challenging school leaders to drive improvement, raise ambition, and enhance educational outcomes. For education leaders, this role offers strategic influence; for business leaders, it provides the chance to apply commercial expertise to transform lives and communities.FCAT welcomes applications from experienced education professionals, business leaders, and governance specialists who are passionate about school improvement and governance. All new trustees will be supported by the Chair and Governance Professional during onboarding and will have access to Governors for SchoolsThe First 100 Days as a Trustee e-learning module. #J-18808-Ljbffr