Could you be a trustee (governor) of Hilden Oaks Preparatory School and Nursery?

Hilden Oaks, like most independent schools is a charity and a company limited by guarantee. Hence, the governors of the school are also trustees of the charity and directors of the company. The main duties and responsibilities of the trustees are to:

  • Know and support the aims of the School and its mission statement and ensure that these are achieved.

  • Determine the overall direction and development of the School through good governance and clear strategic planning.

  • Promote and develop the School in order for it to grow and maintain its relevance in society.

  • Provide support and challenge for the Headmistress and senior leaders.

  • Ensure that the School and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and in line with the School’s governing document (our Articles of Association).

  • Act in the best interest of the School, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.

  • Maintain sound financial management of the School’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with its objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies.

  • Monitor the work and activities of the senior team.

  • Maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidential information received in the course of trustees’ responsibilities to the school, and to accord with the conflicts of interest policy.

  • Contribute expertise to the discussions of the Governing Body.

The degree of commitment required of a trustee, is to:

  • Attend as many meetings and school events as possible. Each trustee normally sits on at least one sub-committee and is expected to attend three committee meetings and three Full Trust meetings per year (one each per term).

  • Be prepared to commit sufficient time to visit the school periodically during working hours, and to study reports and background papers.

  • Attend occasional training courses and seminars.

The board of trustees will determine the skills it needs to meet its statutory and charitable obligations. As a guide these are some which we would always welcome:

  • Commercial and corporate leadership

  • Business management

  • Accountancy

  • Law

  • Property (e.g. architect or surveying)

  • Education (e.g. a retired or serving Head, Bursar or other senior leadership team member)

  • Human Resources

  • Medical

  • IT

  • Marketing

Apart from the skills that they bring to the board, trustees should be capable individuals of sound judgement. Without doubt the role is very rewarding and enjoyable.

If you feel you have the required skills and would be interested in becoming a trustee, please click here to complete a form to register your interest.

Download our Privacy Notice for Trustees and Volunteers