Trustee

Trustee, Horsham Learning Alliance 

Voluntary | c.1 day per month 

Horsham Learning Alliance (HLA) is inviting applications from experienced leaders who want to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference to education and young people’s lives locally. 

HLA is a newly formed multi-academy trust serving Horsham and the surrounding district. Created through a partnership of established institutions, the Trust has been founded with a clear purpose: to strengthen collaboration between schools, raise educational standards and expand opportunities for young people and staff across the community. As the Trust begins the next phase of its journey, we are seeking an additional Trustee to help shape its future. 

Joining the Board at this stage offers a rare opportunity to contribute to the development of a growing organisation. Trustees play a critical strategic role, working collectively to set the Trust’s vision, oversee performance and risk, and ensure strong governance and accountability while supporting the executive team to deliver the Trust’s ambitions. 

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who bring senior leadership or board-level experience and who understand how effective governance supports organisational success. Previous non-executive experience would be valuable, particularly where candidates have chaired committees or held significant governance responsibilities. Knowledge of the education sector is welcome but not essential; we value transferable strategic experience from across sectors. 

The Board currently meets around seven times each year, mainly in the evening with meetings starting at 5.30pm. There are also some committee meetings and strategic development sessions. Trustees are expected to prepare thoroughly, contribute constructively and help foster a culture of collaboration, challenge and continuous improvement. 

This role will appeal to someone motivated by public service and the opportunity to help build a trust that is ambitious for its schools, its staff and the communities it serves. Joining now means helping to shape the culture, strategy and growth of an organisation with significant potential. 

CLOSING DATE: Friday 10 April 2026 

Applications will consist of a CV and short supporting statement, outlining your interest in the role at Horsham Learning Alliance. You will also include details of two referees in either your CV or supporting statement, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.  

For an informal conversation regarding your application, please contact Helene Usherwood, Senior Partner at Anderson Quigley via email at Helene.usherwood@andersonquigley.com or at +44(0)7719 322 669 or Sophie Rees at sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com or at +44(0) 7719 313 982.  

Download the job description here. 

About the Horsham Learning Alliance 

Our Story 

In March 2023 a number of Horsham schools came together to start shaping the vision for a new, local multi-academy trust. From the outset it was clear there was real appetite to provide education with an integrated ethos that could take children from early years through to the end of their post-16 education. 

As a result of these meetings Collyer’s and The Forest School, two of the local area’s best known and well-respected educational institutions, have progressed turning this vision into a reality and have founded the Horsham Learning Alliance. 

The aim is to deliver even better educational outcomes by providing the opportunity for partners from the already strong local schools and sixth forms to come together in one Trust and benefit from close partnerships and transformational learning. 

The Trust is ready and keen to welcome new partners. Joining in the early stages gives the opportunity to help drive the Horsham Learning Alliance from its infancy, shaping it into a best practice example of how a collaborative multi-academy trust can work. 

Mission 

Improving the lives of local young people through the power of education 

Vision 

How we achieve this is based on a vision that comprises five pillars: 

• Local To Horsham – All partners should come from the Horsham District as the Trust’s main aim is to use the power of education to improve the lives of young people. 
• Early Years To Post-16 – The strength of the Trust will come from benefitting the learner journey throughout their young life and into adulthood, so a close focus on progression and transition will be key. 
• Collegiate Ethos – Partners should have parity of esteem and maintain their individual identities, branding and local cultures. 
• Inclusive Community – A core value for all institutions should be community, including working together with parents and the local community in an open and positive way. 
• Aspirational For All – Throughout everything we do there will be focus on outcomes – not just academic but also broader life outcomes – for all our learners. 

Values 

• Inclusivity – We care for others and are committed to kindness and respect. 
• Readiness – We are focused on learning and engaged in improving ourselves. 
• Confidence – We believe in ourselves, build resilience and take risks. 
• Aspiration – We aim high and want the best for ourselves and others. 
• Individuality – We are reflective and welcoming of diversity.