Non-Executive Director / Trustee (Legal Expertise)
Make a strategic impact where it matters most
Are you a legal professional who wants to use your expertise for real social impact?
Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN) brings together nine highly inclusive primary schools across North Somerset in a progressive, collaborative trust. All of our schools support a high number of SEND pupils from a range of communities, including some of the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the country. This diversity shapes who we are and drives our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and opportunity for every child.
We are looking for a trustee with legal expertise to provide valuable insight at board level, supporting us to maintain strong governance, uphold our values, and deliver our purpose.
What you'll do
As a Trustee with legal expertise, you will contribute to the trust’s long-term strategy and support the trust to operate with integrity, strong accountability, and sound judgement. You will:
- Provide legal insight – support the Board in understanding legal duties, regulatory requirements, and best practice.
- Strengthen compliance – help ensure the Trust meets its statutory and regulatory obligations.
- Support decision-making – offer scrutiny, challenge and advice on contracts, policies, and strategic decisions.
- Advise senior leaders – act as a sounding board for the CEO and leadership team on any legal matters affecting the organisation.
About you
We’re looking for an experienced legal professional from private practice, in-house, public sector, or charity law — we welcome diverse perspectives.
You’ll bring:
✔ Legal expertise to support the trust operate within charity and company law and regulatory guidance
✔ Strong understanding of legal risk, regulation, and accountability
✔ Constructive challenge and independent judgement at Board level
✔ Excellent communication and influencing skills
✔ A values-driven approach aligned with our charitable purpose
✔ A strong moral compass
Commitment
Weston-super-Mare BS24 8BH
Approx. 4–8 hours per month | Voluntary role
10 meetings per academic year plus trust/school visits
Location
Extend Learning Academies Network (ELAN)
13 Lime Close
Locking
North Somerset
BS24 8BH
Supporting information
Why join us?
This is a chance to use your expertise to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families across North Somerset. By helping shape the strategic direction of a highly inclusive trust, you'll gain:
- Board-level experience
- Strategic influence across a multi-academy trust
- The opportunity to champion inclusion at scale
- Experience contributing to an organisation with significant social purpose
- A rewarding role where your expertise helps improve outcomes for children, families and communities
Apply
