Non-Executive Director / Trustee (SEND Expertise)
Make a strategic impact where it matters most
Trustee with SEND expertise to provide valuable insight at board level, helping us ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
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 SEND expertise to provide valuable insight at board level, helping us ensure every child receives the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
What you'll do
As a Trustee with SEND expertise, you will contribute to the trust's long-term strategy and help ensure that inclusion remains at the heart of our work. You will:
- Provide SEND insight – support the Board in understanding current SEND practice, legislation and emerging priorities.
- Champion inclusion – help ensure the needs of children with SEND are considered in strategic decision-making.
- Support accountability – provide scrutiny and challenge around SEND outcomes, provision and the effective use of resources.
- Advise senior leaders – act as a sounding board for the CEO and leadership team on matters relating to SEND and inclusion.
- Promote equity and opportunity – help us remove barriers to learning and improve outcomes for all pupils.
About you
We are looking for someone with knowledge, experience or professional expertise in SEND. This could include backgrounds in education, health, social care, educational psychology, therapy services, advocacy, inclusion leadership, parent support, or related fields.
You'll bring:
- a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing children and young people with SEND
- a knowledge of SEND legislation, policy and best practice
- a strategic thinking and the ability to provide constructive challenge
- an excellent communication and influencing skills
- a commitment to inclusion, equity and improving outcomes for children
- 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
