Thank you for your interest in the Methodist Independent Schools Trust.

We are seeking to appoint a Chief Executive to succeed Graham Russell, who retires on 31 August 2012. We hope to offer the post in Spring this year, to provide some time for an effective handover to our new Chief Executive before his/her employment begins on 1 September 2012.

This is an exciting and interesting time to join us. The Trust has recently been restructured, has a revised constitution and new Committee structure and it has clarified its relationship with the 9 Methodist Independent Schools for which it has responsibility and the 5 others with which it has a close relationship. There are considerable challenges ahead for us.  The Methodist Church has established an Education Commission to survey the Church's involvement in and contribution to education in the widest sense and the Commission will bring its report and proposals to the Methodist Conference in the summer of 2012. The Methodist Independent Schools Trust will consider the implications for its own work and how we address these, after the Conference has made its judgement. However, looking ahead, key priorities will be further consolidation and new growth and our aim is to develop a clear strategy for widening, deepening and increasing educational opportunities for children and young people.

This is a broad and influential position and the new Chief Executive will play a critical leadership role in helping the Trust to achieve this vision. He or she will lead these developments; prepare strategic and policy options for the Trust to consider; implement the Trust's decisions and drive and implement cultural change; develop new partnerships; and encourage the schools to aspire to the highest standards of educational achievement, and to be of service to their local communities.

This is no ordinary Chief Executive position and we are looking for somebody who will share our values and, whilst not necessarily a Methodist, is a practising Christian (this post is subject to an occupational requirement that the holder be a practising Christian under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010 because of its representational role and its responsibility for maintaining a Christian ethos on behalf of the Methodist Church, as one of its senior officers). In addition, you will be a proven leader, with a relevant education and senior management track record, together with acute political sensitivity and judgement. This role requires an enterprising and creative thinker, with the strategic vision and the intellectual rigour and relationship skills to be credible and influential with all our key stakeholders.

If you think you have what it takes to play a lead role in our future, please look at the information on this site.  

Revd Dr David Deeks

Chair