Governing Body Chairperson
Are you looking for a rewarding volunteering opportunity in the heart of Woburn Sands community?
Fulbrook School is looking to appoint a new governor to join the Governing Body with a view to taking on the role of Chairperson following the end of our current Chair’s term. We are a very committed and motivated bunch of governors from all walks of life. We work collectively to support the delivery of high-quality education for the students of Fulbrook and work closely with the senior leadership at school to achieve this. It is an exciting time for the school, having become a secondary school this year and being well on the road to developing our GCSE model, working in conjunction with our lower schools to provide ‘all-through education’ in the village of Woburn Sands.As a Governing Body of an Academy school we focus on a range of issues - finance, safeguarding, wellbeing, performance, progression and are passionate about education and continuous school improvement to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.
The ideal person would have the capacity to take on the role of Chairperson, supported by a very competent Vice Chair and experienced Governance Professional. Having experience of school governance would be expected, this may be experience of managing or working with Governors, or being on a Governing Board. We seek people from all walks of life who feel they have the time and knowledge that could add a further dimension to the board. We would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch - both parents/carers and people interested in the school.
This is quite a significant commitment, to include (a minimum) four meetings per term (Full Board meetings are at 5pm and Committee meetings are at 8am) along with additional time with Mrs Clancy, Headteacher, in a way to suit you both, but it is also a rewarding experience. We will welcome you and support you as you get settled in. We offer an induction, buddying scheme and training to ensure you can use your commitment and skills in the right way.
If you would like to know more, please contact our Governance Professional Amanda (clerk@fulbrook.school) and she will put you in touch for a chat and a look around, and if you are ready to apply please send us your CV and a short covering email; we can take it from there!
Chair of the Board of Trustees Role
- Give the board clear leadership and direction, and keep it focused on its core functions:
o Making sure the board sets a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction for the trust and its schools
o Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of students and performance management of
staff
o Providing effective oversight of the trust’s financial performance and ensuring value for money
- Work with the Headteacher to promote and maintain the highest educational standards
- Lead on making sure the trust meets its statutory and regulatory requirements, provides value for money and that business is conducted efficiently and effectively
- Set high expectations for professional governance
- Develop an effective team
- Make sure everyone is actively contributing their skills and experience and actively participating in meetings and committees
- Make sure new trustees are properly inducted and receive appropriate training, development, and experience
- Have honest conversations with ineffective members of the board as required
- Be a ‘critical friend’ to the Headteacher by offering challenge, support, and encouragement
- Work with the Governance Professional to make sure the right data is accessible to the right people
- Make decisions on behalf of the board in cases of urgency, when this power has been granted by the board
- Make a casting vote in the event of a tie
Skills
Ability to:
- Think strategically
- Lead the board
- Challenge and support executive leaders
- Develop and preserve an organisation's characteristics and culture
